The role of foliar feeds and tissue diagnostics for improving maize nutritional quality

The Bowyer family aim to reduce bought in feeds by maximising home-grown forage to feed their flock of crossbred ewes and weanling cattle which are purchased to finish on farm. Their flexible arable rotation varies, including maize, whole crop peas and barley, winter and spring barley and winter wheat, with cover crops being sown in front of spring crops.

With production costs increasing, it's important for farmers to maximise their yields to get the most out of their crops. Several elements can influence a crop's growth potential, such as soil conditions, climate, weed management and crop nutrition.

This trial will investigate whether applying foliar feeds to enhance nutrient levels in maize can lead to increased yields and improved feeding quality. To determine the deficiencies or imbalances in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Boron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, tissue test analysis will be carried out. Depending on the results, the field will be split into trial plots to tackle each deficiency or imbalance identified. The cut and weigh method will be used to determine the yield.

This project will contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:

• Resource efficiency
• Clean water
• Resilient ecosystem