Carlisle Maize Trials Target Ways to Maximise Crop Production – British Dairying
growers and contractors from across the North West had an insight into the latest varieties and growing techniques... ...
More than 60 maize growers and contractors from across the North West had an insight into the latest varieties and growing techniques when Hutchinsons opened the doors to its Carlisle Regional Technology Centre this autumn.
It is the 13th year that the Fisher family has hosted maize trials at Smalmstown Farm, Cumbria. These are tailored to finding new ways to maximise the output of maize grown under film and open ground in the more marginal growing conditions often experienced in northern and western parts of the country.
“Although conditions were generally good this year, the climate in this area can be less conducive to warm-season crops,” explains Hutchinsons Agronomist Jim Clark.
“Up here, many growers establish maize under film to mitigate some of the early season risks from cooler temperatures in spring, but the technique creates its own challenges and requires considerable investment, so maximising crop output is vital to secure the future of maize growing in such areas.”
The maize plots were harvested around the end of September into early October, and yield and quality results will be available before the year end. “Most growers up here were happy with how their maize per-formed last year and how the crop is looking in the clamp.
“We are also seeing some new growers moving into maize as they look for a cheaper forage option to grow in response to the higher fertiliser and input costs of other crops,’ says Jim.
Variety plots
With over 17 varieties on display both under film and in the open, visitors to the trials day had plenty of opportunity to look at the performance of established and new varieties showcasing a range of early to late maturities.
The trials demonstrated the latest varieties under film from a range of leading plant breeders including Germinal, Corteva, Bayer, Limagrain, RAGT and Elsoms. The open plots demonstrated the latest varieties from Limagrain, RAGT and Pioneer.
“The biggest variety up here for Hutchinsons continues to be P7034 from Corteva (Pioneer),” says Jim.
“It is a consistently good all-rounder and has the dent-type grain that has been bred specifically for the cooler maritime locations found in the UK. It also delivers a good fresh and dry weight yield with high starch levels that are more rumen-degradable and allow shorter clamp to feeding time.”
“Many growers establish maize under film to mitigate some of the early season risks.”
“There are also some newer varieties of interest; P7179 is a new open or under film early variety from Corteva. It is currently registered in Europe, and should be available in the UK next year. Bayer’s DKC 3218 shows appeal as an early driller; it’s a big plant type, big cob and early to mature. Germinal’s variety, Cardif, is an early alternative which is vigorous at peri-emergence, and produces a bigger plant with good cobs and early maturity. It has always been in our top three performers in the Carlisle trials and is exclusive to Hutchinsons in the North of England”
Narrow film discussion
One feature that generated particular interest among visitors was the trial of crops established under a new narrow-row version of a 100% starch-based film, Samco Bio, which is now in use across Europe.
Although the maize plants did well under this film, with an upfront cost of around 20% more than conventional wide row film, Mr Clark acknowledges that the system is more expensive.
“If we were to find ourselves where starch-based films become standard, as is the case in Europe, at least we are one step ahead and have tried and tested it in advance. We will continue to test new growing techniques.”
Nutritional boost
Starter fertilsers continue to show a benefit; for the third year running in trials, plots of P7034 were sown on 10 April under Samco Oxo Bio film using a specially modified drill fitted with a micro granule applicator.
The starter fertilisers compared were ammonium phosphate-based Primary-P and Biolite.
“We’ll know more once yields have been analysed, but so far we’re definitely seeing similar results in terms of crop development to last year, when plots that received the starter fertiliser established quickly and looked physically bigger than untreated maize,” says Jim.
“Starter fertilisers could also negate the risk of root scorch occurring when granular fertiliser is applied down the spout and sits too close to the seed. It is a particular risk in rough, dry seedbeds where fertiliser does not dissolve, so scorches developing roots,’ he says.
“Starter fertilisers could negate the risk of root scorch.”
“We are also seeing really positive results with crops maturing as much as a week early, where late applications of liquid release nitrogen Ndurance, is applied at the 8-10 leaf stage.
“This is usually about the end of June / beginning of July and has become common practice on most maize grown in Cumbria and South West Scotland.”
Undersowing work in progress
Another popular talking point was the trial looking at undersowing maize with grass to reduce erosion and build soil health. The technique is increasingly popular, as farmers are more reluctant to leave soils bare overwinter and also recognise the value of additional grazing it offers.
Top tips for undersowing:
- If undersowing for grazing, use Westerwold Italian ryegrass mix between the maize rows at 15-22kg/ha eight weeks after drilling.
- If undersowing for soil health benefits and to prevent erosion, use fescue or amenity grasses as they have good deep rooting and also shallow surface rooting to hold onto the soil. The seed rate can be lowered to 10kg/ha.
- Always drill to moisture.
- Broadcasting or drilling both work, as long as there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
- Consider the longer term impact from sulfonylurea herbicides which could adversely affect grass establishment.
If applied pre-emergence, too close to the emerging crop, there can be an impact on the crop, as the half life of the residual continues to work. This is particularly the case if it’s dry at application, and then it rains later on, as the moisture activates the residual.
High seed demand
Demand for maize seed in the UK has continued at an all time high for the past few years and is likely to remain so for 2023, says Peter Brundle, Hutchinsons Seed Manager for the South.
“However, suppliers have fewer varieties they can sell in the UK due to Brexit registration requirements. EU demand remains firm due to high cereal prices and improving ethanol margins,” he explains.
“Seed production was also difficult in Europe last summer, raising further concerns about seed availability for the UK market. So seed suppliers will be tight, particularly for later maturing varieties (FAO 220-240).
“The global pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains and cause inflationary pressures including freight and haulage price increases,” Peter adds.
“The above factors point to a rise in maize seed prices, possibly around 20% per pack depending on variety and supplier, and may result in some suppliers bringing in stocks early.
“Seed treatments Redigo M (prothioconazole + metalaxyl) and Korit (Ziram 420 g/l) will be the standard seed treatments for 2023, although Korit will be banned in 2024.”
Find details on seed supply with Hutchinsons here: https://www.hutchinsons.co.uk/products/seed/
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