Agronomy advice

Spring applications of NPKS fertilisers have consistently outperformed traditional autumn applications of P&K fertilisers in independent trials. So why do so many growers still apply phosphate and potash in the autumn rather than in the spring.

Nutrition has always been important for good establishment of oilseed rape. Despite the continued decline in oilseed rape in recent years, there is still a significant area sown around the UK so autumn nutrition still has an important part to play.

Phosphorus is considered the second most important nutrient after nitrogen but whilst phosphate availability in soil is influenced by many factors, including pH, it could be that the actual form of phosphate can be one of the greatest influences on crop availability.

Adequate nutrition has always been important for good establishment of oilseed rape and a liquid starter fertiliser helps achieve this.

It is important for short term leys and forage brassica crops to get off to a good start and getting the seedbed fertilisation right is a big part of this.

There are many farmers still intending to make grass silage this year. But, there are a few things that we need to look out for, if we want to make well preserved, palatable silage.

To achieve high potato yields it is important to prolong the potato bulking stage by extending the green leaf canopy duration.

Higher temperatures bring both good and bad news for strawberry growers. The good news is increased production and demand for strawberries but the downside is managing heat stress and other challenges. Controlling the crop through these tricky periods can be made easier by utilising foliar feeds.

Blueberry nutrition and fertigation is very much a consequence of the rooting system and pH range. Blueberries are more acid-loving than most soft fruits and also have a less efficient root system which has consequences for fertigation recommendations.