Biostimulants Proven to be Effective Alternative to Phosphate Fertiliser
A three-year on-farm trial in Cambridgeshire has shown that biostimulants can replace conventional phosphate fertiliser without compromising crop performance.
Arable farmer Russell McKenzie faced a common challenge when the price of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) soared, and decided to test biological alternatives to maintain yields while reducing input costs.
"This led to a three-year project comparing our standard 200kg/ha DAP programme with 1 litre/ha of Luxor in the first year,"
In the subsequent years, the approach was adjusted to 0.5 litres/ha of Luxor combined with 0.5 litres/ha of Calfite Extra to improve nutrient use efficiency in second and third wheats.
- Biostimulants can replace conventional phosphate fertiliser without compromising crop performance.
- The trial showed a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for growers.
Author's summary: Biostimulants replace phosphate fertiliser effectively.