Crops need to be fully fertilised to deliver their yield potential but fertile soil is better than double rate fertiliser. Soil fertility needs to be rebuilt on owned land to help improve productivity. There is no formula to do that – it takes frequent soil testing and targeted application. Having pH correct is critical. Building soil organic matter also helps nutrient availability and yield potential.

Where possible, put some P & K down the spout as this will always help early growth in an awkward season. For speed of drilling you might still apply much of the N, P and K into the seedbed for incorporation while only putting a little down the spout to drive early growth.

A 9 t/ha crop of spring barley or wheat needs 34kg P and 88kg K/ha where straw is removed on an Index 3 soil. Oats in the same field would need 34kg P and 130kg K/ha.

Read more

Tillage management: weather improvement may enable field work shortly

Tillage management: winter crops