An early application catches most yield

Delaying the application of silage aftermath fertilisers by just one week can reduce second cut silage yields by up to 6%, claims KW Alternative Feeds national fertiliser manager Ian Moseley. And he urges all producers to apply fertiliser as soon as possible after crop removal to avoid hefty yield penalties.

"Unless weather or field conditions prevent you from doing so, aftermath fertilisers must be applied within 24-48 hours of harvesting," insists Mr Moseley. "It's absolutely critical to get the right fertiliser on the field at the right time if you're going to maximise second cut yield and quality.

"Aftermath applications shouldn't be seen as a secondary job to be fitted in once you've recovered from silaging. Treat it as part of the silage making process, and keep pushing until the whole job is done. Then can you relax, knowing you've given second cut the best start possible."

The following table highlights the yield penalties from delaying fertiliser applications to silage aftermaths.

Days after cutting crop Yield reduction

1 day 0%

8 days 5.9%

15 days 13.3%

22 days 15.2%

Source - Yara