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Many crops are in relatively good condition compared with last winter’s severe pigeon grazing. This may mean less initial N to generate the desired canopy. Looking around, many crops are between 1.5 and 2.5 green area index (GAI), but some are lower. A strong 2.5 GAI crop will need 80-90kgN/ha to generate the target 3.5 GAI. A 1.5 GAI crop would need double this amount. A further 90kgN should be targeted at early flower appearance. This first N should be applied soon.
Rape crops will need 30-40kg/ha of sulphur also, as well as boron. Apply the S early, preferably with the first N application. Fields that have been in receipt of organic manures for five years or more may need less or no sulphur.
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