Replicated plots of wheat were sown at Rankin Springs and Merriwagga in early May, 2008, after good opening rains, however there were minimal winter rains and an even drier early spring.
While there was high variability across the trials because of the season, wheat treated with BSN Superstrike performed the best out of 16 options assessed at Rankin Springs, producing 2.673 tonnes per hectare, 1.125 t/ha more than the control plot.
At Merriwagga, wheat treated with a combination of BSN and Plasma foliar produced the highest yield, 356 kg/ha more than the control.
“The results confirm strong scientific evidence about the benefits of using an integrated approach to soil and plant nutrition that combines seed treatment, foliar and granular fertilisers to achieve much better efficiencies on farm,” said Dr Hooshang Nassery, National Technical Manager for RLF Fertilisers Pty Ltd.
“Earlier independent trials and practical experience on farms across Australia over the past 14 years to develop BSN, clearly shows a seed treatment rich in phosphate and trace elements will boost early establishment and plant vigour,” he said.
“This advances tiller set and increases the plant’s overall efficiency, improving the uptake of available moisture and soil nutrients, and giving the seedlings a much better chance of survival in adverse conditions.”
Dr Nassery calculated that the Rankin Springs trial had shown a net return of $278 per hectare on an initial cost of $3/ha to apply BSN. A combination of both BSN and Plasma at the same site produced a yield increase of 938 kg/ha and a net return of $213/ha despite the season.
At the Merriwagga site, the section treated with both BSN and Plasma produced 1.087 t/ha, 356 kg/ha more than the control plot, and equating to an extra $71/ha in return.
“Although the yield of the plot treated only with BSN did not satisfy the statistical test, it did produce some $14 extra income after allowing for the cost of the treatment,” Dr Nassery said.
“While the results at Rankin Springs were quantitatively above average; other independent replicated trials and many independent farmer evaluations have shown returns exceeding five to 10 times the investment.
“Given that it’s easy to apply, it’s something cereal producers really should be considering if they are still sowing winter crops.”
Further information about the trial results and technical advice is available by phoning Richard Stone, northern NSW (0429 459 208), Andrew Trotter, southern NSW (0427 234 440) or Grant Borgward, national (0428 816 701). Information is also available by phoning 1800 800 449 (freecall) or visiting the website at www.rlf.com.au
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Media inquiries should be directed to Grant Borgward on 0428 816 701.