Why use L-CBF BOOST on maize

1) To account for yield potential above 40 t/ha

Maize efficiently uses applied nitrogen. However, rates are limited in RB209 to a yield of 40t/ha when many crops in the UK perform better than this. The Maize Growers Association (MGA) is gathering data to justify higher nitrogen levels, but there is insufficient evidence to exceed RB209 guidelines without completing the MGA’s nitrogen predictor form.

Applying L-CBF BOOST maximises the nutrient use efficiency of any applied nitrogen and the soil nitrogen supply, allowing for additional nitrogen supply for high-yielding crops.

2) Maximising additional available nitrogen from soil organic matter

Many maize crops are grown in fields with a history of applying large amounts of organic manure. The availability of nitrogen from this source is dictated by the health of the soil biology, which is greatly affected by the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the soil.

Most soil microorganisms have a C:N of 8:1. However, they also use carbon as a source of energy in respiration, which is why 24:1 is so essential. A soil microbe’s version of a well-balanced meal is 16 parts carbon for energy and eight parts carbon, with one part nitrogen for maintenance.

Table 1. Average carbon-to-nitrogen ratios

The C:N ratio must be considered when creating the conditions for thriving microbial life and maximising the additional available nitrogen (AAN) from soil organic matter (SOM).

Summer-growing crops like maize greatly benefit from the soil nitrogen supply. This is because N mineralisation is at its greatest during the summer months when soil temperatures increase the activity of soil microbiology.

Providing a carbon source creates the right conditions for soil microbiology to thrive, increasing the overall available nitrogen at the most important time for crop growth.

A Northamptonshire growers experimented with a split field of L-CBF TERRA FED* on a field of KWS Extase winter wheat with their spring nitrogen programmes**. Soil samples were analysed in May, revealing a startling increase in soil mineral nitrogen and crop nitrogen levels in the L-CBF treated part of the field.

*L-CBF TERRA FED has the same soil health benefits as L-CBF BOOST, without the additional urea included in L-CBF BOOST

**indicative of the soil health impact benefits to be found in maize

3) Making nutrients available at the right time for the crop

When maize grows above the boom or spinner on fertiliser spreaders, the ability to apply fertiliser is curtailed, but the growing crop still has nutritional requirements.

The peak nitrogen demand for maize is during its period of rapid growth, which can be some weeks since any nitrogen fertiliser has been applied, further increasing the importance of AAN.

By applying L-CBF BOOSTÔ at planting and again around V5-V8, soil microbes will continue to make nutrients available to the growing plant when they can’t be physically applied, helping to create a healthier plant and increase yields.

Field trials conducted by the MGA investigating the value of biostimulants in maize have shown a consistent benefit over three years at their Wiltshire site.

Trials data points to a universal nutrient improvement with the addition of L-CBF BOOST.

Studies conducted by QLF Agronomy in 2020 and 2021 highlight how L-CBF BOOST capitalises on N use efficiency and unlocks the remaining primary, secondary, and micronutrient abilities.

QLF Agronomy Research compared a blend of 10% L-CBF BOOST (4-0-3-2) and 90% Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN 28%) instead of a full rate of UAN 28%. Six-inch depth soil samples were acquired in a grid pattern before applying fertiliser. Samples were retaken two weeks later and evaluated to the first set of soil samples exercising Haney’s Soil Health Test Procedure.