The Science

The Science behind Tow and Fert

An OVERVIEW of Foliar applied fertiliser science.

The Tow and Fert system hasn’t redeveloped any agronomic benefit that is new or breakthrough; what it has done is enabled farmers and contractors to access this benefit easily with a very quick return on investment.

The three areas that the Tow and Fert has opened up to farmers and contractors are;

  1. The ability to dissolve any nitrogen based product, but primarily urea to create a plant available liquid
  2. The ability to mix, suspend and apply micro-fine particulate fertiliser.
  3. The ability to reduce thier farm inputs whilst growing the same amount of grass.

Research from around the world, undertaken by third parties have proven these three key benefits to assisting in reduced fertiliser use which has obvious financial and environment benefits – all whilst sustaining DM yield and grass nutrient quality.

In summary, the key reasons for these benefits are;

– Foliar applied urea is more plant available
– Fine particulates are more available in the soil due to surface area

One of our Farmers, Allan Marx, was recently profiled in the Dairy Exporter Magazine on his use of foliar applied fertiliser.

Research Documents and References

Tow and Fert Research; Hokonui Dairies. Which is better? Granular vs foliar fert.

Granular Fertiliser versus Foliar Fertiliser. A Diary Farmer/Contractor, conducted his own research into the benefits of Foliar applied fertiliser with a Tow and Fert.
Download the test results here.

Foliar Applied Urea

Living Water – Fine Particle (Liquid) Application of Fertiliser reduces Urea use by 50% with same grass growth as solid application

Living Water – Literature Review of the Use of Fine Particle Fertilisers and Application Methods
C P Crossley, Agricultural Consultant

Tow and Fert Grassland Foliar Feeding Trial 2016
Kingshay, UK

Urease inhibitor reduces N losses and improves plant-bioavailability of urea applied in fine particle and granular forms under field conditions.
K. Dawara, M. Zamanb, J.S. Rowarthc, J. Blennerhassettb, M.H. Turnbulla,∗

Excerpt from “Urease inhibitor reduces N losses and improves plant-bioavailability of urea applied in fine particle and granular forms under field conditions”
Metalform (Dannevirke) Ltd

Using humic compounds to improve efficiency of fertiliser nitrogen: A Summary
By Metalform (Dannevirke) Ltd 

Micro-fine particulates (eg. Lime)

The reaction rate and residual value of particle size fractions of limestone
M. K. Conyers, B. J. Scott, and M. G. Whitten – Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga, NSW Australia

Particle Size Determines the Efficiency of Calcitic Limestone in Amending Acidic Soil
Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga, NSW Australia

Other Research

Fertiliser Innovations to Improve Efficiency
Dr Bert Quin

Book a FREE on farm demo today

The best way to see if a Tow and Fert is right for you is to put it to the test on your farm during a no-obligation FREE DEMONSTRATION.
Wherever you are in Australia we are happy to come to you to show how your business can benefit from changing to a Tow and Fert.

Call 1300 630 279

The Tow and Fert Growth Hub.

We’re on a mission to better nutrient application practices by empowering farmers to be more efficient, sustainable and profitable.

The Growth Hub is your go-to for  information, support, and inspiration related to foliar applied nutrition.

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