Forage maize has become an increasingly significant part of the livestock diet in the UK, and with a value or around £85 per tonne of dry matter it is important to maximise the yield potential of the crop.

Although seed breeding has brought varieties to the market with early maturity classes, the challenging conditions of recent autumns has made harvesting very demanding and often very messy.

The ability to influence both crop yield and maturity is something of such value that it really can make the difference between success and failure.

Since Carrs Fertilisers introduced the unique Phosphate Fertiliser enhancer, Avail 18 months ago, they have been able to demonstrate through independent trial work how Avail can make a very significant difference to Maize yield and maturity.

In 2008 Harper Adams University undertook independent trials at 4 sites from Cheshire to Sussex, and at each site there was a yield benefit using half rate DAP coated with Avail over standard DAP starter fertiliser, averaging ¾ tonnes of dry matter per ha. In 2009 the trial were repeated and there was a yield benefit of 1.5 tonnes of dry matter where Avail treated DAP was used over the area which received no starter fertiliser.

Further evidence has emerged from the SAC Dairy unit in Dumfries where they looked at the potential benefits of starter fertiliser in 2009. Not only was there a yield benefit of 2 tonnes of dry matter per ha but ME levels was also significantly higher.

The value of using starter fertiliser with Avail seems conclusive in terms of yield, but what of maturity? The word from the MGA is that starter fertiliser brings the crop forward by 2 weeks, and it has been seen that crops with Avail treated fertiliser are consistently achieving this, as can be seen from the photograph.

Maxi-Maize is exclusively available through Carrs Fertilisers, contact our Customer Service Unit on tel: 01228 554610 or email: csu@carrs-fertiliser.co.uk.

For more Avail product details visit the SFP web site (external site opens into a new browser window).