New NIAB Trials Show Increased Efficiency from Reduced N and P Inputs
New NIAB trial results on winter wheat have demonstrated improved nutrient use efficiency, despite reduced nitrogen and phosphorus applications.
Compared to control treatments of conventional nitrogen and phosphorus, based on standard RB209 recommendations, three different scenarios have indicated reducing inputs maintains yield and quality, and increases fertiliser efficiency.
Reducing nitrogen applications
According to David Newton, Timac Agro UK Technical specialist, the first trial had a typical Timac recommendation of an initial 65kgN/Ha application from Sulfammo (N26), plus two subsequent 57kgN/Ha ammonium nitrate applications, removing 20kg/10% of overall nitrogen compared to the control (RB209-based) environment.
“This resulted in no significant yield penalty (9.4t per ha vs control of 9.6t per ha), with similar findings in protein content (11.4% vs control of 11.6%) and grain size (72.0 kg/Hectolitre control vs 71.7),” he says.
David explains: “Scenario two went a step further and removed 50kgN/Ha- a 25% reduction in N use compared to the control treatment, 50kg/N/Ha-a 25% reduction in N use compared to the control treatment, also removing an entire pass, from 3 applications to 2.”
“The trial plot maintained yield and grain size seen in the control environment but had a slight drop to 10.8% protein content.”
David says the independent trials have proven that swapping an application of conventional nitrogen for an application of Sulfammo 26 with N-Process technology will provide a 15% increase in nitrogen use efficiency.
“This is a breakthrough for growers considering their options ahead of Defra’s upcoming ban on using unprotected or uninhibited urea based fertilisers, particularly for those operating in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ),” he says.
“Sulfammo 26 is a phased-release nitrogen fertiliser that, when applied early, prevents urea from being released into the soil until it’s been hydrolysed into ammonium, reducing volatilisation by between 50-90%.”
Mr Newton explains that the fertiliser also contains a biostimulant that encourages nitrate uptake, transport and metabolism of nitrate, and therefore its conversion into protein.
“This supports nitrate conversion into protein, lasting up to three months post-application, making subsequent nitrogen applications more efficient and, in some instances, reducing the need for an extra pass through the field with a third application,” he says.
Reducing phosphate applications
The third trial plot demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce Phosphate use through another Timac-patented technology: Top-Phos.
It is recognised that current water-soluble sources of P are, at best 50% efficient leading to waste though lock-up from Iron and/or Calcium, Top Phos is a new water-soluble P-source protected from this. I this case half the RB209 recommendation was used (55kg/ha rather than 110).
The crop performed the same as the control plot (9.5t per ha yield and 71.7 kg/hectolitre grain weight), with a slightly higher protein content of 11.7%. This indicates 100% increased efficiency compared to universal triple-super phosphate (TSP).
Mr Newton says that reducing phosphorus applications by 50% with Top-Phos supports improved crop performance as well as considerably reducing the risk of nutrient run-off, protecting watercourses.
“It consists of a water-soluble, complex Super phosphate (CSP), that makes a protected source of phosphate that is immediately available, for improved rooting and respiration,” he says.
“It also contains sulphur, for improved efficiency of nitrogen use and increased protein content.”
The trials indicate that using phased-release, protected forms of nitrogen and phosphate, enhanced with technologies and minerals to unlock the soil’s natural biology, positively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – providing a solution to help reduce farm carbon footprints.
To learn more about Sulfammo 26 tap here, and for Top-Phos tap here.