Proper Nutrient Management Yields Results Across “The Pond”

U.S. growers aren't the only producers benefiting from proper nutrient management. Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, researchers like Anne Noble, Ph.D., are extensively looking into effects of fertilizer management, on not only yield, but also produce shelf life and environmental benefits as well.

"We have worked on cereals, canola, maize, potatoes, onions, swedes (i.e., rutabagas), beetroot, carrots and grass," Noble says. "At the moment we have trials on cereals, lettuce, cabbages and canola."

Proper crop nutrient management: Reducing pesticides benefits environment.
Noble, who has more than two decades of agronomy experience, is the founder of Demeter Technology Ltd., a consulting service that analyzes and tailors micronutrient inputs to enhance productivity. She maintains that proper nutrient management will yield holistic improvements to a farmer's operation, beyond the bottom line (although admits it is an important incentive). But Noble says aside from environmental benefits of reducing leaching and wastewater runoff, proper nutrient management can even reduce overall pesticide application as healthy plants are less susceptible to pests, diseases and stress.

As research continues, evidence continues to mount – proper nutrient management makes sense for farmers who want to be good stewards of both the land and their wallets.

Maize, cereals and vegetables…oh my!
Recent maize studies in Great Britain allowed Noble to reduce the phosphate rate by adding AVAIL® Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer to the nutrient application.

"The maize trials showed a reduced rate of AVAIL-treated phosphate yielded the same as the standard P fertilizer application and also brought harvest forward by seven to 10 days," she says. "Vegetable field trials using AVAIL – carrots, beetroot and swedes – showed yield increases but also an increased pack-out figure because produce was much more uniform, having fewer very small or very large vegetables."

Noble also says she's seeing good results using NutriSphere-N® Nitrogen Fertilizer Manager with urea instead of ammonium nitrate in achieving yield and reducing disease levels on cereals.

"Many years ago, more farmers used combine drilling for fertilizer application, but cheap fertilizer encouraged them to move to broadcasting," she says. "Now we are looking at a return to band applying fertilizer and micronutrients."

Soil testing – making a permanent comeback
Like in the U.S., agronomists in the U.K. are beginning to consider soil testing a standard nutrient management practice. Noble recommends growers do a full analysis of their soils at a minimum of every four to five years.

"Most growers here [in the U.K.] do phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and pH testing every three to four years, but trace elements are getting low in many areas, and deficiencies are not recognized," Noble says.

Sooner rather than later, soil testing is a practice of which growers need to make a habit, she says. In the future, growers must pay more attention to the full nutrient status of their soil.

Balance, balance, balance
The incorporation of micronutrients into fertilizer programs, Noble contends, can significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer that leaches from the soil. She argues the greater knowledge of how nutrients of all kinds work within the plant can lead to more focused applications, timing and methods in order to get the most value from the fertilizer.

"Using a more balanced program has increased both quality and yield," Noble says. "We tend to over-apply nitrogen and then require more pesticides. Because the other nutrients are deficient, they limit yield. By reducing the nitrogen level and adding NutriSphere-N and micronutrients, the fertilizer program costs no more, but the crop benefits."

Scotland – In August 2008, beets respond with increased yield and size consistency. Field trial conducted by Anne Noble, Ph.D., founder and consultant of Demeter Technology Ltd.

The U.K. – Swede (i.e. rutabaga) field trial illustrates how adding AVAIL to applied nutrients increases size, weight consistency and produce uniformity.

The U.K. – Maize field trial shows visual evidence in increased root mass when treated with AVAIL.