Farming with nitrogen restrictions

Transcription

1 Farming with nitrogen restrictions

2 pasture management NITROGEN BOOSTER FOR PASTURE AND SELECTED CROPS Donaghys N-Boost is a patented nitrogen booster using world first technology. Used on pasture, N-Boost is designed to double the pasture response to 4kg/ha of urea with regular applications while significantly reducing the cost of dry matter production. Used on crops, the overall average yield increase was 9.8% for N-Boost treated crops in trials compared to untreated crops. Active ingredients include: Adenine compounds These have the same base unit as cytokinin (a plant hormone). They are responsible for some of the positive cytokinin-like effects that have been established with N-Boost but show a more balanced growth response than pure cytokinin. Amino Acids A variety of growth stimulating amino acids are present in N-Boost. Chains of amino acids (oligopeptides) can increase nutrient uptake and increase the movement of nutrients (especially nitrogen) within plants. How does N-Boost work? Mode of action studies at Lincoln University have found that N-Boost stimulates key cell components. This action coincides perfectly with liquid urea application on pasture. Two key cell components stimulated are: Mitochondria Mitochondria break down the sugars that the cell receives to create a readily available form of energy for the cell and increase energy production. Chloroplasts These are a major area for cell energy storage (as starch) and can be stimulated to release this starch energy in order to promote growth. The microorganisms utilised in N-Boost are recognised by the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) and are on the Generally Recognised as Safe list of ACVM. N-Boost was commercialised in New Zealand in 28 following a number of years of development. Lincoln University led the research into how N-Boost works. Additional research to understand how N-Boost works was undertaken by the University of Canterbury, AgResearch and the National Research Council, Canada. Donaghys N-Boost is the original scientifically proven and trusted Donaghys LessN with the same ingredients and method of application.

3 Scientifically Proven Since 28, there have been over 3 pasture and crop trials conducted by over 4 independent universities and organisations. Peer reviewed The pasture trial data and trial reports of N-Boost (formerly branded as Donaghys LessN ) have been submitted to four independent parties for peer review. Extracts from their reports include: Overall, the adopted trial design and statistical analyses are scientifically robust. - AsureQuality Review; Aug 29. This current review concludes that the overall trial program has been designed and conducted in a scientifically credible manner. - Fertiliser Quality Council Report; Sept 212. I would conclude that on average there was less than a 3% difference between the two treatments [LessN System vs. 8kg urea per hectare]. - Dr David Baird, Scientist; Oct 212. The average addition[al] kg of N over 4 kg required to give the same response as LessN is 39 kg with a 95% interval of (35 44) kg. - Dr David Baird, Scientist; Oct 212. In general terms, the LessN4 treatment yielded twice the DM response per kg of applied nitrogen as did the two treatments with the same rate of applied nitrogen (4 kg urea/ha), and was equivalent to the two treatments with twice the rate applied urea (8 kg/ha). - Dave Saville, Biometrician; Oct 212. Links to these reports are available on our website Farming with nitrogen restrictions Modelling of a typical 16ha Canterbury dairy farm, using the Overseer nutrient budget software, indicated up to a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching from using the N-Boost System at 4kg/ha of urea compared to 8kg/ha of urea only, without compromising pasture production. Spray versus spread Accumulated field trials since 28 show no consistent benefit of spraying urea at 4kg urea per hectare alone compared to spreading urea at the same rate. However, the addition of N-Boost enables the pasture to process nitrogen more efficiently, doubling the nitrogen response to 4kg of sprayed urea. N-Boost System versus Gibberellic acid Gibberellic acid is a plant growth regulator for rapid growth. For optimum results, Donaghys recommends GibbSTART MAX should be used strategically twice per year (early spring and late autumn). Gibberellic acid can cause a lag in re-growth along with*: Grass and Brassicas seeding faster Suppression and underdevelopment of roots Reduced tillering less shoots in pasture N-Boost contains no Gibberellic acid. More stem growth and less foliage Underdeveloped nodules on clover roots causing reduced nitrogen fixation *Matthew, C., Hofmann, W.A. & Osborne, M.A. (29). Pasture response to gibberellins: a review and recommendations. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 52,

