Each week we attempt to answer some of the most popular reader queries that may have application to a large number of farmers and land owners. The most popular reader queries this week are…

1. Would you spread Urea this week?

Yes – with humid and wet conditions across most of the country, Urea (46% N) can be spread and is lower per unit of nitrogen than CAN (27% N).

2. How long should one leave between spreading bag nitrogen and slurry?

Slurry applied on fertiliser creates ideal conditions for dentifrication (loss of nitrogen as gases). Therefore, it is recommended to leave four to seven days before or after slurry spreading for application.

Also, remember per 1,000 gallons of slurry there are approximately six units of nitrogen so if you are spreading 2,500 gallons per acre then you are also applying in the region of 15 units of nitrogen per acre.

3. When can you spread lime if spreading slurry after silage harvesting?

Lime can be applied at any time of the year. However, mid-summer (around now) and autumn are ideal as soils are drier and firm. There are increased spreading opportunities post-silage and grazing and there is less interference with slurry or nitrogen fertiliser applications.

It is recommended to leave at least three months between liming when following with urea/slurry application to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss through volatilisation. To avoid such losses occurring, apply urea/slurry first and then apply lime 10 days later.