For decades, farmers were encouraged to use artificial fertilisers to boost crop yields and increase output. It was and remains one of the best returns on investment a farmer can make from farming.

Of course, the problem is that too much of a good thing can be bad and this is the issue with fertiliser use at the moment. Nitrogen fertiliser is under the spotlight as nitrate pollution in rivers and estuaries continues to be a problem. While the percentage of very poor quality waters in Ireland has decreased, so too has the percentage of pristine waters and agriculture is getting the blame for some of that.

Sustainable use of fertilisers is in everyone’s interests. Not only is it good for the environment but it is also good for the farmer’s pocket as fertiliser costs have increased sharply since the start of the year.

This week, Siobhán Walsh looks at ways farmers can make improved decisions around fertiliser use. We also look at ways dairy farmers can manage if fertiliser use is curtailed in the future. A lot is hinging on the use of clover, but currently farmers have more questions than answers on clover, with limited enough research on clover at reduced nitrogen rates.

Adam Woods looks at different fertiliser options for a beef farm, based on farm covers and when these fields will be grazed. As well as that, Andy Doyle looks at fertiliser use from a tillage perspective.