Growth regulators are a vital part of intensive farming in cereals. Apart from the choice of the correct variety and a needs-based N fertilisation, they are an important instrument to avoid lodging. If this is not achieved, the harvesting costs increase dramatically, and the losses in yield and quality reduce the profit considerably. However, growth regulators intrude in the yield physiology. In connection with stress and unfavourable environmental factors, much damage can be caused in the crop stand.
The selection of the correct amount to apply is thus extremely important. As for the nitrogen application, the following is also true for the haulm stabilisers: the correct amount at the correct time at the correct place. Differences can be recorded with the YARA N-Sensor and thus plant stands protected with growth regulators according to their needs.
Growth regulator application with the YARA N-Sensor
When working with the YARA N-Sensor haulm stabilisers are applied using the following principles: vigorous, strong and well fed/ supplied plant stands need maximum protection and obtain higher doses of growth regulators. Thin, sparse and stressed plants require, however, only slight, if any protection. In the worst case the already low yield would be further reduced by too high doses.
Using this working principle (see left) the growth regulators are sensibly distributed, whilst farmers can sink the amount needed to be applied.
Measurement
In order to carry out a variable growth regulator application, the N uptake of the plant stand is first recorded. In this way it is possible to differentiate between densely and sparsely stocked stands, as well as between plants that are weakly and strongly supplied with nitrogen. The YARA N-Sensor does not just react to differences in biomass.
Calculation
The differences measured by the YARA N-Sensor are transferred to the Precision Farming Box. The optimal application amount can then be calculated with the help of the growth regulator module.
Firstly an agronomic calibration is necessary. Farmers can use their own experience here. Or they work with the integrated query scheme integrated in the growth regulator module by proplant expert. Information about the variety, EC stage, conditions for use, water availability, and date of sowing enable a precise recommendation to be made for the selected substance on the respective location.
Precepts
During the field crossing, the calculated recommendations are transferred to the sprayer within seconds. The larger the regulatory area is of the sprayer, the better the farmer can react to differences in the crop stand by applying more or less growth regulator.
Effects
The effects of the variable growth regulator application have been investigated in long-term trials. Already in 2002 the first trials were carried out – together with practitioners- in the use of the differentiated use of Moddus with the YARA N-Sensor. These were continued constantly. Since 2007, it has been possible to work with the software module growth regulator. The whole effects through savings of growth regulator and increased yield lie between 25 €/ha and 80 €/ha.