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;
- The ability to dissolve any nitrogen based product, but primarily urea to create a plant available liquid
- The ability to mix, suspend and apply micro-fine particulate fertiliser.
- 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
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
Using humic compounds to improve efficiency of fertiliser nitrogen: A Summary
By Metalform (Dannevirke) Ltd
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
Micro-fine particulates (eg. Lime)
The reaction rate and residual value of particle size fractions of limestone Particle Size Determines the Efficiency of Calcitic Limestone in Amending Acidic Soil
M. K. Conyers, B. J. Scott, and M. G. Whitten
2020, Agricultural Research Institute, PMB 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 assessment today
The best way to see if a Tow and Fert is right for you is to book a FREE, no-obligation, demonstration today. It is the best way to answer all your questions about changing to the Tow and Fert System.
Call 0800 337 747
The Tow and Fert Times.
The Tow and Fert Times is a publication full of information for dairy farmers. Designed to help you with your nutrient management and fertiliser decisions, it is packed full of helpful information, case studies and helpful tips and tricks for the farm.
Volume 9 (Autumn 2023) Available now!