MAIZE 2021
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1
WELCOME TO OUR 2021 MAIZE GUIDE The UK maize area continues to increase and for 2020 it was estimated to be more than 200,000 ha. Cropping has increased across all maize-growing regions throughout the country, and the South West and West Midlands regions now account for more than half of the total area. Livestock producers appreciate the value of high dry matter yields of high feed-value forage. The crop is an important feedstock in biogas production and the benefits of including maize as a break in arable rotations are widely recognised, particularly as blackgrass control becomes an increasing problem.
A good crop of maize is a cheap crop, whilst a poor crop of maize is very expensive indeed
To achieve the best results it is important to plan ahead and attention to detail at every step of the way pays dividends. A good crop of maize is a cheap crop, whilst a poor crop of maize is very expensive indeed. With the value of varieties such as Prospect topping ÂŁ10,000/ha (covered later in the guide), it is worth giving careful consideration to agronomy, inputs, harvesting and ensiling. The Wynnstay team of experienced and knowledgeable specialists offer advice on all aspects of maize crop production. From choosing the field and variety selection, to crop nutrition and weed control, to dietary and rationing advice, our technical team have got it covered.
Dr. Simon Pope Crop Protection Manager 07990 578545 simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk
CONTACT US Dr Simon Pope Crop Protection Manager
m: 01939 210555 e: simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk
Sophie Farrington - Crop Protection Admin Co-ordinator
m: 01939 211251 e: sophie.farrington@wynnstay.co.uk For enquires please contact a member of our Arable & Forage Team or your Wynnstay Representative.
Joe Wood - Arable Specialist - based at Astley, Shrewsbury m: 07469 854794 e: joe.wood@wynnstay.co.uk
Charlie Dolphin - Arable Specialist - West Midlands, Worcestershire, Warwickshire m: 07775 663088 e: charlie.dolphin@wynnstay.co.uk Tony Morris - Sales Specialist - Worcestershire & the Cotswolds m: 07866 125680 e: tony.morris@wynnstay.co.uk
Steve Jarrett - Regional Sales Manager - Shropshire
m: 07721 390852 e: steve.jarrett@wynnstay.co.uk
Sophie Downes - Sales Specialist - Cheshire m: 07747 625761 e: sophie.downes@wynnstay.co.uk
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t: 01939 211251
North England
Kate Millington - Arable Trader - North Yorkshire m: 07803 623000 e: kate.millington@wynnstay.co.uk
Wales
Bryn Hughes - National Sheep and Beef Specialist South Powys & Monmouthshire m: 07973823396 e: bryn.hughes@wynnstay.co.uk Chris Thomas - Sales Manager - Pembrokeshire m: 07879 841671 e: chris.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk Cefin Evans - Sales Specialist - Ceredigion & North Pembrokeshire m: 07879 841673 e: cefin.evans@wynnstay.co.uk Rhys Williams - Sales Specialist - Carmarthenshire m: 07500 224032 e: rhys.williams@wynnstay.co.uk
Lawrence Couzens - Arable Specialist - South West Wales m: 07766 404571 e: lawrence.couzens@wynnstay.co.uk
SPECIAL OFFERS
Vouchers
ember
2021
Seed
t Dec
until 31s
Grass
Valid
r 2021
e Vouch
£2.50 No: cher
Vou
80
S8210
ORDL
tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www
https:
ember
2021
Seed
t Dec
until 31s
Grass
Valid
r 2021
e Vouch
£2.50
Vou
No: cher
80
S8210
ORDL
tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www
https:
ember
2021
Seed
t Dec
until 31s
Grass
Valid
r 2021
e Vouch
£2.50
Vou
No: cher
80
S8210
ORDL
tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www
https:
For every pack of maize seed* ordered before 29th February 2021 you will receive a voucher worth £2.50 to be redeemed against any of our standard grass seed mixtures *Excludes all Pioneer varieties and game maize
Soil Analysis
Make sure your crop nutrition isn’t the limiting factor
FREE
soil analysis with every 15 packs of Prospect or Gema Seed ordered. (Soil analysis pH, P, K, Mg)
Terms and conditions: Offer valid from 1st November 2020 – 28th February 2021. The voucher can be redeemed on Wynnstay standard grass seed mixtures purchased between 1st March and 31st October 2021. If the maize order is cancelled or the maize seed returned, the voucher will be voided. The voucher cannot be sold or transferred. The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Photocopies and reproductions will not be accepted. There is no cash alternative to the voucher. Wynnstay reserves the right to withdraw or change the offer at any time. For full terms and conditions please visit www.wynnstay.co.uk/promotion-terms-conditions Terms and conditions: Offer valid all season. If the maize seed is returned there will be a charge for the soil analysis. The free soil analysis cannot be sold or transferred. There is no cash alternative to the free soil analysis. Wynnstay reserves the right to withdraw or change the offer at any time. For full terms and conditions please www.wynnstay.co.uk/promotion-terms-conditions
For more information on our current offers please contact your Wynnstay Arable Specialists or call 01939 211251 MAIZE 2021
3
THE VALUE OF A MAIZE CROP Maize can be considered to be an expensive crop to grow, however the high dry matter yield and feed value of the crop offers significant rewards for producers. In the table below we have taken the ME yield/ha from the 2021 BSPB/NIAB descriptive list and used a simple calculation, working with an average milk price of 27ppl, to calculate the difference in value between varieties.
