What has been done to date?
● A second application of 200kg/ha of Humber Palmers 26-2-0-30.5 S (50kg N/ha) fertiliser was applied in mid July.
● Sprays were applied in mid July for broadleaf weed control, aphid control and a foliar spray of trace elements (to include Boron and Sodium).
● A third application of 200kg/ha of Humber Palmers 26-2-0-30.5 S (50kg N/ha) on Plots 3 & 4.
● All plots were also treated for mildew.
Visual differences could be seen in the establishment of the primed seed vs non primed through the growing season. One of the main characteristics of primed seed was better germination, and it is certain that this was the case here. Getting closer to September the difference wasn't so significant.
Table 1. Yield results November 2024
| Treatment | Fresh clean Yield Roots (t/ha) | DM Yields Roots (t/ha) | Fresh Yield Tops (t/ha) | DM yield Tops (t/ha) | Total DM yield/ha (t/ha) |
| Nitrogen + Primed | 109.9 | 18.13 | 56.0 | 6.16 | 24.29 |
| Nitrogen + Standard | 98.67 | 16.28 | 65.3 | 7.19 | 23.47 |
| Primed Only | 91.37 | 15.08 | 52.4 | 5.76 | 20.84 |
| Standard Only | 80.58 | 13.29 | 58.6 | 6.45 | 19.74 |
Yield analysis of the plots was undertaken at the start of November before the cattle started to graze. Results can be seen in Table 1.
As seen in table 1, a clear benefit of late season Nitrogen and also the benefit of primed seed over standard seed with the Nitrogen + primed coming out on top with a total DM yield/ha of 24.29t/ha.
Starting on 9 November, 25 cattle (averaging around 400kg) were transitioned gradually over a period of approx 3 weeks onto the crop. The transition period was important to avoid problems such as acidosis.
Figure 3. Cattle grazing the fodder beet.
What next?
- Another set of samples will be taken in December for dry matter yield and feed analysis. It is anticipated that following the cold snap and snowfall that there will be an impact on the results.
- Cleanliness of cattle will be monitored throughout the grazing period.
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