Nutrient tool updates fertiliser recommendations

Crop nutrition specialists K+S UK & Eire will be launching a new nutrient management tool at Cereals to help growers ensure P, K and magnesium supply is not limiting crop growth.

The handheld Nutrient Wheel takes into account advice updated in DEFRA’s new Fertiliser Manual (RB209), based on the latest trials data and provides new recommendations for cereals, rape, sugar beet and potatoes.

“Growers simply select a target crop yield and reference their latest soil analysis data, and the wheel provides a recommended application rate for P, K and Mg for each field,” said technical manager Jerry McHoul.

“The aim is to help growers more accurately meet crop needs according to the latest soil index information they have and simplify the task of adjusting nutrients according to target yield. The calculator also takes account of the nutritive value of any manures that have been applied.

“The calculator will suggest additional applications to help build P, K or Mg indices, or alternatively recommend reduced fertiliser use where these are above optimum levels.”

Mr McHoul said the Nutrient Wheel is long overdue and while they examined the possibility of an electronic version, it was felt that a simple, immediately available desk-top tool would be easier and quicker to use.

Among the new recommendations taken into account within the Nutrient Wheel is the increased requirement for magnesium on oilseed rape at index 1 and revised P & K recommendations based on the lower straw-to-grain ratios found in modern cereal varieties.

Growers can pick up their copy of the Nutrient Wheel from stand I951 at Cereals 2011 by bringing along a voucher that will appear in Farmers Weekly prior to the event. Alternatively, vouchers for the Nutrient Wheel can be downloaded from the company’s website.

Visitors to the K+S UK & Eire stand are also invited to bring along any crop leaf material thought to be exhibiting nutrient deficiency symptoms.

The company will also have a series of pot-grown plants exhibiting typical deficiency symptoms and will be pleased to provide advice on how best to prevent or correct any existing problems. Copies of the company’s pocket guide to nutrient deficiency in arable crops will also be available.

• Cereals 2011 exhibitor information as supplied by K+S UK & Eire.