5.3 MJ ME are required to produce 1 litre of milk, therefore…
ME yield (MJ/ha) divided by 5.3 multiplied by the milk price of 27ppl gives a measure of crop value in £/ha VARIETY
Maturity Group
Dry matter content at harvest (%)
ME yield (1000's MJ/ha)
"Est Crop Value £/Ha"
"Est Crop Value £/Ac"
"Diff in value/ha cf PROSPECT" -£309.32
GEMA~
Very Early
36.4
204
£10,353
£4,189.96
CITO KWS
Very Early
37.7
194
£9,867
£3,993.09
-£795.76
EMMERSON
Very Early
37.2
190
£9,624
£3,894.76
-£1,038.76
AUGUSTUS KWS
Very Early
35.7
193
£9,789
£3,961.39
-£874.12
RUBIERA KWS
Very Early
35.5
192
£9,748
£3,944.87
-£914.93
KWS ARTIKUS
Very Early
35.3
204
£10,377
£4,199.53
-£285.66
RGT DUXXBURY
Very Early
35.2
186
£9,439
£3,819.77
-£1,224.06 -£84.51
KWS ARVID
Very Early
35.1
208
£10,578
£4,280.93
AVITUS KWS
Early
34.8
211
£10,724
£4,339.75
£60.83
TROOPER
Early
34.8
198
£10,032
£4,059.91
-£630.66 -£462.31
REASON
Early
34.7
201
£10,200
£4,128.04
KWS CALVINI
Early
34.3
206
£10,468
£4,236.23
-£194.97
GLORY
Early
34.3
197
£9,994
£4,044.34
-£669.14 -£560.89
PEREZ KWS
Early
34.2
199
£10,102
£4,088.15
PROSPECT
Early
34.1
210
£10,663
£4,315.14
£-
YUKON
Early
34.0
197
£9,998
£4,045.93
-£665.20 -£713.43
ES LOVELY
Early
33.8
196
£9,949
£4,026.41
RGT OXXGOOD
Early
33.6
201
£10,219
£4,135.63
-£443.57
AMBITION
Early
33.5
204
£10,369
£4,196.13
-£294.06
ES REMINGTON
Med-Early
33.2
190
£9,661
£3,909.68
-£1,001.88
PINNACLE
Med-Early
33.0
202
£10,263
£4,153.28
-£399.94
LIROYAL
Med-Early
32.9
206
£10,452
£4,229.99
-£210.39
MADONIAS
Med-Early
32.8
202
£10,233
£4,141.42
-£429.24
AUTENS KWS
Med-Early
32.8
202
£10,261
£4,152.67
-£401.46
FIELDSTAR
Med-Early
32.8
206
£10,445
£4,227.13
-£217.48
RGT STEWAXX
Med-Early
32.7
203
£10,305
£4,170.36
-£357.74 -£408.47
RODRIGUEZ KWS
Med-Early
32.7
202
£10,254
£4,149.83
CONCLUSION
Med-Early
32.6
215
£10,921
£4,419.69
£258.34
AURELIUS KWS
Med-Early
32.5
204
£10,363
£4,193.79
-£299.84
ABILITY
Med-Early
32.1
211
£10,715
£4,336.36
£52.44
RESOLUTE
Med-Early
32.1
221
£11,209
£4,536.27
£546.43
GATSBY
Late
31.8
208
£10,569
£4,277.30
-£93.50
BONNIE
Late
31.7
212
£10,742
£4,347.42
£79.77
SY NORDICSTAR
Late
31.6
201
£10,194
£4,125.62
-£468.30 -£132.34
ASGAARD
Late
31.4
207
£10,530
£4,261.58
ABSALON
Late
31.2
208
£10,567
£4,276.45
-£95.60
ES LEGOLAS
Late
30.8
200
£10,149
£4,107.41
-£513.30
FARMUNOX
Late
30.8
212
£10,780
£4,362.76
£117.69
~Data for Gema estimated from BSPB/NIAB trials 2018-19 4
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AVAILABLE FROM
SAY YES TO GEMA
GEMA MAIZE
If you’re looking for a strong, attractive, early maize variety, then say ‘yes’ to Gema. @LGSeedsUK lgseeds.co.uk/gema
Tel: 01472 371471 lgseeds.co.uk enquiries@limagrain.co.uk
MAIZE 2021
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VARIETY PROFILES - VERY EARLY GEMA~
NEW Summary
Superb DM yield, outstanding starch and ME yields from an ultra early harvest
Forage
Strengths • • • • •
Expected to be listed as First Choice on the BSPB/NIAB 2022 List Ultra early maturing (MC12) delivering reliable results in a short growing season Highest DM yield in its class Good standing ability and excellent early vigour Excellent tolerance to Eyespot
