Agronomy advice

A poor or compromised root system, caused by phosphate deficiency will not allow plants to make the best use of limited nitrogen. Giving crops a boost from foliar phosphate together with zinc is the best way to build a big and healthy root system.

The response of crops to nitrogen is both predictable and well established. The optimum rate of nitrogen depends on both the value of the crop together with the cost of the nitrogen and is calculated to give the best margin over fertiliser cost.

Any farmer contemplating reducing nitrogen fertiliser applications on grass needs to be aware of the effect any decrease in nitrogen rates will have on grass production.

Using manures more effectively is one way to mitigate increases in the cost of fertiliser. This will allow a lowering of the fertiliser requirements on livestock farms without risking a reduction in grass production.

Grass is a vital part of any livestock enterprise and remains the most dominant and economic feed for the dairy, beef and sheep sector either as grazing or conserved forage; but what is the real value of grass?

Biostimulant products trigger natural plant processes that enhance nutrient use efficiency. Improved plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance help the plants to remain vigorous in hostile growing conditions so the farmer can generate better yield and quality.

Managing iron deficiency in broadacre fruit crops has always been tricky. Often the deficiency is caused by the low availability of iron rather than a lack of iron in the soil. Here we present the results of recent trials to offer fruit growers a new way to manage iron deficiency.

Micronutrients should be an integral part of the crop nutrition programme for autumn sown crops, not just to ensure successful establishment but to set the ultimate yield potential of the crop.

Late season vegetable brassica crops are susceptible to several quality issues which can reduce marketable yield. Boosting levels of calcium and boron in these crops via nutrition will prevent many of these quality issues and so can increase profitability.