THE STAR OF PHOSPHORUS FERTILISATION INNOVATION - MICROSTAR PZ
There are several factors that affect the first few weeks of a crops growth, some of these are out of our control but others can ultimately decide the result of that crop.
Microstar PZ from Agronutrition, a subsidiary of De Sangosse New Zealand, is an innovative microgranular starter fertiliser, that uses a low application rate per hectare, and allows uptake of Phosphorus at crucial early growth stages.
Microstar PZ is a microgranule formulation with high Phosphorus (>17%) combined with Nitrogen, Sulphur and Zinc. Microstar PZ is applied at the same time as sowing of your crop, localised in furrow, in contact with the seed. This placement is essential to cover the immediate needs of the young seedlings, securing the crops potential.
Using a microgranular starter fertiliser, at planting, in contact with the seed is essential to providing the crop with nutrition during the first few weeks, giving a more even crop emergence and greater plant vigour.
“When it comes to establishing crops and working with the growers current fertiliser plan, adding Microstar PZ to the program has seen crops hit canopy closure 10-14 days earlier than standard programs which in some cases this has saved a weed spray. Crops have more vigour and handle external pressures better.”
KIERAN FOWLER – REGIONAL SALES MANAGER – LOWER SI
Why apply localised Phosphorus? Even in soils with high Phosphorus reserves there are many variables that may have a negative effect on the availability of soil Phosphorus to the plant. These can include temperature, a decrease in soil temperature from 21°C to 13°C reduces the availability of Phosphorus in the soil by 70%. pH levels of 5.8 – 7 are best for availability of P. The distance of Phosphorus to the root of the plant is also essential. For Phosphorus to be best taken up by the
plant P needs to be available within 1mm of the root system. Microstar PZ allows this accessibility for the roots in the early growth stages,
making the Phosphorous supplied to be used more efficiently in comparison to bulk fertiliser options.
Co-formulated into Microstar PZ is Agronutrition’s innovative patented Phosphorous Preservation Technology (TPP)
Ensuring the Phosphorous supplied from Microstar PZ isn’t lost in the soil (from leaching or locking up to cations like Calcium, Aluminium, and Iron) before it is utilised by the plant. This co-formulant guarantees Microstar’s 97.5% use coefficient.
Microgranules provide a larger surface area for nutrient exchange, creating a ‘fertility sphere’ around the seed. This allows the precision starter fertiliser to have multiple contact points and maximises the transfer of nutrients, in particular Phosphate, to the roots of the emerging seedling.
Independent trials were conducted in the South Island, NZ by Seed Force Ltd, focusing on the growth response and crop safety of Microstar PZ on Fodder Beet variety Lifta (Seed Force).
In early plant height and vigour assessments Microstar PZ treated plots were visibly ahead of untreated control. On average plots treated with Microstar PZ had a higher ground cover percentage against those untreated. During yield assessments, Microstar PZ applied at 30kg/ha in furrow with the seed saw an increase of 1.2 tonne dry matter per hectare in comparison to control treatments where no starter fertiliser had been applied on average.
These independent results demonstrate the benefits of applying Microstar PZ at planting can have on the early growth stages and ultimately final yield of your crop.
Microstar PZ is designed to be applied during sowing, in contact with the seed. For precision sown crops it is best applied with a micro granule applicator fitted onto the drill. It can also be mixed with seeds (Clover, Lucerne, Ryegrass etc.) ensuring there is regular mixing to retain a uniform mix.
Microstar PZ is recommended to be applied at a rate of 20-30kg/ha.