GLOBAL crop nutrition leader, Yara, has released a flexible banana crop nutrition solution for all application methods.
This new range, YaraRega is a water-soluble NPK compound fertiliser that can be either fertigated or broadcast under the leaf canopy, giving the grower flexibility and confidence that it can apply important nutrient on time in all weather conditions.
Featuring a special coating that protects granules during storage and handling, YaraRega fertilisers dissolve readily in water for easy and efficient application using macro, micro and overhead sprinkler irrigation systems.
Alternatively, they can be broadcast as a soil application before anticipated rainfall or irrigation.
Yara Crop Nutrition sales agronomist - North Queensland, Tony Dyne, said the fertiliser is ideal for tropical horticultural crops, such as bananas.
"YaraRega is a great concept," he said. "You can either fertigate it in the dry season or spread it during the wet season, which means you only need one fertiliser for most of the year.
"We have received great feedback from customers who have already used it."
YaraRega 13-2-21 contains a balance of nitrogen (13 percent), phosphorus (1.75%) and potassium (20.8%), as well as the secondary nutrients, sulphur (9%), magnesium (0.42%) and micronutrients, boron (0.08%) and zinc (0.08%).
"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 Dyne said.
"All 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."
A second formulation, YaraRega 9-0-30 (14), will become available later this year.
All YaraRega formulations contain less than one percent insolubles when dissolved in a 10% stock solution.
"By comparison, standard granular fertilisers can contain up to 20 percent 'fillers', coarse and insoluble particles that can block filters and drips," Mr Dyne said.
"Others 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.
"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, and YaraMila NPK compound fertilisers.
- Visit: www.yara.com.au