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 101.9
6.2
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
213
Good
150
36.4
ACTIVATE** Summary
Extremely high ME content. Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety
Forage
• Very early maturing (MC10) delivering an excellent result in a short growing season • Good cob tip cover • Stays green up to harvest, reducing the risk of Fusarium infection Very high ME content (11.82 MJ/kg BSPB/NIAB 2020) • High starch content and cell wall digestibility • Produces energy dense silage • Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN)
94.0
5.83
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
195
7.7
140
35.5
REASON Summary
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Forage; Plastic
Very Early
Strengths • • • • • • •
Delivers excellent results from an early harvest Good early vigour and rapid crop establishment Suitable for short season growth and marginal sites Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN), with superior feed quality High cell wall digestibility Very high starch and ME yield per hectare One of the highest yielding early varieties available - good returns on the investment
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 100.0
Very Early
Strengths
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
Early maturing (MC10). High dry matter yields of top quality forage. Superb digestibility with assured feeding performance.
Very Early
5.56 t: 01939 211251
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
208
6.0
160
34.7
VARIETY PROFILES - VERY EARLY AUGUSTUS Summary
• Good early vigour • Early maturity • Excellent starch
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
199
6.3
160
35.7
5.84
ARTIKUS Summary
Forage
Very Early
Strengths
Energy dense silage due to high kernel content
• Good early vigour • High starch yield • High ME yield
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 101.0
Very Early
Strengths
Good for short season maize silage production
95.0
Forage
6.0
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
213
5.8
160
35.3
MAIZE 2021
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VARIETY PROFILES - EARLY PROSPECT Summary
High yields with high cell wall digestibility and high starch content to maximise feed performance from an early harvest
• • • • • • •
Excellent early vigour and very good standing power Early maturing and suitable for all maize growing sites Excellent Eyespot tollerance and Fusarium resistance One of the highest ME yielding varieties available Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN), with superior feed quality Extremely high cell wall digestibility Combines highly digestible fibre with a high starch content, to produce superb quality silage 5.9
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
219
7.5
170
34.1
SEVERUS** Summary
Good early vigour, reliable performance and starch yield
Early variety offering exceptional value for money, with a proven track record.
