Traditional dry fertilizer formulations bring challenges with micronutrient distribution, crop accessibility and handling. YaraVita PROCOTE fertilizer treatment, now available at Co-op, addresses these challenges with a more uniform, liquid-applied micronutrient coating.
The micronutrient challenge
Dry fertilizer blends can feature significant variations in micronutrient levels between granules. This translates to inconsistent field coverage and less uniform crop development. Excessive dust can also cause handling issues, while long-term storage can result in moisture damage and reduced ease of flow at application.
YaraVita PROCOTE is a dealer-applied proprietary micronutrient fertilizer coating designed to more evenly and efficiently distribute micronutrients across fertilizer granules, and subsequently, in the field. Product formulations – which include Boron, Copper, Manganese and Zinc, as well as Boron-Copper-Manganese-Zinc and Boron-Manganese-Zinc blends – aid in the development of crop root systems early in the growing season and better water access capability.
Data from the company’s test trials indicate crops treated with YaraVita PROCOTE fertilizer consistently show higher water use compared to foliar micronutrient applications – a benefit at any time, but particularly important in adverse environmental conditions. Its liquid-applied coating also drastically reduces dust, and as a result, the volume of micronutrients lost during handling and transportation.
Five-to-one investment returns
For Tony Hoess, Winnipeg-based fertilizer merchant with Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), the uniform fertility of each YaraVita PROCOTE granule is a unique feature contributing to above-standard crop nutrition. It also conveniently fits within existing grower fertilizer programs.
“You don’t need a lot of micronutrients per acre. By coating each granule and applying it directly to the soil, crops can consistently locate and absorb these essential nutrients,” said Hoess. According to the manufacturer, the increased uptake efficiency provided by more evenly distributed nutrients means micronutrients are “only needed in grams per acre.”
“In Manitoba, we have good yield potential, and we’re not limited that much by poor soils. We have the potential to grow more. Every farmer needs to know their potential, and what the limitations are,” said Hoess.
“The point is maximizing yield and profitability. If you’re growing wheat at 60 bushels an acre, your blends are probably pretty good. At 90 bushels, you’re probably maximizing that standard N-P-K rate. That’s where PROCOTE comes in. It’s just continuing to break those yield barriers.”
Hoess’ experience indicates YaraVita PROCOTE generally results in two to five additional bushels for the cost of one in wheat – a return on investment between two- and five-to-one. Data from the manufacturer shows similar investment returns with canola and corn.
Building fertility
Critically, Hoess stressed pushing the top yield boundary in any crop or soil condition means actively maintaining micronutrient levels.
“You’re feeding your crop. You don’t wait until you’re short of phosphate to apply more. You want to maintain those levels,” he said, adding the different YaraVita PROCOTE formulations help growers address the unique micronutrient needs of each field.
“If you wait for a shortage, you’ve already lost a lot of yield. It’s the same with micronutrients.”
Applying YaraVita PROCOTE to dry fertilizer does require special equipment. With the service available at all three Co-op terminals – Brandon, Manitoba; Hanley, Saskatchewan; and Grassy Lake, Alberta – as well as local Co-op fertilizer plants, interested growers are encouraged to make inquiries with their local Co-op Agro Centre.