No need to apply so much fertiliser
No need to apply so much fertiliser
IT MAY make young maize crops look healthier, but applying starter fertiliser is unnecessary, providing fields have received good quantities of manure.
That is the view of Rachael Keeves, who has recently completed a research project on maize nutrient requirements at the Royal Agricultural College.
"A survey of MGA members showed that the average nitrogen application – including organic manures and inorganic fertilisers was 136kg/ha more than the crop needed, for phosphate the excess was 88kg/ha and for potash, 180kg/ha."
The value of these excess nutrients for the average producer is £101-£200/ha (£40-£80/acre), according to Miss Keeves.
"Maize is mostly over-fertilised and starter fertiliser seldom translates into a yield response in the harvested crop. An early cosmetic difference is often visible between fertilised and unfertilised maize, but this has usually grown out of the crop by the 10-leaf stage."
Most nutrients are taken up by maize during and after tasselling. By that time soil is warm, facilitating ready release of nutrients from manure, she explained. *
Starter fertilisers are unnecessary providing that maize ground receives adequate, believes Rachael Keeves.