Trial data and economic returns
To verify the results seen overseas, field trials were conducted across Australia in 2023 at sites in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.
In a small plot replicated wheat trial conducted by Cummins Ag in South Australia, equivalent rates of urea plus or minus Utrisha® N applied at tillering were compared to develop a yield response curve. This curve (Image 1) shows a contribution from Utrisha® N equivalent to approximately 30 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare. A similar result was seen with the work conducted by Cummins Ag in canola. (Image 2)
“These are positive dose response curves and show Utrisha® N is effective at supplying supplemental nutrition to the crop above the conventional N application,” Mr Cornally said.
A field-scale trial in Calingiri, WA, was conducted to determine if using Utrisha® N in conjunction with Flexi-N® increased grain yield in wheat. All treatments, including the Nil plots had an application of 70L/ha of Flexi-N as a base treatment. Treatments were applied as a top-dressing at GS32 growth stage of wheat.
Yield maps (Image 3) show the reduction in variability across the paddock with different treatments: nothing (Nil) applied as a top dress; Flexi-N at 30L/ha; Flexi-N at 30L/ha plus Utrisha® N at the recommended rate; and Flexi-N at 45L/ha plus Utrisha® N at 1.5 times the recommended rate.
Average wheat yield across 16 replications from Flexi-N alone was 3.11t/ha, compared to 3.27t/ha where Utrisha® N was added. This was a statistically significant yield increase of approximately 5%. (Image 4)
“While individual results will vary due to rainfall, background nutrition, grower programs and other factors, close to 100 small trial and farm demonstrations have been conducted across Australia to verify yield and quality gains provided by Utrisha® N in a variety of domestic crops and conditions,” Mr Cornally said.
“What we’ve seen is Utrisha® N performing as we would expect, based on the results of overseas experience, where it has been established in the market for some time.”
