Veg trials show yield benefit of Agrii-Start Release
News - 19.12.23
Trials with Agrii-Start Release in field vegetable crops show potential for reduced phosphorous applications, reports Don Pendergrast, Agrii technical manager for non-combinable crops
The use of Agrii-Start Release, a soil-applied cation complexing agent used to improve the availability of phosphorous, has improved marketable yields by at least 10% in carrots, bulb onions and white cabbage.
In field trials over the past three years, Agrii has investigated the contribution to performance of a pre-emergence application of Agrii-Start Release.
As a cation complexing agent, Agrii-Start Release breaks the bind between the metal ions in the soil and phosphorous molecules thereby improving the availability of the latter to the growing crop.
Many species of vegetable crops, especially alliums, are known to be highly responsive to phosphorous. As such, fertilisers high in phosphorous are often applied as starter fertilisers as an aid to establishment. However, many soils are already high in phosphorous, but crops are not always able to access it.
This apparent contradiction between nutrient status and nutrient availability coupled with the prospect of tighter application restrictions intent on protecting water courses, prompted Agrii to investigate technologies that might lead to a reduction in the fertiliser needed to be applied by improving access to what is already present.
Results to date are highly encouraging. Soil analysis performed post-application revealed increases in the available quantity of phosphorous. This served as confirmation of its potential.
Yield results support this hypothesis with increases in both gross yield and the percentage of crop meeting market specifications.
Agrii-Start Release increased marketable yield in bulb onions by 10%
Treatment | Marketable onions (>45mm) |
Yield as % of control |
|
% | Yield (t/ha) | ||
Untreated | 81.6 | 34.7 | 100 |
Agrii-Start Release (4 l/ha) | 83.6 | 38.3 | 110 |
Reference: Agrii, 2023. Agrii-Start Release applied pre-emergence.
Agrii-Start Release increased average head weight of white cabbage by 12%
Treatment | Average head weight (kg) |
Yield as % |
Untreated | 0.78 | 100 |
Agrii-Start Release (4 l/ha) | 0.87 | 112 |
Reference: Agrii, 2023. Cv. Kalorama. Agrii-Start Release applied 1 day before planting.
Agrii-Start Release increased gross yields in carrot by 20% and marketable yield by 11%
Treatment | Gross yield (t/ha) | Increase (%) | Marketable yield (%) | Increase (%) |
Untreated | 46.6 | - | 81.3 | - |
Agrii Release (4 l/ha) | 56.08 | +20 | 93.0 | +11.7 |
Reference: Agrii, 2022. Cv. Nazareth. Agrii-Start Release applied 1 day before sowing.
Join Our Community
Agrii X
We love engaging with clients and partners. Give us a follow and let's share stories for the community.
Agrii Instagram
A picture paints a thousand words. Follow us on Instagram to see what we are up to.
Agrii Facebook
Follow us on the worlds biggest social media site for the latest news and events straight to your feed.
Agrii LinkedIn
If you are all about the business, connect with us on LinkedIn to build your network
Stay In Touch
Newsletter Sign-Up
Receive email updates on topical news and information from around Agrii and UK Farming.
Listen To Our Podcasts
Listen to the Tramlines Podcast. Fortnightly chat about agriculture and trials with your host Tony Smith.
Agrii Insights
Read essential agri intelligence for profitable farming.
Find an Event
Join us for our upcoming events and tours.