Louisville-based Monty\u2019s Plant Food Company hosted more than 180 farmers from throughout the country at a Farm Forum recently. Dr. Ron Heiniger, a professor at North Carolina State University, presented his research on using Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon during wheat production. Dr. Heiniger\u2019s presentation focused on increased tillering and better test weights.<\/p>\n
\u201cEarly tiller development is essential to high yields,\u201d Heiniger said. \u201cProducts such as Liquid Carbon increase the rate of leaf growth and tiller development.\u201d<\/p>\n
Heiniger went on to explain that new tillers are formed whenever the amount of carbon fixed by a plant exceeds the amount of carbon required for growth and maintenance.<\/p>\n
Since 2010, Heiniger has been testing the use of Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon on plots at the Vernon G. James Research Center at North Carolina State University. His research shows that applications of Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon increased tillers by as much as 30 per square foot in 2011-2012 when compared with the control. His 2010-2011 research showed increases in yield ranging from roughly 10 to 20 bu per acre on test plots treated with Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon.<\/p>\n
Heiniger encouraged growers to look for ways to enhance early growth, such as using Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon at planting, and to sustain growth from jointing to flag leaf using Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon at topdress.<\/p>\n
He says initial growth is largely determined by temperature and nutrients and recommends using a starter to speed up tiller development.<\/p>\n
\u201cNutrient applications must be made to compliment periods when growth is occurring,\u201d Heiniger said. \u201cEarly phosphorus can improve tillering in the fall\/early winter; while nitrogen is important in sustaining tillers from jointing to maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Heiniger also suggests applying Monty\u2019s Liquid Carbon to help reduce leaf burn often seen from nitrogen applications.<\/p>\n