In research conducted at the University of Idaho, Huma Gro® X-Tend® B, powered by Micro Carbon Technology® (MCT), has proven to improve barley yield. The boost in production led to a higher net gain per acre with a return on investment (ROI) of 38:1.
Headed by Dr. Jared Spackman, the objective of this research was to determine the effect of adding Huma Gro® X-Tend® B to split applications of different rates of nitrogen fertilizer. Barley (cultivar: ABI Voyager) was grown at the agricultural research facility of the University of Idaho in Aberdeen, Idaho. The crop was planted on April 20 and harvested on August 20.
The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block with four replications. Barley was grown under five different fertilizer regimes with 0, 45, 90, and 135 lb of urea-N per acre. The urea-N applications were split in two for 45, 90, and 135 lb N/acre and in three sequences for a 90 lb N/acre strategy. Each set of urea fertilizer had two scenarios. For the first scenario, the urea fertilizer was not coated with any material. Then, urea granules were coated with X-Tend® B at 2 quarts per ton for the second scenario. The two-way split applications were applied at planting and mid-to-late tillering stages. The three-way split application for 90 lb N/acre was done at planting, mid-to-late tillering, and at flag leaf emergence.
The results proved that coating urea granules with X-Tend® B increased barley yield under all different nitrogen levels in various split scenarios and led to a higher net gain per acre.
The Huma Gro® product X-Tend® B used in this experiment is an enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) with high levels of organic acids and nutrients. It is formulated to be blended in liquid fertilizers or to be impregnated onto dry fertilizers. According to several research studies, EEF additives and humates both have shown to improve crop yield.
To access the research report, click HERE.
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