Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
November 2, 2009
The principles behind the formulation of Wolf Trax DDP Micronutrients fully support the 4R Nutrient system of best management practices developed and promoted by the Fertilizer Institute, says Mark Goodwin, director of Research and Development for Wolf Trax.
The concept, known as the 4R nutrient stewardship system, is an innovative approach to best management practices (BMP’s) that ensure the right source (or product) is applied at the right rate, right time, and right place. These fertilizer “rights” are connected to the goal of sustainable development, providing economic, social and environmental benefits.
While a great deal of emphasis is placed on macronutrients such as N, P, or K, these four “rights” are also important in managing micronutrient use, reports Goodwin. Here’s how Wolf Trax DDP (Dry Dispersible Powder) Micronutrients help farmers apply the four rights:
Right Source: Wolf Trax DDP Micronutrients are physically and chemically formulated to enhance plant availability. The chemical formulation helps provide dispersion tendencies, avoid soil tie-up, and enables Dual Action™ Availability. The physical formulation ensures the micronutrient can be used effectively in a foliar application or as a dry fertilizer coating that adheres completely to the fertilizer prill.
Right Place: Used as a dry fertilizer coating, DDP Micronutrients coat each and every fertilizer prill, so the farmer can be assured that every time the root finds the N, P, or K fertilizer, it is also finding the micronutrient. This innovative placement helps to overcome inherent weaknesses of granular micronutrients such as higher bulk densities and inconsistent particle size that lead to segregation and inconsistent blends, and ultimately sparse and uneven application across the field. In a foliar application, DDP Micronutrients are applied directly to the plant leaf for in-crop uptake.
Right Time: The Dual Action Formulation of DDP Micronutrients provides early season uptake, as well as sustained feeding over time. Dual Action ensures the plant has access to the micronutrient when it is most needed.
Right Rate: Recommended rates for Wolf Trax DDP Micronutrients are based on plant requirements, and a sufficiency approach to fertilization – feeding the crop what it needs in an effort to optimize profitability in the year of application. Research has shown Wolf Trax to be effective in correcting a deficiency. In fact, Wolf Trax is the only micronutrient manufacturer to offer a performance guarantee.
“Over the years, Wolf Trax has conducted extensive research demonstrating how the innovative DDP Micronutrients embody the concept of right place, right source, right time, and right rate,” says Goodwin. “We’re excited to find such synergy with the Fertilizer Institute’s international effort to promote sustainable development through these fertilizer best management practices.”
More information on the 4R Nutrient Stewardship System is available at:
www.tfi.org.
Wolf Trax manufactures and markets innovative plant health products including DDP Micronutrients and PROTINUS™ Seed Nutrition Product. Wolf Trax supports products and customers with superior quality, extensive research and development and outstanding technical and sales support in Canada, the U.S., the European Union and Mexico.
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