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IFM ‘in a nutshell’
Integrated Fertiliser Management (IFM) is the term used to describe the process in which nutrient levels in seed, soil and leaf are balanced and managed throughout the entire growth cycle of the crop to improve overall performance – not only for today, but for the future as well.
The success of IFM depends on three things :
- 1
Treating the seed with BSN Seed Priming treatment to raise phosphorus and trace element levels to optimum or above optimum levels. This enables seedlings to set higher yield potential, form greater root mass and the vigour and strength required to better handle stress/disease related challenges.
- 2
Applying nutrient to soils (usually granular form) at optimum, but not excessive levels. The success of IFM can often be jeopardised by soil applications of granular fertilisers in excess of crop demand. Therefore, moderate NPK input and step-wise nitrogen applications should be practised – and this often means a reduction in soil fertiliser inputs by 10% – 20%. This is determined by fertiliser history, soil test and potential or expected yield.
- 3
Using an RLF Ultra Foliar to avoid hidden hunger and hidden yield losses – the sub-clinical deficiency that occurs before the plant’s nutrient deficiencies become noticeable and identified through visual crop inspection.
The Goals of an Integrated Approach
The Goals of IFM are simple.
- •at the same financial cost (or even slightly less) better yield
- •improved quality
- •more financial return
- •greater reliability
How it Improves Performance
The positive impacts include many improvements and efficiencies.
- •a reduction in the amount of granular fertiliser required
- •more efficient water use
- •increased plant strength and health assured crop quality and increased yield
- •beneficial return of biomass to the soil