Fertigation now readily accessible

This is advertiser content for Yara Australia.

GLOBAL crop nutrition leader, Yara, has released a new range of highly soluble NPK compound granular fertilisers that can be applied via 'simple' irrigation systems.

YaraRega fertilisers - derived from the old Norse word for 'rain' - feature a special coating that protects the granules during storage and handling yet dissolves readily in water.

Yara Crop Nutrition Commercial Manager, Paul Eitzen, says the technology means fertigation is now readily accessible to all vegetable and fruit growers.

"YaraRega is a great concept," he said.

"They deliver a balanced and efficient source of essential macro- and micro-nutrients for optimal growth and quality.

"More importantly, they are highly water soluble and can be delivered via macro, micro and overhead sprinklers or furrow irrigation systems.

"This means fertigation is now a practical and cost-effective option for all producers.

"Alternatively, they can be broadcast as a soil application before anticipated rainfall or irrigation.

"We have received great feedback from producers who have already incorporated YaraRega into their management program."

YaraRega 13-2-21 contains a balance of nitrogen (13 per cent), phosphorus (1.75pc) and potassium (20.8pc), as well as the micronutrients, sulphur (9pc), magnesium (0.42pc), boron (0.08pc) and zinc (0.08pc).

"This balance is ideal for crops that require high amounts of nitrogen and potassium but have low phosphorus requirements, such as tree crops and bananas," Mr Eitzen said.

"40 percent of the nitrogen is present as ammonium nitrate, meaning it is available for immediate plant uptake and reducing nitrogen losses caused by volatilisation.

"This can improve fertiliser use efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.

"Another advantage of the low phosphorus content is that it helps to protect water quality in reef catchments.

"As a compound fertiliser, there is no nutrient segregation during shipping, handling or spreading."

Other formulations include 9-0-30 +S and 15-7-13 +S, Mg, boron and zinc.

YaraRega formulations are 99pc soluble, with any residues having a negligible particle size of less than 100 microns.

"By comparison, standard granular fertilisers can contain up to 20 percent 'fillers', coarse and insoluble particles that can block filters and drips," Mr Eitzen said.

"Some others also have special coatings that help to improve their handling or spreading as dry granules but once dissolved in water, these waxes and oils are released into the solution and can create blockages."

"Once added to water, YaraRega dissolves quickly meaning water flow rates are not affected during fertigation.

"Nevertheless, it is not recommended for use in hydroponic irrigation systems."

YaraRega complements the rest of the Yara range, including YaraTera water-soluble NPK crystalline fertilisers for use in hydroponic systems, YaraVita foliar micronutrient fertilisers, YaraLiva calcium nitrate fertilisers, YaraMila NPK compound fertilisers and Yara Liquids fertilisers.

Yara fertilisers are supported by range of innovative decision-making tools to provide a complete crop nutrition solution for all production systems.

"Our objective is to help growers get the very best results from their investment in quality crop nutrition solutions," Mr Eitzen said.

This is advertiser content for Yara Australia.