Croplift 20-8-14 boosts potato production
In 2005 Phosyn was asked to help a Scottish potato grower to produce high quality tubers of the correct size and in sufficient numbers to satisfy a baking potato contract. Last season the planting dates were later than normal, temperatures were initially lower and drought conditions followed. All these factors would act to reduce final tuber size so the objective of the Phosyn treatment was to keep the crop growing as long as possible to produce the desired 40 mm plus tubers. Croplift was applied four times at 2.5 kg/ha starting at early tuber bulking (tubers >10 mm) and repeated at 10-12 day intervals. The variety used in the trial was Osprey.
At harvest the untreated control yielded 64 tonnes/ha in the greater than 40 mm tuber diameter. Treatment with Croplift increased this by 14 tonnes/ha (a 23% increase) to 78 tonnes/ha.
Even allowing for extra treatment costs (not always needed as Phosyn products are often tank mixed) this equates to a nett return of more than £500 per hectare.
This is yet another example of the feeding power of Phosyn products and the benefits to be obtained by targeting the crop with the right nutrients at the right time and in sufficient quantities.
Author: John Brooks, Yara Phosyn Ltd
Published: May 2006