Humistart Trial 2017-2018: Improving Hay Yield and Quality
Conducted in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the Humistart trial aimed to observe yield response, soil changes, forage quality, and return on investment. Results indicated an increase in hay yield and quality, with notable improvements in crude protein and calcium content. Despite no significant pH changes, the trial demonstrated successful outcomes, showcasing the effectiveness of Humistart as a soil conditioner.
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2017-2018 Humistart Trial Humistart Application to Pasture/Hay
Trial Objectives Observe yield response Observe any soil changes especially pH. Look for gain in forage quality Most importantly, getting a better return on investment
Summary Humistart is a dry soil conditioner that also contains a few macronutrients such as Ca, S, Mg and a little N. This product is manufactured by Timac Agro USA. Its main purpose is to target microorganisms in soils to increase mineralization, getting more efficient use out of fertility already in the soil. On 11/4/2017 Humistart was applied on a hay field in Westmoreland County Virginia. The hay contains mostly Max Q (friendly endophyte) fescue with some orchard grass mixed. No fertilizer has been applied to this field since the summer of 2017 as a top dress. Grazon Next was applied as a broadleaf residual herbicide around that same time. The field is mostly clean of weeds. The application of Humistart was at 250lb/acre. The objective of this trial is to take a look at return on the first cutting of hay for 2018, to see quality of hay and any possible changes in the soil tests. The results exceeded expectations. From the road looking at the field the difference was hard to distinguish. Once up close, the thicker undergrowth in the hay was visible.
Summary Contd 5/8/2018 Using a 33 diameter hoop (5.94sq.ft.), 3 samples of grass hay from the Humistart treated part of the field were taken as well as 3 samples from the untreated part of the field (adding up to 17.82sq.ft.). This measurement equals .00041 acres. Hay samples were cut at late boot/early seed head stage and at a 6 inch height. The samples of untreated hay added up to .625lbs. Taking this weight and dividing by the acres (.00041) gives an estimate of 1,524lb/acre (.76 tons). Using the same method for the Humistart treated area, the samples added up to 1.5lbs. This weight was divided by .00041 giving an estimate of 3,658lbs/acre (1.82 tons). The returns are shown on the excel sheet. A price of $180 per ton of hay was used for this trial. The pH did not increase significantly. No other significant changes were noticed in the follow up soil samples.
Summary Contd A forage sample was also taken for quality. Crude protein (CP) was 2% higher in the hay treated with Humistart. The calcium percentage of dry matter was also higher. Those were the only two significant differences however they are important differences to those feeding or marketing their hay crop. Daily intake of pounds of CP/head/day is shown on the results excel sheet, and show a difference. Daily intake was estimated by calculating 120/aNDF. With that number, the percentage body weight in forage is estimated to be consumed by the animal.
Summary Contd Overall the Humistart trial was a success in Westmoreland County, VA. The results for this trial are for the first cutting of hay for 2018. The product showed an overwhelming yield response without using any Fall or Spring fertilizer applications. Producers can increase production and quality at the same time making their own livestock operation more efficient or making their hay easier to sell to other operations, with better quality and more quantity to sell. In no way is it recommended to replace a fertilizer program or liming maintenance with Humistart. Humistart is only another tool that can be used to improve crop response as noted in this trial. The manufacturer also recommends using this product every 2-3 years and is not necessary every year, keeping the input costs for this product down some for the farmer.
Yield Difference The difference can be seen. The left is Humistart treated forage and the right is no Humistart. Samples were taken from the same square footage in 3 various parts of each the treated and non treated areas
