A successful microgranule starter fertiliser already in use on 600,000 hectares overseas will be launched in the UK at CropTec (28-29 November), by Kent-based JS Tech.

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Super Start provides essential nutrients immediately to the developing plant. As well as phosphorous (35%) and nitrogen (10%), it contains sulphur (5%), zinc (2%) and magnesium (2%) to encourage root development and boost establishment. Placed next to the seed as it is drilled, the microgranule formulation has around 300 times the surface area of conventional fertilisers, ensuring a faster release and quick availability following autumn or spring sowing.

Super Start is already used in several European countries, including France, Germany and Holland, as well as Latin America. Currently over 15,000 tonnes are produced annually in Serbia by Elexir Zorka.

JS Tech is expecting substantial interest, initially for maize, potatoes and OSR, according to Simon Stell, the company’s Managing Director, though spring cereals, vegetables and sugar beet would also benefit. 

“Super Start is very popular particularly with maize growers,” he states, “where the wide rows make taking the fertiliser to the seed especially effective. Whatever the crop, applying fertiliser as you drill is highly efficient. Not only is it placed right there where it is needed, but also saves the cost, labour and logistics of a separate spreading operation. With weather conditions seemingly more unpredictable, getting crops established quickly and strongly has never been more important”.

Super Start is available through several independent fertiliser suppliers. For more information, visit the JS Tech stand (1.1) in Hall 1 at CropTec, at the East of England Showground on 28-29 November 2018, or see www.jstech.co.uk.