5.7
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
198
7.7
170
33.2
Forage; Plastic
Early
• Good yield from an early maturing variety • Good standing power and disease resistance
100.0
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ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Strengths
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
8
Early
• Good early vigour on all soil types • Stable DM yield • High starch
TEKNI CS*** Summary
Forage; Biogas; Grain
Strengths
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 99.0
Early
Strengths
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 103.0
Forage; Biogas; Plastic
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ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
GOOD
180
33.5
VARIETY PROFILES - EARLY Summary
Combines high dry matter yield with improved cell wall digestibility to deliver high ME yields
AMBITION
Forage; Biogas; Plastic
Strengths • • • • •
Excellent Eyepsot tollerance Good early vigour Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN) Performs well under plastic film High ME yield, high starch yield
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 101.0
5.95
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
213
8.1
180
34.2
AURELIUS Summary
Good early vigour with high yield potential
Early
• High dry matter yield • Performs well under plastic film • Balanced starch and ME content
101.2
Single cross hybrid suitable for moderate to high inclusion in all TMR systems
Forage; Plastic
Strengths
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
Summary
Early
5.6
PASCO***
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
212
4.6
180
32.5
Forage; Biogas
Early
Strengths • • • •
Newly available high yielding variety Ideal for high starch silage for beef finishing Good early vigour Similar maturity to Autens in KWS trials
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
180
P7326# Summary
Earliest of the Pioneer varieties
Forage; Biogas
Early
Strengths • • • •
Suitable for favourable and less favourable sites Good early vigour Good starch yield Fast dry down
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
180 MAIZE 2021
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VARIETY PROFILES - MED-EARLY TO LATE P7034# Summary
Medium early maturing variety with dent grain texture
Forage
Medium-Early
Strengths
• Produces silage with high starch percentage and high starch yield • Dent type starch degrades faster in the rumen. Clamp last and feed first
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
180
KEOPS*** Summary
Single cross flint-dent hybrid, suitable for silage and also suitable for crimped maize in favourable areas
Forage; Biogas
Late
Strengths • • • •
New variety with high grain:stover ratio producing energy dense silage Uniform growth habit and cob height Excellent vigour Suited to CCM, crimping, or high starch silage for beef finishing
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
220
FABREGAS*** Summary
A benchmark variety for AD production since its UK introduction
Biogas
Late
Strengths
• Heavy yield potential • Recommended seed rate 42,000 seeds/ac (105,000 seeds/ha)
Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)
ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)
Standing 1-9
FAO
DM% at harvest
220 ~ position of GEMA estimated from BSPB/NIAB 2018-19 data * Kroft data from 2014 BSPB list ** Data from 2020 BSPB list *** No NIAB data available # Pioneer do not participate in the NIAB/BSPB trial system. Only the two earliest varieties are listed above and the entire Pioneer range is available from Wynnstay. 10
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INNOVATIVE NEW SEED TREATMENT FOR MAIZE KORITÂŽPRO is a new unique seed treatment combination for maize being offered by Limagrain. The treatment has three modes of action, and unlike the standard Korit, which only offers a measure of bird repellency, the new Korit Pro also includes additional fungicide protection, it boosts root development and improves crop emergence.
1. Korit
With the loss of Mesurol, the most effective bird repellent on the market becomes Korit (active ingredient Ziram). Trial work shows it is less effective than Mesurol at preventing bird damage and therefore other measures to reduce the risk should be considered.
2. Sedaxane
Sedaxane protects the plant against attack from the Rhizoctonia pathogen. Infection is favoured by cold and compacted soils and Rhizoctonia causes stem and root rot, damping-off and foliar blight, which can lead to nutrient and water stress resulting in significant field losses. Sedaxane helps by improving root development, which sets the foundation for higher, more consistent yields.
3. Trace Elements
Manganese and Zinc are included in the seed treatment. Placement of these trace elements close to the roots improves crop emergence and establishment through the sensitive 2-6 leaf period.
Zinc is involved in the synthesis of auxins necessary for root development and stem elongation, and the formation of chlorophyll for sustained photosynthetic activity. Zinc deficiency can delay flowering and reduce plant size, increasing susceptibility to disease and ultimately a loss of yield.
Manganese is involved in enzymatic activity, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, nitrate reduction, amino acid and protein synthesis. The new, unique seed treatment combination, with triple modes of action, provided by Korit Pro ensures your maize crop has the best available protection and nutrients for a healthy start to life.
