Early season fertiliser applications and Grassland fertiliser options
Early season Nitrogen and Sulphur applications
We are now just beginning to see the first glimpses of spring weather at last and the first applications of fertiliser are now going on where it is possible to travel on to cereals and Oilseed rape. A further legacy from the weather we have all endured lately is that on most farms there is a wide variation in growth stages, particularly in cereal crops, which means that we need to be especially careful with timings and quantities for the initial Nitrogen and Sulphur applications. We have taken a range of detailed soil tests across the region which indicate lower Nitrogen levels and also a shortage of Sulphur in the soil, both of which will need to be taken into account and the relevant adjustments made to the season’s plan. This is where our crop nutrition research programme can help as decision support for this. Over several seasons now we have clearly demonstrated that smaller doses and more frequent passes have delivered the best results, with 4 splits to the Nitrogen programme working very well. Equipped with this knowledge, it may be that in certain situations this season with small plants and small root systems that a further division may be necessary.
Turning our attention to the Sulphur, those of you who came along to our recent conferences will be familiar with the 2 tables below which show the peak requirements for Sulphur in the season, and the extended release characteristics of Polysulphate and PotashpluS over other forms of Sulphur and the benefits that this can bring. As previously mentioned, our soil samples are indicating lower Sulphur levels this spring so some Sulphur will be required early on to help mitigate this. But please bear in mind the mid to late season requirements as well, so it may be worth considering either splitting your planned season quantity or adding some additional Sulphur using Polysulphate to help prolong the supply for the whole season.
Grassland Fertiliser options
Good quality home grown grass for grazing and conservation is the most cost effective source of nutrition for Cattle and Sheep, which means that the fertiliser programme needs to be just as well constructed as it would be other crops. High yields, dry matter, sugar contents and the need to graze in cycles or harvest multiple cuts all need to be taken into account. Cutting grass for Hay or Haylage has become a useful income stream on farms that carry no stock. At Bartholomews we have a team of 24 F.A.C.T.S qualified advisers all of which are able to help you with your specific needs in this important area, backed by our high quality fertiliser range, our Grassland service is second to none. In conjunction with the information in the previous section, Grassland is possibly the most responsive crop to additional Sulphur, and as with the cereals we have found Polysulphate to be a valuable addition to the programme where we have added it we have observed an increase in DM and sugar contents. Applied as a straight without the addition of extra Nitrogen it can have a positive effect on Clovers and legumes in the ley, and if you are operating an organic system it has full approval for use where Sulphur shortage can be demonstrated. Please follow the link below for more information.
https://polysulphate.com/global-en/livestock-sulphur-requirements/
For further details on any of your nutrient planning requirements, soil and tissue testing
including costs please contact the fertiliser department on 01243 755630 or speak to your usual Bartholomews contact.
