Liquid fertilizer ph

Case140 · Jan 18, 2018

Hi guys. I am in the process of fitting a liq fert applicator to my horsch drill. (gen low disturbance points direct drill or min till) I am on ph 6ish soil which would have had a lot of lime over the last few years.
I am currently looking at the liquid fert options available. For this year anyway I am going to buy it in liquid form to reduce variables, maybe try dissolving my own in the future.
I have found 2 suppliers and am getting conflicting advice. Both have 6.10.1(or similar) which suit me but one has a ph of 6 and the other a ph of 3 (approx). The lower ph one is using acid to dissolve the fert. Ignoring the drill corrosion issue, some advice is that the acid is a positive thing as it might mineralise soil fert and annoy slugs and the contra is that my ph was hard got to where it is so why put acid on my soil? Another view was that the amount at 100l/ha approx is not going to matter.
Second question. I am sowing beans dd and wonder would the same fert be ok? I know nitrogen might reduce nodulation but would the amount in a starter fert make a difference? It would be a lot easier if I could use the same product. Getting the same conflicting advice.
Any imput from those using liquid starter fertilizer on drills appreciated,
thanks, Nigel

Andrew K · Jan 19, 2018

I would use the higher PH solution as I would imagine it would have less effect on useful bacteria and soil life personally.

Case140 · Jan 19, 2018

Thanks for reply It is my instinct as well but am not sure. Do you use liquid f on a drill? Have you an opinion on small amount n on beans?

Brisel · Jan 21, 2018

N is not allowed on beans in most of England. Lots of New Zealand pea growers use DAP fertiliser at sowing with good results but don't have the rules that prevent N fertiliser on legumes.

pH isn't everything - it's just a measure of the available hydrogen ions, not the dose required to affect soil life or soil pH. I'd still be careful that the pH 3 fertiliser wasn't put too close to the seed though. You're right that acidity can be a useful thing sometimes.

Case140 · Jan 21, 2018

Thanks for the imput and the chart. I feel that the direct drilled seed, especially in spring needs a push to get a good start or it will struggle to get going. Having never used a liquid fert before and I am unsure of best type to use on my drill. Am leaning toward the higher ph one and thinking of dissolving a bit of p if I cant buy it for the beans.

Andrew K · Jan 22, 2018

Case140 said:
Thanks for the imput and the chart. I feel that the direct drilled seed, especially in spring needs a push to get a good start or it will struggle to get going. Having never used a liquid fert before and I am unsure of best type to use on my drill. Am leaning toward the higher ph one and thinking of dissolving a bit of p if I cant buy it for the beans.

If you want a readymade solution give @Bfs fertilisers a ring. We have used 5-14-7 very successfully in the past, but not on beans for the reasons Brisel gives.

Case140 · Jan 22, 2018

Thanks. Not sure they would be interested in 2 ibcs to Ireland though! But I might call re ph which is my main question. Thought there were more people using liq f on drills in UK though who would have an opinion - must be on hols!

Brisel · Jan 22, 2018

Ireland? Maybe @phil or @CORK know more about this

CORK · Jan 22, 2018

Brisel said:
Ireland? Maybe @phil or @CORK know more about this

I haven’t much experience with liquid fert to be honest.
I’d agree with most of what has already been said.
100l/ha probably won’t do much to the pH at all really.
I would be wary of such a low pH (3) touching seed though and it would be fairly corrosive on machinery too!
N isn’t allowed according to the Nitrates rules, it won’t do any harm to the bean crop though.

@Louis Mc would be using liquid fert as far as I know so may have views on your questions.

Louis Mc · Jan 22, 2018

Case140 said:
Thanks for the imput and the chart. I feel that the direct drilled seed, especially in spring needs a push to get a good start or it will struggle to get going. Having never used a liquid fert before and I am unsure of best type to use on my drill. Am leaning toward the higher ph one and thinking of dissolving a bit of p if I cant buy it for the beans.

I use yara 7-21-0 which is 7-9-0 in real figures. Very happy with the product. Used to use flex but found it very corrosive but effective nonetheless. If you give me a call I’ll tell you what I put on the beans....

Louis Mc · Jan 22, 2018

Louis Mc said:
I use yara 7-21-0 which is 7-9-0 in real figures. Very happy with the product. Used to use flex but found it very corrosive but effective nonetheless. If you give me a call I’ll tell you what I put on the beans....

I suggest there’ll be enough demand to make use of an artic tank load so if you could get together with a few like minded lunatics in your part of the world it could be arranged. Yara will deliver ibcs though that’s also an option

phil · Jan 22, 2018

Brisel said:
Ireland? Maybe @phil or @CORK know more about this

@Louis Mc is a renowned expert over here, i'll leave him to it

Case140 · Jan 22, 2018

Thanks Louis....will be in touch!
And thanks to all others for imput - solved!

Liquid fertilizer ph

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