MAIZE 2021
11
FROM FIELD TO FORAGE Field
Forage Agronomists
The Wynnstay business is diverse and supported by knowledgeable and experienced technical staff. The Agronomy team can offer advice on all inputs into the crop to achieve the highest returns
SITE SELECTION
Can make a huge difference to a successful crop
SOIL ANALYSIS
Crucially important when considering crop nutrition
CROP NUTRITION
Maximise crop yield and quality. Independent advice on soil health and crop nutrition programmes
AGRONOMY
Deliver a tailored, cost-effective crop production strategy
VARIETY SELECTION
Take into account soil type, geographical location, agronomic factors and forage requirement
HARVEST
Maximise maize quality by harvesting at the correct stage, ensile carefully and use an appropriate additive
12
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FROM FIELD TO FORAGE Forage
Feed Specialists
Wynnstay’s team of Dairy Specialists and Beef Specialists offer high level technical advice on feeding livestock
HARVEST MANAGEMENT
Specialist advice on the ensiling process
FEED-OUT MANAGEMENT
Minimise losses and waste through spoilage
SILAGE ANALYSIS
Monitor on a regular basis to pick up any variation in feed values
BALANCED RATION
Ensure the ration is correctly balanced, including other forages and supplementary feeds, using established nutritional guidelines
MAXIMISE PRODUCTION
Using the most up-to-date nutritional tools to utilise the starch and digestible fibre in maize to improve animal performance
IMPROVE MARGINS
Use feed cost models to identify ways to maximise margins and increase output from forage maize
MAIZE 2021
13
INFLUENCING CROP PERFORMANCE
WEATHER
The single biggest factor influencing the success of the maize crop is the weather. Rainfall, temperature and hours of sunlight can all have a significant impact on crop maturity, DM yield and feed value. Of course, the weather is completely out of our control, but there are many other factors which we are able to influence and we should give these careful consideration!
FIELD
Choosing the correct site has a surprisingly large impact on the performance of the crop. Maize does not like wet feet so ideally choose lighter, free draining land, which is less likely to have compaction issues. A south-facing aspect is preferred to maximise sunlight hours and heat units for cob development. An exposed site not only suffers from the cooling effects of wind chill, but crops/varieties with weak stems or poor anchorage are also at greater risk from lodging/brackling.
CROP PROTECTION
Rapid establishment is important for a good crop, this can be achieved if there is adequate moisture, a good seed bed, sufficient temperature and adequate nutrition. Maize has the potential to produce a huge yield of forage over a very short period of growth, and to do this the plant must be fed properly, any shortage will restrict early growth and final yield.
CROP NUTRITION
Using a robust and tailored crop protection plan will ensure your maize crop is reaching its full potential. From establishment, to weed and disease control, a full agronomic package will help to achieve high yields and a better quality forage.
VARIETY
Choosing the right variety will maximise the value of your maize crop. Look at selecting early varieties which combine a high DM yield and a high starch yield with exceptional plant digestibility to produce the highest ME yield (MJ/ha).
14
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EVALUATING CROP PERFORMANCE
YIELD
Until recently the highest DM yields were associated with the later maturing varieties. However, advances in breeding have produced early maturing varieties which display equivalent or better DM yields than much later maturing lines. It becomes a much easier decision to grow early and very early varieties knowing there will be no reduction in yield.
MATURITY
The later the maize crop is harvested, the more likely it is that the weather will cause problems. Also, if the intention is to establish a following crop after harvest, the earlier this can be achieved the better the results will be. Given the extremely high performance of some very early varieties such as Gema, they become an obvious choice.
STARCH CONTENT
For many years increasing starch content was high on the list of plant breeders’ priorities, and for many livestock producers this is the main reason forage maize is grown and included in the ration. Plant breeding has moved forwards, and now in addition to selecting for high yields of highly digestible starch, it is recognised that feed value can be significantly enhanced by breeding varieties with improved cell wall digestibility, which in turn, improves total plant digestibility.
METABOLISABLE ENERGY
Metabolisable energy is displayed on the BSPB/NIAB descriptive list as MJ/kg of forage and also as MJ/ ha. The total yield of ME/ha is a function of the DM yield, the starch yield and the cell wall digestibility; as such it provides a very useful indication of the value of a variety to a livestock enterprise. High yields of high feed value forage when fed correctly can reduce the costs of production of meat and milk. A variety with high ME yield per hectare, which is also early maturing, occupies a very favourable position on the BSPB/ NIAB list.
MAIZE 2021
15
CROP NUTRITION- GIVE THE CROP A GOOD START One of the first questions to address relates to your soil and its nutritional status. Do you know the pH and the P/K indices? If the answer is no, then it is advisable to soil sample every field going into maize. The soil pH is fundamentally important to nutrient availability, affecting not only N, P, and K, but also micronutrients. Also, do not overlook sulphur, which for maize, as for other crops, is essential for nitrogen utilisation. The best advice is to accurately establish the pH and P/K indices, to record the amount of muck and slurry applied and to produce an accurate nutrient management plan which takes all of this into account.
FREE SOIL ANALYSIS with every 15 packs of Prospect or Gema Seed ordered. Please see page 3 for full details. Terms and conditions apply.
