Diversifying crop inputs always makes sense

 

In times of uncertainty, minimize risk by varying nitrogen sources

Diversifying crop inputs is a tried and true principle of good farm stewardship that can help mitigate risk and optimize crop production. In addition to rotating crops and pest control groups for long-term farm sustainability, it’s also wise to vary N sources, as the price and availability of crop nutrients will always be affected by market conditions. The introduction of Encera™ is making that a little bit easier. 

Adding this N-fixing bacteria to a fertility plan can reduce the need for traditionally applied N on average 27%* while maintaining yields, or when applied in addition to a typical fertility program, boost yields and returns even further - by up to 20 percent*. 

Encera is unique among biologicals in how it works. The N-fixing bacteria is applied in furrow or foliar and moves into the plant. It then grows into each cell of the plant as the plant grows - from roots through foliage - allowing it to pull N from the air. This mode of action means the plant gets a steady source of N throughout the season, where and when it needs it.

 

In stressed growing seasons, Encera can make a significant impact on yield, as well as maturity.

When crops are challenged by excessive rainfall, for example, Encera won’t be leached from the soil with other nutrients, because it works from inside the plant cells to fix N. On the flip side, when moisture is in short supply, crop growth can slow as plants manage through the stress and are less efficient in drawing N from the soil. In this case, Encera will already be working inside the growing parts of the plant keeping N levels where they need to be, in spite of the stress. In some cases Encera has also helped crops reach maturity in shorter growing seasons, as more N is available when it’s needed; this gives farmers harvest flexibility, which can contribute to a healthier return.

During times of economic uncertainty, it’s not unusual for the price and availability of crop nutrients to fluctuate. In spite of this, farmers rely on having the right inputs available on the farm at the right time, whether it’s for seeding in the spring, or in-season treatments. Including Encera in a fertility program can give them peace of mind and much-needed flexibility: first, with the opportunity to reduce the need for traditionally applied nutrients without affecting yields, and, second, because it only needs to be applied once, there’s never a concern about missing critical windows of crop development. 

Those are key benefits that Bo Raulerson of Hayti, Missouri has experienced first hand. He has used Encera for the past three growing seasons on his 1600 acres of corn. “It’s good to know that with Encera the plant can hold itself until I get there. You don’t want the plant to suffer because our timing is off. Encera gives me extra peace of mind that the plant is getting the nutrients it needs.”

There’s also no need to worry about the logistical availability of Encera during the busy spring season, as Encera can be delivered by courier directly to the farm.

 

Encera is the only N-fixing bacteria to work from within the plant cells to fix N all season long

• The peak demand for N in corn occurs well after N fertilizers are typically applied
• Encera starts to fix N very quickly and lasts all season long. This is important for early crop establishment and to provide an additional source of N during critical growth periods, helping to manage the risk of N loss due to environmental conditions
• Because the N fixation lasts all season there are key benefits in non-legume crops, such as corn

*in corn trials