Fertiliser Integration

What is Fertiliser Integration

Fertiliser integration is a process in which nutrient levels in soil, seed, leaf and plant is managed throughout the growth cycle to improve overall performance.

With fertiliser integration, performance improvements occur in many ways, such as fertiliser efficiency and water efficiency. It also impacts significantly and positively to plant strength and quality and yield.

The success of fertiliser integration depends on :

  • Treating seeds with seed priming fertiliser to raise phosphorus and trace element
    levels to optimum or above optimum levels. This enables seedlings to set a higher
    yield potential, form greater root exploring ability and better
    stress/disease resistance.
  • Applying nutrient to soils at optimum but not excessive levels. This is determined
    by fertiliser history, soil test and potential or expected yield.
  • Using Ultra Foliar fertilisers to avoid hidden hunger and hidden yield losses. This is
    achieved by using specially-formulated foliar fertilisers and tank mixes to extend the momentum of root efficiency and exploration.

The success of fertiliser integration is jeopardised by soil applications of granular fertilisers in excess of crop demand, therefore moderate NPK input and stepwise nitrogen applications should be practised. This often means a reduction in soil fertiliser inputs by up to 15% could be achieved.

Science and RLF Trials support the
Benefits of Fertiliser Integration

Based on many of the principles of plant physiology, a wheat crop, for example, is expected to perform best if managed with an integrated
fertiliser program.

  • This commences with the priming of the seed with BSN Superstrike to lift phosphorus and trace element levels in every single seed. This priming will send a signal to the embryo from day-1 of germination for maximum yield potential.
  • The Ultra foliar spray of the wheat crop with the RLF Ultra Foliar product Cereal Plus which follows during crop growth, keeps the momentum going and evens up the crop nutrient status. Further, it improves the root efficiency of the nutrient uptake from soil.

Some of the trial results and evidence published by RLF over a series of trails conducted in Australia and China are contained within the Technical Library, reference TB13t8.