Nutrients positioned in the root zone are immediately available to the plant
BENEFITS OF STARTER FERTILISER Nitrogen readily available for early growth to aid establishment Ensures the crop has a good start and helps it get up and away, which is reflected in yield potential
Most/all of the crop’s phosphate requirement placed where the roots can find it
• Maize can produce 50T/ha or more over a five month period. Such rapid growth creates a large nutrient demand, which must be adequately satisfied to avoid restricting early development and final yield. • Early root development is key to rapid establishment and nutrient uptake. Poor root growth results in reduced nutrient uptake, which in turn further reduces root development; it is a vicious circle. • In addition to some nitrogen, adequate phosphate is crucial for early root development, and the availability of phosphate to the plant is directly influenced by temperature. • The soil temperature can be low in spring when maize is drilled and the colder it gets the less available the phosphate becomes. For this reason, the placement of nitrogen and phosphate starter fertiliser close to the seed at drilling is usually of great benefit, even if soil analysis indicates adequate indices. 16
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A NOVEL APPROACH TO CROP NUTRITION AND BIOSTIMULATION The timing of nutritional inputs to the maize crop is usually early in the season, either applied to the seedbed pre-drilling, or early post emergence up to the 4- 6 leaf stage. Nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) & potash (K) and foliar applications of micronutrients are important at this early timing to aid rapid establishment and early crop development. However, 30% of the crops requirement for N occurs once tasselling has occurred in late July. By this stage little of the N applied in the spring at sowing, is still available to the plant. Wynnstay agronomists have achieved extremely good results from applications of crop nutrients, biostimulants and fungicides at tasselling. Nitrogen uptake maize Nitrogen uptakein in maize 30% of total Nirtogen requirement occurs 30%after of total Nitrogen requirement tasselling
Tasselling Tasselling
occurs after tasselling
lvs 66 lvs
V6
YieldOn was applied by high-clearance sprayer as an additional treatment to the standard application of micronutrient (Peloton) and fungicide (Vivid).
60 60
40 40
20 20
00
VE VE
V1 V1
V3 V3
N-Durance 28
V5 V5
YieldOn
We have conducted large-scale, split-field comparisons in commercial crops, which have shown an application of YieldOn just before tasselling can produce an increase in cob weight.
80 80
Cumulative uptake %
Cumulative uptake %
100 100
Forage analysis from treated and untreated areas of crops show higher DM%, higher starch % and higher ME were achieved when the crop received an application of N-Durance 28 and fungicide. YieldOn is an innovative product for plant nutrition which influences grain-fill and delivers Nitrogen, Potash, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc.
ref: Zscheischler etet al. 1984 ref: Zscheischler al. 1984
120 120
Wynnstay agronomists recommend a tank-mix of N-Durance 28 and the fungicide Vivid (pyraclostrobin) to boost yield. This is particularly effective in regions where the maize crop is affected by Eyespot. The tank mix is applied just before plants begin to tassel in July.
V6
V7/9 Growth V13Stage VT Growth Stage V7/9
V13
VT
R1 R1
R3 R3
R4 R4
R5 R5
R6 R6
Applying N in the form of protected urea at later growth stages nourishes the plant during a critical period of crop development. Traditionally, N is applied to the seedbed at drilling, but very little remains to fuel the plant during cob development after tasselling. This can impact cob size, kernel number and starch yield, consequently affecting total DM yield and silage quality. If growers had the opportunity to apply fertiliser later in the season they would see the results in the field. But obviously it is not possible to spread granular fertiliser when the crop is shoulder high, which is why an application of liquid foliar N in the form of protected, slow release urea is advised.
The increase in cob fresh weight from treated and untreated areas ranged across sites from 13.9% to 14.3%.
Untreated
Treated
By carefully considering the crops nutrient requirements throughout the entire growing season and applying the right products at the right timings, it is possible to manipulate plant development to improve crop yield and silage quality.
For more information on getting the right nutritional inputs for your maize crop contact your Wynnstay Maize Specialist or call our Fertiliser Team on 01939 211251 MAIZE 2021
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MAIZE SILAGE – PROTECT THE INVESTMENT Getting the best results from your maize crop doesn’t just come from management in the field. Preventing losses in the pit from fermentation and aerobic spoilage is essential. With a high dry matter and starch content, maize silage is prone to aerobic spoilage and the financial value of the losses which result can be quite considerable. This is something which livestock producers, who are looking to make the most out of home-grown forage, will want to avoid – especially as commodity prices are becoming more volatile. Although additives are considered to be an additional expense come harvest, applying the correct inoculant could make a considerable difference to reducing silage losses.
