This autumn, Frontier agronomists are offering their farmer customers a bespoke service to create a sequenced programme of biostimulants which, when used throughout the growing season, will enhance plant vigour.
Frontier soil and plant health specialist, Jamie Stotzka, says this is a very exciting addition to the support Frontier can offer growers.
“We’re now able to create a flexible, sequenced approach to crop protection and nutrition using biostimulants, which can be integrated into current fertiliser and crop input plans,” he says.
“This will support natural plant health and vigour and build plant resilience for more effective crop production.
“Taking this approach will mean growers can begin to incorporate biostimulants throughout the season, to become part of a wider programme, with each active targeting specific effects through a known mode of action.”
Jamie explains phosphite should be one of the first applications, playing a key role in crop establishment.
“Early applications of phosphite help with root development and formation and can support the start of the nitrogen assimilation cycle, so you’re increasing efficiency from the beginning of plant development.”
He says this should then be followed by further applications throughout the season.
“This is where there’s a change in mindset of using biostimulants – they’re most effective when utilised as a sequence throughout the year, not just in sole applications.
“For example, applying phosphite in the spring up to GS 30 on cereals and up to stem extension on OSR can further enhance nutrient uptake and nitrogen assimilation. We can also combine it with applications of pidolic acid, which has been shown to enhance the work of phosphite as well as being influential in aiding stress tolerance and recovery.
“If growing legumes, the applications won’t include additional nitrogen for example, so we have a large portfolio which enables us to tailor the support to each crop, farm and field requirements – it’s truly bespoke.”
