We tend to focus on the big four nutrients of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur when we consider our fertiliser planning. A shortfall of any one of these can lead to the inefficient use of any one of the other nutrients. It is therefore critical that there is sufficient of each to avoid penalties in yield or crop health.
However, it is easy to overlook a number of other nutrients which – if they have restricted availability – can lead to sub-optimum crop performance. They often take the ‘back seat’ when anticipated margins look to be tight but it is something which should particularly concern you this summer having had months of high rainfall which will have leached away many of the soil nutrient reserves which previously we may have taken for granted. Remember also that wet soils can lock-up some micronutrients.
For instance research from 2023 (FMC) has shown zinc to be below the recommended levels for optimum crop health. Likewise over 50% of UK soils are showing a deficiency of manganese. Certain crops such as spring barley are particularly prone to manganese deficiency leading to potential yield losses if not corrected.
One of the key ways to resolve these deficiencies is to apply a good all-round trace element fertiliser such as Fibrophos. Not only will it supply your phosphate and potash needs at a competitive price but it will provide all the essential trace elements which may have been lost from your soils at no extra cost.
Why risk a yield deficiency, contact your local distributor and ask for Fibrophos PK Fertilisers and give yourself the peace of mind that you have replaced those nutrients lost to the recent bad weather.