According to Met Éireann, soil moisture deficits range from 55mm in the northwest to 90mm in the southeast. As a result, plant uptake of nutrients will be low as well as growth.

According to the FAI, it is safe to spread CAN products in the current dry conditions. They may not become incorporated in soils until rain comes but there will be no loss through volatilisation. Once growth resumes, uptake will increase and it is important to have the nutrients available to the plant for quick recovery. Some 20 or 30 units of N per acre should be spread before or after rain.

Stress

It is important to remember that most grass crops are under severe stress. This may warrant the application of a CAN-based product plus sulphur to help to maximise the uptake of nitrogen. It will also help the grass to maintain better feed quality later in the season.

Where slurry has been spread, spreading nitrogen and sulphur should be considered as nitrogen loss will have been high in those fields over the recent period.

Phosphorus and potassium are recommended to be spread at low to medium rates to help root recovery and water uptake. Phosphate will help stunted plants to tiller and to speed up sward recovery.

Soil levels of potassium, as well as applied K, will be vital to recover deficiencies in grass. Water is the key to stopping mineral deficiency so having adequate levels of K will ensure good water uptake.

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