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Webber & Chivell run pasture trial plots yearly to test new fertiliser products, new blend combinations and management practices. This provides professional development for our agronomist on the most economic fertiliser combinations based on current prices.
Pasture trials are tested on both diploid (Matrix) and Tetraploid (Base) perennial ryegrass and consisted of replicated granular, liquid and trace mineral fertiliser treatments. These are measured regularly, grazed, and cut before treatments are reapplied.
The results from Webber and Chivell’s fertiliser trial plots have been consistent with research findings and include:
- Nitrogen response (kg dry matter per kg nitrogen applied) are the same over time regardless of whether the nitrogen is applied as a granular, or as a liquid, although liquid fertiliser has a slight advantage in the first week post application.
- Both Matrix and Base have the capacity of using 1.5 kg/N/ha per day over winter (and higher rates during autumn and spring)
- Easy N applied at 25L/ha only suppled 11 kgN/ha so growth rates slowed down after a week.
- The more liquid fertliser applied per ha the cheaper the dry matter/ha became (eg 100L easy N/ha vs 25L/ha) because of the sustained growth response but granulated fertiliser was still cheaper to apply.
- Dry matter generated from granulated fertiliser was significantly cheaper ($/kgdm) than liquid fertiliser.
- Agrotain treated Urea yield higher dry matter responses than straight urea when applied during dry weather. If rain is arrived within 24 hours of application, the response to Agrotain treatment was not as great.
- If other nutrients are limiting eg Phosphorus, potassium or sulphur, the response to nitrogen will be lower.
- If nitrogen is continually applied without other nutrients, grass will still be stimulated to grow but over time the pasture quality, tillering and ryegrass persistence will decline.
- Well fertilised pasture has a greater potential to “hold on longer” maintain their growth rates longer into summer.
- Modern diploids and Tetraploids have increased genetic potential to yield higher amounts of dry matter. However, we often limit their growth potential because they are underfed.
For more information on fertilisers please contact the Webber Chivell field services team.
