Just one region waiting to reach the 200 mark
Just one region waiting to reach the 200 mark
Central Scotland remains the only area still to reach Kemira T-Sum 200, currently at 112-152. This is still three weeks ahead of the long-term average and the forecast is for more settled, but cooler weather for the next few days.
South Wales Kemira technical manager Howell Richards says that grass is now growing and many producers are gearing up to apply the first dressing of fertiliser. But this is still being delayed by wet ground conditions.
When fields are drier, he advises applying up to 69kg/ha (55 units/acre) of nitrogen before the end of February. Grass also has a high requirement for phosphorus early in the season and applications can increase yields by 10% on low phosphorus index soils.
Potash should not be applied yet to grassland as it will increase the risk of staggers at turnout, says Mr Richards.
Daily Kemira T-Sum 200 updates can be found on farmers weekly Interactive (www.fwi.co.uk). *