10/02/2023
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Peter Waltham, Agrovista Agronomist, Somerset, Wiltshire, North Dorset
Peter Waltham incorporates bioscience products into seasonal agronomy programmes but as with all inputs he avoids being too prescriptive.
“The choices we make go hand in hand with tissue testing and the need for general micronutrient products and we will base our final decisions accordingly,” says Peter.
During March ahead of T0 he will consider foliar applications of Calfite Extra and/or Luxor to improve phosphate levels in wheat, particularly where the farmer has taken a fertiliser holiday or where availability is poor, for example on calcareous or acid soils or where indices are low.
“Phosphorus promotes early root growth and winter hardiness and stimulates tillering,” says Peter. “But it is easily bound up as insoluble phosphate compounds. Both these products offer a really good way of dealing with this.”
At T0 he favours Terra-Sorb Foliar Extra at T0 along with L-CBF Boost to lift brix levels and helps plants perform closer to their optimum.
L-CBF Boost is becoming a routine inclusion in Peter’s recommendations. “Microbe levels have declined over the years as arable farming has intensified,” he explains.
“Increasing their numbers will help improve nutrient cycling and increase the productivity of applied fertilisers.”
Dan Knight, Agrovista Agronomist, Midlands
Making the most efficient use of nitrogen has taken on a new importance given the volatile nature of fertiliser markets, says Dan.
Heathy, extensive root systems are the key to this and nutrient use efficiency in general, so he will use Calfite Extra as a base and add Luxor where phosphorus supply is limited or rooting compromised in the run up to T0.
“I recommend them from the onset of spring growth once the crop has reached tillering. Get them on early and you get more bang for your buck.”
But Dan is also recommending a novel biostimulant product called Twoxo XL on crops with good potential where nitrogen may be limited, for example where the total amount of nitrogen needs to be reduced to meet on-farm stock levels, where a high purchase price has been paid or to reduce carbon footprint.
“Twoxo plays a vital role in the nitrogen and carbon pathways and therefore improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE),” says Dan.
“I’ll use it from T0 and up to GS 31, around the timing of the main fertiliser applications, so the plant can make better use of what is there, enhancing photosynthesis in the plant and increasing biomass and yield.”