Oaten hay
Oaten hay is an annual grass cereal that is used as a prime source of digestible fibre for livestock.
Specific considerations for oaten hay
Oaten hay requires significant amounts of all major nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. It also uses high amounts of calcium, copper, zinc, and boron. Nutrients are consumed throughout the growing season, and consideration must be given to soil parameters and fertiliser types.
BioAg supplies sustained-release phosphate, which can be blended with potash, BioAgBor® (sustained-release Boron) and trace elements, as a pre sow application with lime and or gypsum. The use of sustained-release fertilisers ensures crops are supported throughout the growing season and reduces the risk of nutrient losses or lock up. To support nutrient uptake and combat abiotic stresses like dry conditions, water-logging, or frost, the use of soil-applied and foliar biostimulants are recommended. Foliar biostimulants applied in conjunction with foliar trace elements or nitrogen enhance plant uptake of applied nutrients and translocation. In addition, supporting your crop with biostimulants will enhance vegetative growth and sugar content.
The BioAg approach
BioAg nutrition programs are incorporated into a growers current nutrition program. Our objective is to make fertiliser and other inputs work better and build and support healthy and balanced soils and plants. Programs are custom-made for each block, using advanced soil and tissue analysis. These integrated programs typically incorporate a range of BioAg solid and liquid nutrients, often associated with conventional inputs. BioAg fertility programs can be developed to meet organic certification requirements.
Soil test
An experienced and Fertcare accredited BioAg agronomist works with you and provides technical expertise on your crop. If you don’t already have recent soil test data, we arrange a soil test for you. The results provide essential information about the soil fertility and soil structure for better performance. Download the BioAg soil sampling procedure here.
A tailored program
Based on the results of soil tests, crop requirements and other factors such as soil structure, climate, history of the block, and targets that you are trying to achieve, we provide a tailored program that aims to improve soil fertility and maximise yield response. We support you through the program to ensure that inputs are applied at the right time, in the right way.
Leaf and tissue testing
Any nutritional program cannot foresee the changes in weather, disease, or pests, that may impact a crop. During the season, growers may observe issues or evidence of stress in their crop. This may be due to greater growth or yields than planned, a trace element shortage or abiotic stresses. An on-farm inspection and associated leaf or tissue tests will promptly identify any issues, which can quickly be addressed by applying the appropriate inputs. Download the BioAg leaf sampling procedure here.
High yielding crops require fertile balanced soils
Key to highly productive crops is the function of soils. Soil structure, chemistry and biology are critical in supporting crops throughout the growing season. By improving all aspects of the soil, crops will benefit from improved access to moisture, due to improved infiltration and water holding capacity, improved access to nutrition through improved nutrient cycling, fixation (for N) and a reduction in loss pathways, improved resilience to abiotic stresses and disease, improved root growth providing access to additional moisture and nutrients as well as improved carbon sequestration and a range of other benefits (click for more on soil health).
Beneficial microorganisms stimulate the plant’s root growth and help protect it from abiotic stresses. This is made possible through mutually beneficial relationships that microbes develop with plants, for example mycorrhizal associations. BioAg products programs supply essential macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca), trace elements (B, Zn, Cu etc.), microbial food and metabolites beneficial microorganisms that colonise root systems, improving soil function, plant health and productivity.
Oaten hay – key features of a BioAg program
The following table illustrates the cropping process and potential solutions depending on soil test results and other contributing factors. Call your BioAg Area Manager to discuss your individual needs.
Oaten hay resources
There is no doubt that high yielding crops, pastures and permanent plantings all require nitrogen (N). It is a major component of both chlorophyll, required for photosynthesis, and of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Colin Falls is a fourth-generation farmer with a property at
Dingee, Victoria, that has been in his family for over 100 years.
Over the last 20 years, Colin, in partnership with his son Jacko,
has been working with BioAg and hence has an excellent frame of reference to ... The term regenerative agriculture has become aligned, or associated hand in hand, with the improvement of soils, improved soil fertility, and the benefits this provides to farms and rural communities. The approach typically promoted is a holistic one, taking into accoun... Deniliquin based BioAg distributor and agent Ivan Mitchell has been working as a BioAg advisor and supplier since operations commenced in 1999. He has a very loyal and successful customer base and is highly regarded. Ivan doesn’t just advise and supply growers, he also ...
Recommended products
BioAgPhos
Solid Fertiliser
Highly reactive phosphate fertiliser made from high-grade reactive phosphate rock combined with BioAg’s microbial digesting agent.
Soil & Seed
Biostimulant
Formulated to improve soil microbial activity, natural soil fertility and moisture and nutrient utilisation.
Balance & Grow
Biostimulant
Formulated to increase vegetative growth, root development and soil microbial activity. Ideal for broadacre, pastures and horticulture.
BioAgBor
Trace Element
A sustained-release form of boron suited to a range of enterprises such as horticulture, vegetables, pastures and field crops.
Committed to organics
With a core range of natural fertilisers and biostimulants, BioAg can offer an extensive range of products certified by Australian Organics, suitable for use in organic systems.