4 pasture management 14 Significantly reduce the cost of dry matter production Cost of growing extra dry matter with the N-Boost system Based on the average of 46 trials, 446kg of extra dry matter was grown due to the N-Boost system and based on self application at a cost of 11c/kg DM. Pasture Growth (kgdm/ha) c/kg DM 7c/kg DM 16c/kg DM Control 4kg/ha Urea N-Boost System Based on a N-Boost price of $5.95/litre and Urea price of $65/Tonne delivered. Self-applied is based on a labour cost of $17/hour and diesel cost of $32.34/hour, spreading at 2 ha/hour, spraying at 12 ha/hour. Contractor applied is based on a spreading cost of $1/ha and spraying cost of $2/ha. Control Urea N-Boost N-Boost System 11c/kg DM Self Applied: 179kg of extra Dry Matter was grown with 4kg/ha Urea alone at a cost of 16c/kg DM 267kg of extra Dry Matter was grown due to addition of N-Boost at a cost of 7c/kg DM Contractor Applied: 446kg of extra dry matter was grown due to the N-Boost system and based on contractor application at a cost of 14c/kg DM 179kg of extra Dry Matter was grown with 4kg/ha Urea alone at a cost of 2c/kg DM 267kg of extra Dry Matter was grown due to addition of N-Boost at a cost of 1c/kg DM APPLICATION ON PASTURE To apply the N-Boost System onto pasture, 4kg/ha of urea is dissolved in water with 3L/ha of N-Boost and typically sprayed at 2L/ha. Urea is easily dissolved in water in an N-Boost Mixing Station (supplied free* by Donaghys) or by agitating in a spray tank. The N-Boost and dissolved urea solution is then foliar sprayed onto pasture with a conventional boom sprayer or boom jet. N-Boost should only be used when a nitrogen response can be expected Soil temperatures must be 1 C or above Ensure sufficient pasture cover for optimum foliar uptake (14-16kg DM/ha) For best results apply the N-Boost System 3-5 days after grazing Sufficient soil moisture content is required for pasture to respond Avoid application in very hot or windy conditions or within 6 hours of impending heavy rain *5,, 1, & 25, Litre mixing stations available (tank, pipes and pump). For details and conditions, please contact your local Donaghys Territory Manager on The biggest benefit besides halving my urea bill is ease of application. Just ask my staff! It is simple to mix and we have no blocked nozzles at spray time. This is the best thing I ve done for my pastures in years. Gary Fredrickson, Taranaki

5 Double the pasture response to 4kg of urea Trials show that the N-Boost System doubles the nitrogen response of pasture compared to 4kg/ha of urea alone. Nitrogen uptake by the plant is more rapid when urea is sprayed on. Studies show that the majority of nitrogen can be taken up into the leaf within the first 12 hours after application. Plant energy conserved by using the N-Boost System, that is otherwise used in the conversion of spread urea, is used to increase amino acid and protein production which leads to increased growth. Metabolisable energy (ME) and other feed quality indicators of pasture grown are maintained using the N-Boost System. By using less nitrogen, clover levels in pasture can be increased leading to subsequent increased potential in atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Pasture Trials 67 trials nationwide have been conducted on a mixture of dryland and irrigated clover based pasture, making it the largest nitrogen response study on pasture in New Zealand since The trial periods ranged from 15 to 187 days with the average length of most trials being 25 days. Over 1, individual pasture measurements were taken. Of the total trials conducted, seven trials did not show a nitrogen response to urea application, seven were not conducted in accordance with Donaghys recommendations (i.e. off-label) and another seven did not include a treatment with 4 kg/ha of urea. Average pasture growth over 46 trials, average length of 25 days Pasture Growth (kgdm/ha) No Urea 4kg/ha Urea 8kg/ha Urea N-Boost + 4kg/ha Urea 3 Average Nitrogen Response over 46 trials, average length of 25 days Nitrogen Response (kg DM/ha/kg N applied) No Urea 4kg/ha Urea 8kg/ha Urea N-Boost + 4kg/ha Urea We have halved our nitrogen use without affecting production. We have noticed stronger clover content, more even growth and a thicker and denser pasture sward. Matt & Di Ness, Canterbury

