The bumper crop yields enjoyed by many growers in 2015 could mean that extra P and K applications are require this season to replenish depleted soils.

This season’s crops could be at risk of stunted growth and withered yields, making a P and K top-up all the more vital this year warns Niab agronomist Andrew Watson.

He said: “This is very important if you have had high yields this year. The effect of removing more yield is that you need to add more nutrients back into the soil.”

See also: Top up soil P and K after bumper harvest to avoid yield penalty

The combined winter and spring barley harvest reached almost 7.3m tonnes in 2015, making it the largest crop since 1997.

Wheat and spring and winter barely yields also hit a five-year high.

Phosphate (P) is helps with early cereal growth and rooting in winter crops, while potash (K) aids the efficient use of nitrogen.

He explains: “If you have got a deficiency of K it will dramatically affect growth and yields. It also helps a crop’s tolerance to drought.”

Mr Watson says growers’ soil testing routines don’t need to change if a bumper harvest was enjoyed earlier this year, but they should use the off-take formula in the RB209 Fertiliser Manual to calculate how much P and K is needed to maintain current levels.