Nutrient management is a crucial area for growers to keep a close eye on, as the cost of inputs and inefficient distribution can cause serious deficits.
Growers looking to refine a fertiliser strategy are encouraged to use test strips this season to help determine what nutrients are lacking and how much is required.
The GRDC has recently published a new factsheet which outlines how to set up fertiliser test strips and use the data generated to make fertiliser decisions.
Fertiliser test strips are sections of a paddock which are set up to compare the impact of different rates of nutrient on crop growth and yield.
Agronomy Solutions director Sean Mason is leading the GRDC investment, using soil and plant testing data to better inform nutrient management and optimise fertiliser investments for grain growers in the southern region.
The use of pre-season soil testing results from within paddock zones together with test strips can fine-tune fertiliser recommendations.
"Application rates can be estimated using pre-season soil testing results from within paddock zones and then test strips can verify the effectiveness of those rates and whether in-season applications of fertiliser are warranted," Mr Mason said.
Test strips can be used for any nutrient, however nitrogen test strips are the most common and can help growers to decide on top-up rates during the season.
"For nutrients only applied at sowing, such as phosphorus and zinc, test strips can gauge the effectiveness of the seeding application and whether any adjustments to fertiliser use need to occur for future crops," Mr Mason said.
Comparing responses in fertiliser strips between different zones in the paddock can help growers and advisers understand what is limiting crop growth and yield.
If the crop in the high rate of fertiliser strip looks better than grower rate, then increasing the application rate of that nutrient may boost crop performance, provided soil moisture is sufficient.
Mr Mason said if plants in the high or low-rate strips are responding the same as those in the grower rate strip, decreasing rates may save money.
The GRDC Using test strips to fine-tune fertiliser recommendations fact sheet can be found on the GRDC website.
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