Microgranule fertiliser for maize,yes or no?

[Mow]

My agronomist is suggesting I use Microgranule fertiliser down the spout when drilling maize as opposed to dap.local contractor has the kit to apply it but said he doesn't get many requests for it,is it Not all its made out to be?

 

[clemmo]

What's your p indices ?

Don't ever use it if less then 2's

What else will you be applying ?

Which micro granular ?

 

[Rob Holmes]

Seen some trials work to suggest that micro fert is worse than DAP on cereals, micro fert has a negative margin over fertiliser cost where DAP has a positive figure

 

[Clive]

Don't know much about Maize but in cereals these things are mostly snake oil !

is your agronomist independent ? these products are very high margin and tend to be recommended by salesmen that call themselves agronmists

 

[clemmo]

Some can work well in maize providing everything else is done right! But as Clive rightly says they are expensive and high margin have seen some very positive trial results but some are better then others

 

[Great In Grass]

I've often noticed with the use of either MAP or DAP maize growth is consistent regarding plant bulk and height on the other hand micro fertilisers (where I've seen it used) seem to create very inconsistent plant growth which is exhibited right the way through to harvest.

 

[Mow]

Thanks for comments,we have high phosphate but low potash so I was thinking of broadcasting potash on,i think the word inconsistent seems to best describe the use of Microgranules,the fact that once used it doesn't seem to be continued with speaks volumes,I'll stick to tried and tested!!

 

[clemmo]

Cost wise be nothing between dap and a micro granular per ha any other defiency you are expecting ?

 

[Hobbit]

Without being too scientific, i can always see where a blocked coulter is when using DAP but its not noticeable with mirocgranular.

 

[Mow]

Cost wise be nothing between dap and a micro granular per ha any other defiency you are expecting ?

With a p index of 4 I was told I could cut down on that and increase k broadcasting mop on,Microgranular would stop the p interfering with the availability of potash(so he said)

 

[Great In Grass]

Why broadcast, you'll be putting a lot of mop on ground that is bear and only benefit the weeds.

 

[cozzie]

Tell the salesman that you will pay him if you see a marked difference between what you drill with DAP and the microfert, bet you won't see him around again. I have ever use only one of these magic products that work and that was Delfan plus when used in conjunction with a herbicide in Sugar beet, I have never seen the herbicide to work so good. Many will probably say I would get the same results if i threw in a few fists of AN

 

[ProDrive]

Microgranular only scores around here because it's convenient. Everyone tried it went it first came about but most have gone back to using Dap/Map.

 

[Mark C]

Can you use urea down the spout for maize? We only have a small area this year and can't get a small quantity of DAP

 

[clemmo]

What are your p indices?

 

[Mark C]

What are your p indices?

2-3 p index

 

[clemmo]

Personally I wouldn't put urea down the spout, but I would put it in the seed bed, I wouldn't want too much urea in the rooting zone of a young germinating plant