EVALUATING UTRISHA N: INSIGHTS FROM AN ON-FARM TRIAL

With the increasing focus on biological products by agricultural chemical companies, a suite of new products are beginning to enter the market. Utrisha N, a foliar-applied Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, is one such product released recently by Corteva.

Utrisha N works by harnessing the natural ability of specific strains of bacteria to fix atmospheric Nitrogen. When applied to the leaves of the plant, these bacteria colonise the plant tissues and start converting atmospheric Nitrogen into a form that the plant can readily use. This process supplements the Nitrogen that the plant would typically obtain from the soil, thereby potentially reducing the need for traditional Nitrogen fertilisers. Yield benefits have also been reported, particularly in cases where soil Nitrogen levels are adequate, but not quite optimal.

Utrisha N has been a popular product to strip-trial during recent seasons. This article evaluates the results of one such trial, highlighting the importance of on-farm trials, in enabling growers to make well-informed decisions.

On-farm trials are essential for understanding how a new product performs under real-world conditions. They provide growers with valuable data which can inform their decisions, ensuring that any new inputs will deliver tangible benefits and fit into their existing farming practices.

By conducting trials on their own farm, growers can see firsthand the potential benefits and drawbacks of a product, leading to more confident and informed decisions. It is worth noting that biological products have no oversight from the APVMA, therefore do not require any independent trial data prior to becoming available commercially.

Trial Overview

The on-farm trial, conducted north of Temora, aimed at assessing the efficacy of Utrisha N on crop yield. The product was applied to a canola crop at first flower. To analyse the trial, the yield from within the Utrisha N strip, was compared to adjacent ‘control’ strips to improve fairness of comparison (Figure 1).

Results

Although there appeared to be a noticeable difference in yield as shown in the yield map (Figure 2), the trial demonstrated only a slight yield increase of 60 kg/ha (3%) where Utrisha N was applied. This yield gain translated to an approximate return of $42/ha, which did not result in a significant economic benefit, after considering product and application costs. It should be acknowledged that the timing of the Utrisha N application was at the end of the guideline window. An earlier application may have improved the yield response, as the bacteria has more time to fix atmospheric Nitrogen. It is also important to note, that the soil Nitrogen levels in this trial may have been close to optimal for the yields which were achieved.

As a result, the data from this trial would support Corteva’s findings, that Utrisha N is best placed in situations where soil Nitrogen is adequate, but not quite optimal.

Conclusion

This on-farm trial of Utrisha N showcased a slight yield improvement; however the return of $42/ha was not sufficient to make it economic. As with any new agricultural input, continued trials are necessary to fully understand the potential benefits and viability of Utrisha N. Growers are encouraged to stay informed and consider a comprehensive approach when evaluating new products. On-farm trials remain an indispensable tool in this process, ensuring that farming decisions are grounded in practical, real-world experience.