Spreading nitrogen and sulphur at the same time means more grass
Applying fertilisers containing nitrogen and sulphur means the grass uses nitrogen more effectively, you get more kgs of dry matter per kg of nitrogen that you apply
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The Importance of Effective Use of Cattle Slurry in Spring
Effective utilisation of cattle slurry in spring is a key component of nutrient management, offering both agronomic and environmental benefits. Spring application allows farmers to recycle valuable nutrients at a time when grass demand is increasing, reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers while improving nutrient use efficiency.
Cattle slurry is a significant source of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), all of which are essential for early season grass growth. When applied in spring, cooler temperatures and lower risk of volatilisation help retain more nitrogen in the soil, lowering the mineral nitrogen requirement. Slurry should be prioritised on silage fields to replace the high P and K offtakes of silage crops.
To maximise nutrient use efficiency, slurry should be applied at the correct rate, under suitable soil and weather conditions, and using low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) technologies such as trailing shoe or dribble bar systems. These methods reduce ammonia losses, increase nitrogen availability to the grass, and minimise odour issues. Applying slurry at the onset of grass growth and avoiding waterlogged, frozen or saturated soils is essential to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching.
From an environmental perspective, effective slurry management plays a vital role in minimising pollution. Targeted spring application reduces the risk of phosphorus losses to watercourses and helps protect water quality.
In summary, well-timed and well-managed spring slurry application enhances grass growth, improves farm profitability, and supports environmentally responsible farming practices.
Grassland agronomy advice
The latest grassland fertiliser and nutrition advice from the Yara agronomists.
Recent grassland webinars
Advice on managing fertiliser inputs on first cut silage crops this spring
Philip Cosgrave, Yara's Grassland Agronomist is joined by Nicola Ingram and Nigel Mills, Yara Area Managers for UK and Ireland, to discuss a range of topics to help inform farmers on how best to manage fertiliser applications this spring on silage crops.
Yara and CAFRE Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) - Update for fertiliser distributors
In this webinar Philip Cosgrave, Yara Grassland Agronomist and Aveen McMullan, Senior Agricultural Technologist at CAFRE provide an update on the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP) regulations relating to the use and application of inorganic fertilisers and an explanation of the requirement for fertilisation plans.
How to get healthy grass and happy cows
In this webinar, Philip Cosgrave is joined by Conrad Ferris from AFBI to talk about the planning behind a successful spring grassland nutrition strategy.
How to manage lime and fertiliser on a livestock farm
In this webinar, Philip Cosgrave of Yara and Kevin Havekes of Kilwaughter Lime collaborate to give an insight into how lime and fertiliser work hand in hand.
Grass, milk and robots - webinar
Our grassland agronomy expert Philip Cosgrave joins Cormac Garvey from Lely for this webinar to discuss grazing systems for robotic milking, grassland management and grassland nutrition management.
How manage grassland fertilisation in simple steps
In this webinar, Jon Telfer, Philip Cosgrave and Nigel Hester talk through the steps needed for successful grassland fertilisation.
Listen to the latest grassland podcasts
If you are short of time why not check out our bite-size podcasts for the latest thoughts on grassland nutrition.
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If you would like more information and would like to speak to one of our area managers or agronomists please find all their contact details here.
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