Agronomy and variety guide

Nickerson Direct have released a 'Guide to agronomy and varieties for forage maize' discussing soil nutrient status, seed bed preparation and choice of variety. The Guide also has an offer of a free soil analysis for those ordering maize seed from the company.

"The agronomy of your maize crop is just as important as the choice of variety," said Simon Broddle, specialist for Nickerson Direct. "Maize is not a forgiving crop and shortfalls in key nutrients will result in stunted or poor crops – and, ultimately, less silage in the clamp. That is why we have given advice on how to achieve the correct soil nutrient status in the guide and are offering a free soil analysis for all maize growers ordering their seed from us."

The guide also stresses the importance of seed bed preparation – especially important after a season where extended periods of rainfall will have resulted in compaction. The final section gives a list of variety choices for 2008 including tried and trusted varieties, such as Nescio and LG 32.14, as well as the new varieties LG31.81 and Award.

"When choosing your maize varieties, you should grow the latest-maturing variety you can within the constraints of field aspect, soil type and harvest date," advised Mr Broddle.