BCG to showcase fluid phosphorus trials at Main Field Day

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element predominantly used by most crops in the first six weeks of growth and development. With P fertiliser prices at record highs, it is important for farmers to discuss how to maximise potential productivity and dollar returns from P use.

This will be a major point for discussion during BCG’s "Changing Climate, Changing Practices" Main Field Day trial tour program when farmers visit the phosphorus trials.

Crop responses to P can be influenced by seasonal conditions, sowing time, and soil type. One of the trials at the BCG main site has been designed specifically to identify certain seasonal conditions that may influence a phosphorus response when the soil P level, as per soil test, is adequate.

Rob Christie (Incitec Pivot) and Simon Craig (BCG) will discuss how the time of sowing (early versus late) and soil conditions (dry versus wet) have influenced crop growth and development this year. Fluid P products are also being trialled in comparison to the granular form of P at various rates. Interest in fluid P products has definitely increased over the past few years as the price of granular P has increased.

Sean Mason (The University of Adelaide) will also talk about some exciting new technology being trialled to measure available phosphorus and micro-nutrients in Australian soils. Initial testing has shown that this technology known as Diffusive Gradient Thin-Films (DGT) is more accurate compared to other soil tests for available P therefore has the potential to provide greater confidence in accurately predicting P fertiliser requirements. Sean Mason speaking at the 2007 Main Field Day

BCG Extension Manager Fiona Best said, "To access all of this information and be part of the discussion sessions, all farmers are encouraged to attend the Main Field Day on Thursday 11 September at Doran's Property, Curyo, 30km north-west of Birchip on the Sunraysia Highway."

Breakfast will be available on site at 8.30am with trial tours commencing at 9.30am sharp. Entry for BCG members is FREE for non members $25.

For further enquiries, please contact BCG on (03) 5492 2787 or info@bcg.org.au.

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