Soil Fertility

Consult your agronomist and take a soil test to insure you have enough fertiliser for higher than normal yield using the Samco System. On stock farms most of the fertiliser is available from Slurry/Farm Yard Manure but usually needs a top up of Nitrogen. All fertiliser must be spread before sowing takes place. It is not necessary to use placement fertiliser at the time of sowing. As soil temperature increases under the mulch film, nutrients become readily available to the plant.

Effect of soil temperature on phosphate utilisation

Soil Temp. Celsius	Availability of Phosphate
13°C	31 %
16°C	43 %
18°C	73 %
21°C	100 %

Correct pH for Maize Root Development is also important when using the Samco System

This chart indicates how pH can restrict the uptake of phosphate.

pH Effect on Phosphate Availability

Soil pH	Phosphate Availability
5 pH	23%
6 pH	46%
6.5 pH	92%
7 pH	100%
8 pH	61%