Sugar Cane

Liquid nutrition in sugar cane

 

EASY N liquid nitrogen fertiliser is giving cane growers a new way to achieve greater flexibility and control with crop nitrogen management.

EASY N can be applied at any growth stage, commencing from post-harvest and planting, right through to the out-of-hand stage when it is no longer possible to apply granular fertilisers though conventional fertiliser boxes.

It is this flexibility that gives cane growers more control over nitrogen management.

For example, EASY N is ideal for growers considering a split nitrogen application strategy.

In specific instances, it can be used to replace unexpected nitrogen losses during the season, for example when extended wet spells lead to denitrification losses.

EASY N can even be used instead of granular fertilisers at planting where soil phosphorus and potassium reserves are adequate or these nutrients have been applied separately.

It may be particularly valuable in controlled traffic dual row cane crops where hill and soil disturbance must be kept to a minimum.

EASY N contains 42.5% (w/v) nitrogen in the urea, ammonium and nitrate forms and has a lower potential for volatilisation losses than surface applied granular urea.

As a liquid fertiliser, EASY N is also suited to precision application because rates of application can be easily controlled and placement can be very accurate.

Consider EASY N for:

  • Greater flexibility with timing of application
  • The potential to improve nitrogen use efficiency
  • A tactical nitrogen fertiliser application or to match all your crop’s nitrogen needs
  • A high concentration of nitrogen (42.5% w/v)
  • Urea, ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen
  • A lower potential for volatilisation losses than surface applied urea
  • Precision applications
  • Dual row cane crops where soil disturbance must be minimised
  • Applying nitrogen when and where you need it with your own equipment
  • The potential to apply fertiliser and herbicides (through separate lines, tanks and nozzles) in a single efficient pass
  • Bulk on-farm delivery and storage or 1,000 litre containers.

A guide to EASY N in sugar cane

Crop stage EASY N rate Nitrogen applied Application method
Planting 70-120 L/ha (depending on crop requirements and relative placement from the sett) 50-50 kg/ha of nitrogen Target the soil with directed streaming nozzles and avoid direct contact with the billet
Out-of-hand 260-495 L/ha 110-210 kg/ha of nitrogen Apply to the side of the hill with directed solid stream nozzles and spray bars

 

Note: These suggested rates are a guide only. Application rates may be governed by Reef Regulations. Individual nitrogen fertiliser decisions should be based on advice from your local agronomist in conjunction with soil test results, yield potentials and the BSES Six Easy Steps guidelines.

Application directions

EASY N should be directed at the hill (onto the soil or trash) just below the base of the stool using solid streaming nozzles and spray bars.

Target the zone between the base of the stool and the top half of the hill’s height.

Do not use conventional herbicide nozzles, such as flat fans or floodjets. Avoid leaf wetting, which could result in spray burn and increase the potential for volatilisation
losses.

Avoid applying EASY N to the inter-row space, as crop utilisation of nutrients from this area is poorer than in the plant row. Water, from rainfall or irrigation, is also more
likely to pool in this area, increasing the risk of nitrogen loss through denitrification.

At planting, apply EASY N towards the soil next to the billet with a directed streaming nozzle. This is to prevent any burn potential which could occur through direct contact with the sett.

EASY N can also be dose injected into the water in irrigated cane crops. This is a cost effective and efficient method of application when compared with traditional
application techniques.

EASY N can be delivered and stored on-farm in molasses grade tanks (13,600 to 36,000 litres) and it can be stored from year to year on farm. EASY N is also available in 1,000 litre intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

For more information on applying EASY N this season, speak to your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ Distributor.

This is a guide only, which we hope you find helpful as a general tool. While Incitec Pivot Fertilisers has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this guide, it should not be relied on as a substitute for tailored professional advice and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers accepts no liability in connection with this guide. Talk to your local Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Distributor Agronomist about soil testing and arranging a specific fertiliser recommendation that best suits your needs.

® EASY N and EASY PK are registered trademarks of Incitec Pivot Limited.

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers is a business of Incitec Pivot Limited, ABN 42 004 080 264.

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