Till-Seeding and Till-Feeding

Till-Feeding offers an ideal opportunity to both save money on autumn fertilisers and get an improved response from what’s applied. As well as eliminating any application costs, the Nitro- Jet system offers tremendous flexibility. In many situations with earlydrilled crops, seeded in conditions where some moisture is available, all that is required is an application of Nitrogen. The Nitro-Jet places the nitrogen in the ideal position for uptake by the crop and allows rates to be tailored according to season and variety. Extra nitrogen can be applied for varieties that lack vigour, without any NVZ restrictions and rates can be reduced if autumn conditions are optimal for establishment. Phosphate should be included where soil P-indices are 2 or less or for later seeded crops, where the cold wet soils of late autumn can lead to slow growth rates. Phosphate is important for rooting and it is therefore required in any situation where rooting could be limited. The phosphate fertiliser in liquid fertiliser can include Omex TPA, an additive that keeps phosphate soluble and available to the establishing crop for longer. It also stimulates the development of prolific root hairs, which in turn aid further nutrient update. Liquid phosphates are based on ammonium phosphate and there is evidence that the combination of ammonium phosphate aids the uptake of phosphate as the plant roots seek out the nitrogen. A range of N and P solutions are available from Omex, depending on field requirements. For situations where complete nutrition is required for the seedling, it is simple to apply an NPK solution based on 9-9-9, which contains around 11kg of N, P and K per 100 l/ha applied in the band (approx 30 l/ha of field). Application with liquid fertilisers offers a number of advantages over solids. The fertiliser is applied precisely in the treatment band, and rates can be accurately controlled. Comparisons of crops receiving a banded liquid fertiliser application with no treatment show better establishment, bigger plants and better survival which is especially important in a harsh winter. According to Andy Eccles, “if you’re Till-Seeding you should be Till-Feeding”.

If you would like the full information pack on the Nitro-Jet system or the details of your local stocking dealer then contact OPICO on Telephone: 01778 421111 or Email: ask@opico.co.uk