- A new YaraVita webinar series has recently concluded, focusing on foliar nutrition for a range of crops
Each webinar focused on the importance of getting basic nutrition right to maximise crop performance and yield.
Growers were also given information about the benefits of foliar nutrition and biostimulants as well as product recommendations for a complete crop nutrition programme.
A new YaraVita webinar series has recently concluded, which explored the role of foliar nutrition in optimising crop performance. Chris Harrold, YaraVita Product Manager, took pulse crop growers through the key nutrient requirements for higher yields as well as recommending products to include in their crop nutrition programme.
Excessive rainfall throughout the growing season means that key nutrients the crop needs will be less available. That’s why for growers who want to maximise crop performance and yield, getting the nutrition basics right is essential.
Getting crops off to the best start is all about ensuring there is sufficient phosphate and potash in the seed bed before applying any micronutrients. It’s the interaction between the macro and micro nutrients that is important for many of the plant’s functions. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring good nodulation. Pulse crops rely heavily on their root nodules as a nitrogen source for growth and development, so ensuring good nodulation and nodule survival is paramount. Soil bacteria (rhizobia) are the ‘engine’ of the nodules and nutrients like phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, manganese, boron, and molybdenum play a key role in their metabolism.
Good crop nutrition is also important as the pea or bean crop develops and starts to produce flowers and seeds. As the first seeds start to fill, the plant can no longer meet the nodule’s demands for carbohydrate and the demands of the seed filling process. “It’s at this stage that growers need to turn their attention to nutrients to ensure that the plant continues to photosynthesise effectively with a green healthy canopy. Key nutrients to focus on include magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and sulphur. Then as the flowering continues, boron plays a vital role in successful pollination for pod set,” says Chris. As well as these key nutrients, growers are advised to think about zinc for increased fertility and seed quality as well as copper for leaf development, improved flower set, and increased yields.
To maximise crop performance, Chris recommends early season application of two products in the YaraVita range. The first is YaraVita PHOTREL PRO, a fully soluble powder containing a balanced combination of essential nutrients for legumes. The product is safe on the leaf, and a broad tank mixability makes it easy to co-apply alongside agrochemicals. Growers should apply 3kg/ha as early in the growing season as possible provided there is adequate leaf cover to intercept the spray, e.g. from 4th node (GS34). Repeat applications can be made at 10–14-day intervals up to the start of flowering.
For growers who have identified deficiencies with manganese, copper, or zinc, Chris recommends YaraVita MANCOZIN. It’s a highly concentrated liquid product containing these nutrients that is quickly taken up by the crop and very mobile within the plant, providing a lasting feeding effect. Growers should apply 1lt/ha and further applications can be made every 10-14 days until flowering begins.
Growers can watch the YaraVita webinar series on demand here.