Preservation of silage Typical energy losses from aerobic spoilage on the face & shoulder of maize clamps
Typical energy losses resulting from fermentation of maize 14
14
12
Energy loss %
Energy loss %
12
10
10 8 6
8 6 4
4 2 2
0
0
15 15
19
23
27
31
% DM at harvest
35
39
43
19
23
27
31
35
39
43
% DM at harvest
The preservation of maize silage is similar to that of grass, consisting of a fermentation to produce lactic acid, resulting in a reduction in pH, which preserves the crop and prevents the growth of spoilage organisms. Maize has a high target dry matter (DM) of 32%, which together with a high starch content generally ensures a rapid fermentation. However, the high DM and high starch puts maize silage at risk from aerobic spoilage, so the use of an additive to prevent the growth and colonisation of yeasts and moulds during ensiling and feed-out is essential. Using an appropriate additive such as Wynnstay Corn, DA Ecocorn or Ecocool can help to avoid the losses which occur during both fermentation and aerobic spoilage, including DM losses, reduced ME content and decreased palatability. At approximately £1.20-£1.50 per tonne treated, the cost of an additive is more than outweighed by the value of the silage saved by reducing losses caused by spoilage organisms. In order to maximise this return on investment, it is essential that you are using the right additive for your silage – when it comes to this, there is no one size fits all product. Therefore, I would suggest speaking to your Wynnstay specialist for more advice on additive product choice as we enter into maize harvest season.
For more information on our range of silage additives please contact your Wynnstay Arable Specialist or call 01939 211251 18
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Reduced aerobic spoilage and improved silage clamp life
For consistently better silage
Freephone | 0800 919808 Email | info@ecosyl.com Visit | www.ecosyl.com
ADVERT
Silage additive for maize and wholecrop cereals
For consistently better silage
Freephone | 0800 919808 Email | info@ecosyl.com Visit | www.ecosyl.com
MAIZE 2021
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CROP PROTECTION STRATEGY It is essential to achieve effective weed control early in the crop’s development. To avoid an irreversible effect on yield all weeds should be removed by the four-leaf stage of the crop at the very latest, and before the weeds reach 100 mm in height. There are many considerations relating to strategy and choice of product. Obviously weed spectrum drives the decisionmaking process and factors such as soil type can also be very important. ✔ Predict likely weed problems ✔ Apply residual, pre-emergence chemistry ✔ Assess weed species at germination during very early crop establishment ✔ Aim to remove all weeds before the crop reaches four leaves ✔ Tailor post-emergence herbicides to the weed spectrum present
Pre-emergence
Arguably the most reliable strategy since the herbicides are broad spectrum and the timing is easier to get right. By applying the herbicide before weeds germinate their establishment is almost entirely prevented which is extremely beneficial given the importance of early weed competition. Crop-scorch is often associated with post-emergence treatments, but obviously when the chemical is applied pre-emergence this is not an issue and there is usually little or no crop-effect.
20
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Post-emergence
VS
Extremely good results can be achieved from post-emergence treatments when they are timed correctly. However, the window for application may be missed due to poor weather at the critical time, leading to inadequate weed control and dirty crops. As previously mentioned, crop-scorch can be a significant feature of post-emergence applications. The check to growth is often temporary and the plants recover and grow away, but it would be better if there was no check at all!
MAIZE HARVESTING GUIDELINES Target 32-35% dry matter & 30% starch Ensure ‘corn-crackers’ are employed and are correctly set to crack the grain
Mature cobs on a plant still green to aid chopping and consolidation
Pay attention to good consolidation. Fill the clamp by rolling 20-30 cm deep layers
A short chop aids consolidation and so reduces waste in the pit. A longer chop helps rumen function but is more difficult to ensile well and can result in spoilage losses
Maize silage readily ferments but it is prone to aerobic spoilage. Use an appropriate additive to reduce waste Before sheeting, apply salt worked into silage surface layers (3kg/m2) as a costeffective way to reduce waste from aerobic spoilage
An over-mature crop with bullet-hard grains reduces animal performance, harvest at the correct stage
If an early, severe frost kills the maize plant, harvest within 7 days to avoid deterioration Optimum cutting height is 20cm above ground-level. The stem below this level contains a higher proportion of water and has a low feeding value. If cutting height is too high total crop yield is compromised
1 2
Fill, sheet and seal clamp as quickly as possible. Avoid leaving the face open. If maize silage is fed straight away, a smaller, separate clamp should be created to supply this
3
Keep the pit face as narrow as possible and work across within a week to reduce heating and spoilage
Consider Cross Compliance requirements that soil must be maintained in Good Agricultural & Environmental Condition (GAEC 5: minimising soil erosion) • Maize harvested late in the season, under poor conditions, results in compaction and soil damage causing run-off and soil erosion.
