Boron, nutrition boost all in one

A compound granule that gives crops a nutrient kick-start of DAP fertiliser while treating boron deficiency at the same time has been launched.
Marketed as cropzeal DAP boron boost by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, the new compound fertiliser product delivers DAP (diammonium phosphate) and boron in uniformly sized granules.
Ballance is importing the high-specification product as a starter fertiliser chiefly for the brassica market, but it has potential in other cropping scenarios such as lucerne and seed crops, and for fodder beets.
Boron is a common trace element used to treat and prevent the disease brown heart in crops such as swedes, turnip, and kale. Brown heart is commonly identified as brown rot in the middle of the stem due to boron deficiency in the soil, however too much boron is also a problem.
"Farmers want to pinpoint the precise nutrients they require and deliver them with an accuracy," Ballance product development manager Tim Beere said.
"This product development is particularly exciting for the brassica market, and any other crops where boron deficiency is a threat."
Unlike blends of DAP and boron, cropzeal DAP boron boost granules each contain the same ratio of nitrogen, phosphate and boron nutrients, so farmers have assurance of what each plant is receiving when they are direct drilling.
Cropzeal DAP boron boost can be included in product mixes with higher rates of boron blended if necessary.C
Calculators which analyse crop yields, based on a range of key indicators, such as the location of the crop, soil fertility, sowing and grazing dates have been released to assist with these decisions.
Ballance's kale calculator, widely used in the market, has now been adapted for use with swede and turnips.