Secondary Nutrients in Fibrophos

With today's higher yielding crops, deficiencies of secondary elements are often the cause of yield loss. Fibrophos is not just a PK fertiliser. Fibrophos fertilisers contain a wide range of secondary nutrients and important trace elements in significant quantities.

Sulphur in Fibrophos

Fibrophos contains good levels of Sulphur - typically 7% SO3. Sulphur deficiencies are now widespread with much of the country receiving less than 40 kg/ha/year and all too often are detected too late to take effective action. Fibrophos supplies good levels of sulphur, significantly reducing the risk of deficiency and improving both yield and quality in many cases. Regular applications of Fibrophos will supply most of the sulphur required for most situations. Oilseed rape and brassica crops respond particularly well to high levels of sulphur in Fibrophos.

There are several fertilisers which claim to have additional elements included with them but this does not always mean that they are available to the crop. Chemical analysis of Fibrophos has indicated that many of the secondary and trace elements known to be present are in available forms. 

  • SO2 emissions in the UK are set to decrease to 40% of the 1980 level by 2003.

  • 22% of British farmland will be at high risk of sulphur deficiency by 2003.

  • Sulphur is highly leachable and generally does not remain in soil over winter.

  • Sulphur deficiency is the cause of rising leaf spot levels in oilseed rape.

  • Sulphur deficiencies are commonly noticed too late to take action.

Magnesium in Fibrophos

In grassland situations, magnesium improves the feed value of grass and inadequate supplies can lead to grass tetany. Regular applications of Fibrophos (typically 5% MgO) maintain good levels of magnesium in the soil, thus reducing the risk of grass staggers in livestock.

For arable crops, magnesium deficiencies are a problem for potatoes and sugar beet. Other crops can show symptoms - but often too late to rectify. Regular applications of Fibrophos will maintain adequate reserves in the soil thus reducing the risk of yield loss.

  • Magnesium recommendations are generally based on available Mg levels (soil analysis) and are expressed as kg/MgO/ha.

  • Magnesium levels in grass are influenced by application of Nitrogen and Potash.

  • Inadequate supplies of Magnesium in grass can lead to grass tetany.

  • Feeding standards recommend not less than 0.18% Mg in dietary dry matter for milking cows.

Sodium in Fibrophos

Havn't you heard of Fibrophos' Sodium appeal?

Sodium is known to dramatically improve the palatability of grass and maintain a healthy pasture. Cattle and sheep often favour pastures where Fibrophos (typically 3% Na2O) has been applied and the feed value of the grass is enhanced. It is also an important nutrient required for growing sugar beet. Regular applications of Fibrophos help maintain a healthy balance in the pasture.

  • Sodium is measured as Na2O.

  • Uptake of Sodium is stimulated by applications of Nitrogen.

  • Deficiencies occur when herbage levels fall below 0.15% Na.

  • Feeding standards recommend not less than 0.15% Na in dietry matter for milking cows and 0.3% to 0.5% for optimum palatability.

Graph - The relationship between tetany and Na content
Graph - The relationship between K;Na ratio in diet and calving interval in dairy cows

Graph - Rye Grass Pot Trial - Cumulative Dry Weight
Graph - Rye Grass Pot Trial - Sodium Uptake
Graph - Rye Grass Pot Trial - Magnesium Uptake

Calcium in Fibrophos

Regular applications of Fibrophos increase soil pH, improving availability of other nutrients such as sodium and saving on liming costs. The neutralising value (NV) of Fibrophos is 15%.

  • Many grassland areas become acidic unless limed regularly.

  • There is a financial penalty on most crops when pH falls below 6.

  • Agricultural Lime Producers Council recommend 4 million tonnes per annum should be applied in England and Wales - only 2.8 million tonnes are currently applied.

  • It is estimated that only one third of grassland in the UK receives adequate lime.

  • Nitrogen 'uses' lime - 186 kg/ha N needs about 330 kg lime/ha (as AN).

  • Lime can be leached - estimated at between 500-1250 kg/ha lime per annum.

[ Home ] [ What is Fibrophos ] [ Specification ] [ Phosphate ] [ Potash ] [ Secondary ] [ Trace ] [ Grassland ] [ Arable ] [ Spreading ] [ How to Buy ] [ Contact ]