Introduction

With the recent Olympic Games still fresh in our minds, we can liken the maize plant to a 100-metre sprinter. There are many characteristics that align between a maize plant and a 100-metre sprinter. Maize is inherently a fast-growing crop, but with the new genetics of ultra-fast cultivars, maize is being bred even faster. We have learned that maize establishes its yield potential very early in the season, with ultra-fast cultivars potentially doing so as early as the V3 growth stage. This is an extremely early stage in the maize plant’s life cycle, and with this critical information, we understand that the start of the maize plant is just as crucial as it is for a 100-metre sprinter. The maize plant, or the athlete, can be the best, the fittest, and have the best genetics, along with the best training, but if they stumble at the start of the race, they will not perform to the best of their ability. When the starting gun goes off, everything must be right from the beginning to achieve the best start. The photos below show how early the maize plant begins to form and develop the ear and cob.

Kynoch Opti-Start

The Opti-Start principle is a holistic approach to crop production followed by Kynoch because crop nutrition is only a part of the total success; therefore, much focus is placed on the agronomic aspects of farming to provide the best start for maize. Yield is primarily driven by three main factors: climate, crop, and soil. The producer does not control climatic factors but can create the best potential to better handle stressful weather conditions. Crop factors include cultivar choice, planting depth, plant density, row width, crop rotation, weeds, and pest control. Soil factors such as soil type, tillage, seedbed preparation, and water and salt management must also be considered. Once all the agronomic elements are in place, plant nutrition will come into play. The “4R” principle is applied when deciding on the best fertiliser option; in other words, the (a) right source, (b) right place, (c) right rate, and (d) right time. All these four components must be in place to achieve improved fertiliser efficiency.

Kynoch Start-Up Products

As maize start-up within a given season is of cardinal importance, it is essential to use the right products in the right place. Kynoch offers a wide range of specialised high-quality products scientifically formulated to give maize the best possible start. Kynoch provides producers with a technologically-driven stabilised urea granule fertiliser (KynoPlus®) with reduced loss, and also safer for use in planting mixtures. The ULTRA® range provides essential micro-elements (on each granule) that further enhance potential and start-up. The Miracle range has an improved potassium source, plus additional sulphur and silicon, and the CASUMA® range contains secondary elements that are essential for a good start. Consult your Kynoch agronomist for guidance on tailored products to support seedlings, stimulate root growth, and protect seedlings against early stress conditions (such as cold and wet weather); in other words, a better start akin to that of a stronger athlete.

Kynoch offers improved efficiency through innovation. This includes a range of well-considered products from the basic level to high-added technology, as well as prompt and dedicated service. Your satisfaction is important to us. For more information, contact your Kynoch representative and/or agronomist on 011 317 2000 or info@kynoch.co.za. Compiled by Jason Sparrow (SACNASP No: 400202/11)  and Edward Dwyer (SACNASP No: 148614), Kynoch agronomists, Northern Cape.

KynoPlus® K8024 (Act 36 of 1947) 

Ultra Starter® K9001 (Act 36 of 1947) 

Kynoch Fertilizer (Pty) Ltd Registration Number: 2009/0092541/07

Kynoch – Improved Efficiency through Innovation

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In order to optimize crop yield and quality, post emergence, it is important to “scout” fields and orchards to determine if any risks can be managed that could impact adversely on crop yield and quality. These risks could include detrimental pest thresholds, competition for nutrients and water by weed pressure, water stress (too little or too much) conditions due to abiotic factors. The combination between different physical soil types and effective soil depth can have an effect on achieving sustainable crop production, for e.g. shallow sandy soils, stratified soils, high clay content with problematic water infiltration and soil compaction (tillage), to mention just a few.

The below NDVI images (Fig 1) are good examples of in season variation in crop growth, in this case winter wheat, favorable crop growth (green areas) vs poor crop vigour in the red areas.

There are two causes of poor crop vigour in the red areas 1) weed pressure and 2) soil compaction.

When remote images are collected from a specific field, the next actions are:

• Zone definition for input management (Herbicides, Fungicides, Pesticides, Biostimulants (KynoKelp, KynoFulvate Yellow), fertiliser differential application (Kynoplus+S) and foliar sprays (Oemff products)
• Ongoing risk management by monitoring temporal change
• Targeting of sampling (soil and tissue)

Application of NDVI data

The application of the information would be to identify the management zones in Figure 1 and act accordingly to mitigate crop production risk. The implications of herbicide resistant ryegrass have far reaching implications on the production of wheat specifically, as reported by Ferreira M, I. et.al, 2015. They found that Lolium spp. acts as an inoculum for the soil borne pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum (cause of Fusarium crownrot). The authors have suggested, crop smothering, as part of conservation farming to suppress herbicide resistant ryegrass and simultaneously reduce the occurrence of crown rot.