6 pasture management Extended Pasture Trials Nine extended trials were conducted past one grazing round (average of 49 days) to assess the residual effect of N-Boost. Five of these trials were independent and four were in-house. 25 Average pasture growth over 9 trials, average length of 49 days Pasture Growth (kgdm/ha) Extended trials proved that the residual effect of the N-Boost System is similar to an application of solid urea at 8kg/ha as an average of 1948kg of DM was grown with the N-Boost system compared to 192kg of DM with 8kg/ha urea. No Urea 4kg/ha Urea 8kg/ha Urea N-Boost + 4kg/ha Urea Average Nitrogen Response over 9 trials, average length of 49 days 3 Nitrogen Response (kg DM/ha/kg N applied) kg/ha Urea 8kg/ha Urea N-Boost + 4kg/ha Urea Over the average of these trials, 27kg/DM per kg of Nitrogen was grown with the N-Boost system, compared with 12kg/DM with 8kg/ha of urea and 11kg/DM with 4kg/ha urea applied. TOTAL pasture growth over one trial, total length of 187 days Pasture Growth (kgdm/ha) No Urea 4kg/ha Urea 8kg/ha Urea N-Boost + 4kg/ha Urea One trial was also conducted throughout an entire milking season (seven grazing rotations). Treatments were reapplied before grazing three and grazing six. Using 12kgs less urea, the N-Boost treatment grew similar amounts of pasture to the 8kg spread urea treatment. The mixing station is easy to mix with and is very convenient. Once it is dissolved it alleviates urea clumping and getting hard. I noticed a much more even coverage of growth on my paddocks. There is a better quality of feed, the cows do better and a much better recovery of growth after grazing. Lloyd & Sharon Vickers, Hikurangi

7 crop management Application on Crops In cropping situations, 3-6L/ha of N-Boost is applied as a foliar application with water, sprayed at an appropriate water volume (5-2L/ha). The N-Boost solution is then applied to the target crop at specific growth stages in addition to standard fertiliser applications. To save costs, N-Boost is recommended to be used at the same time as a sprayed on herbicide, fungicide or insecticide application (with or without the addition of foliar nitrogen). Conditions and timing for spraying N-Boost on to crops vary depending on individual crop types. Contact your local Donaghys Territory Manager for further information. Increase crop yields Crop Trials N-Boost is recognised internationally where it is largely used in broadacre and intensive cropping situations. N-Boost has been proven to provide commercially viable yield increases on a range of significant broadacre and intensive vegetable crops. Over 2 replicated trials have been conducted on 25 different crop types. In trials designed to quantify yield improvement, the overall average yield increase for the N-Boost treated crops was 9.8% compared to the untreated crops. 3% The effect of N-Boost on selected crops trialled in New Zealand and overseas Yield Increase (%) 25% 2% 15% 1% 5% % 5 Trials 4 Trials 5 Trials 9 Trials 17 Trials 14 Trials 9 Trials 9 Trials Kale* Maize Silage Maize Grain Lucerne Canola Cotton Potatoes Forage Crop Type Sorghum 8 Trials 3 Trials Turnips* Onions *Included 4kg/ha foliar urea During many of these trials, N-Boost has been tank mixed with many common agrichemicals without any incompatibility issues. It is recommended that a small area be trialled for compatibility if unsure. I used it on my 15 hectares of kale crop at the runoff last season during the drought and had excellent results. I grew a 16 tonne kale crop which was at knee height in December and by February it was up to my hip (I m about six foot three). Harry Meijer, Oxford

8 Urea and the N-Boost System have similar variability Applying urea alone will have variable results on pasture response due to external factors such as soil temperature, moisture and existing soil nitrogen. Using the N-Boost System will also have variable results on pasture response but trial results show that the N-Boost system will still double the pasture response to 4kg of urea per hectare. nitrogen response of 3L N-Boost + 4kg/ha urea compared to 4kg/ha urea alone and 8kg/ha urea alone Nitrogen Response (kg DM/ha/kg N applied) kg/ha Urea + 3L N-Boost 8kg/ha Urea 4kg/ha Urea Trial Number Nitrogen response (Kg DM/kg N applied) The regional variability of nitrogen response on pasture using urea alone. Data obtained from Rajendram et al. 29* Summer Autumn Winter Early Spring Late Spring 126 trials 24 trials 153 trials 292 trials 237 trials Each bar represents from left: Northland/Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Lower North Island, East Coast North Island, Northern South Island, Canterbury, West Coast South Island, Lower South Island and Central Otago. *Nitrogen Fertiliser Trial Database: A Valuable Resource. Climatic Factors and First Cut Response to Nitrogen Application. In: Nutrient management in a rapidly changing world. (Eds L.D. Currie & C.L. Lindsay), pp Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, NZ. To order or for further information about N-Boost, please contact your local Donaghys Territory Manager or phone Donaghys Customer Services on the number below: DON418_1.15 DONAGHYS LTD. New Zealand 16 Sheffield Crescent, Harewood, PO Box 2 449, Christchurch 8543 Freephone: Freefax: sales@donaghys.com