Potential benefits of band applying liquid nitrogen at OSR drilling

Reliable rapid establishment of winter Oil-Seed Rape is essential to set the crop up to achieve a high yield, across the whole planted acreage. OSR typically has a thousand seed weight of 5g which is one tenth of a cereal seed and one hundredth of a bean seed. This only provides it with enough nutrients and energy to grow a small root and cotyledon, after that it is reliant on accessing nutrients from the soil. However with only a small root, nutrient access is limited so supplying the required nutrients where they are needed close to the roots using OPICO’s Nitro-Jet has not surprisingly proved beneficial. Many OSR crops have Nitrogen applied to the seedbed to aid establishment but research with Masstock has shown that OPICO’s Nitro-Jet system provides a much more targeted and beneficial approach.

Only applies nutrients where the seed is placed.
Concentration of nutrients approximately 3 times compared to broadcast application so typically only 15 to 20 kg/ha N need be applied.
Does not stimulate weed growth between crop rows as no nitrogen applied to uncropped area.
Opportunity to target phosphate and boron applications as well as nitrogen, both essential for effective root growth.
Nutrients applied in same operation as planting saving time and application cost.
Helps ensure good rapid establishment and growth through the autumn and a bigger green area index going into the spring therefore reducing spring N requirements.
Lower risk of nitrogen leaching as only applied where the crop is going to take it up.

Trials carried out at Masstock’s Lincoln SMART Farm last season showed that band applying fertiliser produced yields 4.1% higher than where the fertiliser had been broadcast equating to 0.2 t/ha so with rape at £250/t this is equivalent to £50/ha. With these levels of extra yield, the additional cost of the equipment will be rapidly paid back over a modest acreage. More importantly though, it will help ensure reliable establishment of the OSR crop and protect the other investments into the crop.

http://www.masstock.co.uk





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