As mentioned before, it is important to extend the “scouting” operation by a Kynoch Agriculturalist or Kynoch agent in the field and to determine the extent of the variation as in the figures above. The importance of field inspection, before NDVI images are interpreted, can therefore not be over emphasized.

Chris Burbidge 2024

References

Ferreira M.I. et.al. 2015. Morphological identification of the ryegrass hybrid Lolium multiflorum x Lolium perenne and isolation of the pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum in the Western Cape

Mulders M.A., 1987. Remote Sensing in Soil Science. Technology and Engineering

Compiled by: Chris Burbidge – Agriculturalist Kynoch – August 2024

KynoFulvate Yellow® M261 (Act 36 of 1947)

KynoKelp® M314 (Act 36 of 1947)

KynoPlus® K8024 (Act 36 of 1947)

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As a wheat farmer in South Africa, you understand the importance of optimal soil preparation and fertilisation for a successful harvest. Soil testing and targeted fertilisers are crucial components of this process, helping you identify and address nutrient deficiencies to ensure healthy plant growth. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to optimise your wheat farming operations.

Soil Testing: The First Step

Soil testing is the foundation of optimal “nutritional” soil preparation that should be done well in advance. It helps you determine the soil’s fertility status (including pH, cations, and phosphorus content, sulphur content, acidity, and silt and clay content, aka texture; as well as all trace elements), enabling you to make informed decisions about correctional fertiliser applications prior to planting, as well as the best suitable fertiliser to apply during planting. The latter will be determined by the soil status, as well as the crop demand, linked to expected yield potential. In the winter rainfall area of South Africa (Western Cape), it is also very important to measure the rock and coarse fragments in the soil sample. According to the Agricultural Research Council, soil testing every 3-5 years is recommended to monitor changes in soil health and adjust your management strategies accordingly (Agricultural Research Council, 2022). Kynoch advises testing every 3 years.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Wheat Farming

Wheat crops require a balanced mix of nutrients to thrive. In general, some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in wheat farming include:

1. Nitrogen (N): Essential for plant growth and development, nitrogen deficiency can lead to stunted plants, reduced yields, and poor grain quality.
2. Phosphorus (P): Crucial for root development, phosphorus deficiency can result in reduced plant growth, poor water uptake, and decreased yields.
3. Potassium (K): Important for plant water balance and disease resistance, potassium deficiency can lead to weakened plants, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to disease.
4. Trace elements: Depending on soil conditions, deficiencies of micro-elements could be expected. If the soil is acidic, elements like molybdenum could be deficient; if the soil is sandy, elements like copper, zinc, boron, iron, and manganese could be deficient. If the soil is alkaline, basically all trace elements, except molybdenum, could be deficient.
5. Soil acidity: Wheat is very sensitive to soil acidity (expressed as acid saturation). It is imperative for wheat production to try and keep acid saturation at less than 1%. The only way to neutralise acidity is by applying agricultural lime, whether dolomitic or calcitic (depending on the soil’s calcium-to-magnesium ratio). Lime could be obtained from dedicated lime supplying companies.

Targeted Fertilisers: Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Targeted fertilisers are designed to address specific nutrient deficiencies, providing your wheat crop with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Mostly, some serious elemental deficiencies identified through the soil analysis done prior to planting could be rectified before planting by targeted fertilisers containing phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium. An element like nitrogen will always be applied during planting, with the remaining portion applied just before planting (pre-plant application), or as a top dressing 4 to 6 weeks after emergence. The planting blend, consisting primarily of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, will be made up of different ratios according to crop preference and soil conditions. For instance, in the Vaalharts-irrigation scheme, a 7:3:3 or 2:3:2 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser is popular. In the dry-land summer rainfall areas, a 4.1.0 or 8.2.1 N:P:K-ratio fertiliser could be used. In the winter rainfall area, MAP is a popular option.

Reputable Resources for South African Wheat Farmers

For further guidance on soil testing, nutrient deficiencies, and targeted fertilisers, consult the following reputable resources:

1. Agricultural Research Council – Small Grain Institute (ARC-Small Grain Institute)
2. Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (FERTASA)
3. NviroTek Laboratories ((link unavailable))

You can find more information on these resources through online searches or by consulting with local Kynoch agricultural experts and extension services. Other laboratories in South Africa could also be found online.

Conclusion

Optimising soil preparation and fertilisation is critical for successful wheat farming in South Africa. By understanding the importance of soil testing, identifying common nutrient deficiencies, and applying targeted fertilisers, you can ensure healthy plant growth, improved yields, and enhanced grain quality. Remember to consult reputable resources for guidance and support, helping you make informed decisions for your wheat farming operations.

Note:

1. The article is written in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to understand, and is based on reputable sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or technical guide, but rather a helpful resource for South African wheat farmers and producers.
2. Wheat production and practices for the summer and winter rainfall areas differ from one another. Please note the differences in reference sources.

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