• Grow an early variety to enable the crop to be harvested under more favourable conditions.
• An early harvest will also improve the success of establishing a following crop to reduce surface water run-off and nutrient leaching.
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GROWING MAIZE UNDER FILM The additional costs associated with growing maize under ďŹ lm can be more than covered by the value of the increased DM yield and the increase in starch yield. Drilling under film is a one pass operation; the pre-emergence herbicides are applied, the seed is drilled, the film is laid and last of all the soil between the rows of film is sprayed.
The film acts like a miniature greenhouse, warming the soil and creating ideal conditions for plant growth.
Maize needs a soil temperature of 10oC to germinate and become established. The soil temperature rises quickly under the film, so maize can be drilled much earlier in the year, greatly increasing the length of the growing season. Maize plants develop more rapidly as they have large leaves to capture more sunlight. This results in higher DM yields, higher starch yields and (depending on variety) much earlier harvest.
Growing costs under film are higher than for conventional crops (typically an additional ÂŁ250/hectare, but this is greatly outweighed by the higher crop value generated by elevated DM and starch yields.
Earlier harvest date and more consistently reliable crops when grown under film allows maize to be grown in areas where conventionally grown crops may be borderline.
22
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NEW VARIETIES HELP MAIZE MAKE WELCOME RETURN AFTER 20 YEARS In 2019, Morris Davies who runs a herd of 280 all year round calving cows averaging 9,700 litres took the decision to try growing maize again. “We had grown maize up until 20 years ago, when we decided to expand the herd and needed all the ground for grazing. To be honest it had always been a difficult crop to grow as we are right on the Cardiganshire coast. “We had been feeding grass silage and wholecrop as the main winter forages but as we wanted to increase starch levels and try to boost milk from forage we decided to have another go, with all maize grown on rented land. Cefin Evans from Wynnstay said the new varieties would mean we could expect to get a decent crop if we chose varieties carefully.” In 2019 they chose the well-established LG variety Reason, growing 50 acres under plastic to help ensure the crop got away well and matured in time. “The crop came off well and the cows certainly responded as we were able to feed grass silage, maize and wholecrop. In discussion with Cefin we decided to increase the acreage and also selecting some really early varieties to grow conventionally and compare against the crop under plastic.” This year Morris has grown 30 acres of Reason again under film alongside 40 acres split between Reason, Prospect and Gema which was grown conventionally. “We have been really pleased with how all three varieties have looked during the year. We harvested the Reason
under plastic at the beginning of October and it yielded 1718t/acre. We ran out of maize in July so it is good to get it back into the diet. “The conventional Reason, Gema and Prospect will be harvested by mid-October and I am confident we can feed maize all year round.” All the maize was sprayed with N-Durance 28, which contains protected urea, just before tasselling. Since 30% of the nitrogen requirement of the crop occurs from tasselling onwards, an application of foliar nitrogen at this time helps to build cob yield. In addition to this treatment, half of the crop of Prospect was also treated with Vivid fungicide which reduces Eyespot infection and it has also been shown to improve cob size and grain yield. Cefin Evans comments: “The development of early maturing, high quality varieties means more farmers can look at growing maize, safe in the knowledge it will be harvested in good time and yield well. The application of N-Durance 28 certainly gives the crop a boost and there was a clear difference in disease control and cob size where fungicide was applied. It is this extra attention to detail that pushes crop performance.”
MAIZE 2021
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Call us today on
01939 211251 To find your local specialist, store or for a quote, please visit:
www.wynnstay.co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this booklet are correct, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate information. Current legislation must be checked before entering into schemes. Wynnstay reserve the right to change varieties within the mixtures as required. Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ • Part of Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ Telephone: 01691 828512 Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstayplc.co.uk Registered in England and Wales Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87 Registration No: 5009019 Registration No. 2704051 WN3052