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Spreading nitrogen and sulphur at the same time means more grass

Applying fertilisers containing nitrogen and sulphur means the grass uses nitrogen more effectively, you get more kgs of dry matter per kg of nitrogen that you apply

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Spring nitrogen management to promote grass growth

The timing and rate of the first nitrogen (N) application in the spring always sparks debate. Nonetheless, many farmers with dwindling forage stocks will be looking forward to putting stock out to grass this spring as soon as they can. But what can we do to increase the availability of grass this spring on grass farms.

The same principles apply whether its grass for grazing or silage. We know that applying a N source (as slurry or fertiliser) when soil conditions and temperatures are at 5-6oC and rising and with a favourable weather forecast will increase the supply of grass over the subsequent 6 weeks compared to holding off until later in the spring when growing conditions are more favourable.

N has the effect of stimulating growth earlier than it would otherwise be. The response to this early N will be greatest for more productive ryegrass swards. The exact timing of this initial application will vary across the UK, for the south of England and Wales it is probably early February but for Scotland it may well be a month later.

For silage, tack grazing should have finished in December, as over grazing and grazing into the new year is going to slow grass growth and is shown to reduce 1st cut silage yields. Slurry is a valuable source of nutrients for 1st cut silage and often tanks have to emptied in January, but if applications can be delayed till the soil conditions outlined in the second paragraph exist then slurry N utilisation will increase.

As a guide, if slurry is applied in January then any nitrogen, phosphate, potash or sulphur fertiliser that is required should be applied by the end of February/early March. For later slurry applications, then the fertiliser should be applied no later than 6 weeks from the planned cutting date. These 1st cut silage crops need a sulphur containing fertiliser as there is not enough sulphur in slurry alone.

For grazing, we would recommend applying 80 kg/ha of Nutri Booster when the soil reaches the conditions outlined in the second paragraph and then a second application of 160 kg/ha of Nutri Booster 4-5 weeks later when growing conditions are hopefully improving. In terms of herbage growth, N response and N use efficiency, a recent study by Teagasc, Moorepark demonstrated that the most effective strategy for early spring N applications was to apply total of 60 kg/ha of N by early April, split 20/40 for the first and second application.

Last but not least, don’t leave it till the last minute to buy fertiliser as delivery might not be as prompt as you might like. Not having the fertiliser could cost you more if you’re later applying it. You end up with less grass, making costly fertiliser even more expensive.

 

Grassland agronomy advice

The latest grassland fertiliser and nutrition advice from the Yara agronomists.

Grassland fertiliser selector

If you are not sure which grassland fertiliser to choose try using this selector to help you in the right direction.

Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraBela Axan.

YaraBela AXAN (27% N + 3.6% S) is a uniform compound granular nitrate based nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser with an N:S ratio of 7.5:1 suitable for use on grassland where nitrogen and sulphur are required but no phosphate or potassium, and where no selenium is required.

YaraBela Axan

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraBela Nutri-Booster.

YaraBela NUTRI BOOSTER (25% N + 2% S, Na and Se) contains nitrogen and sulphur coupled with selenium.suitable for use on grassland where nitrogen and sulphur are required but no phosphate or potassium, together with selenium for increased animal health.

YaraBela Nutri-Booster

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Super Booster

YaraMila SUPER BOOSTER (25-2.2-4.2 + 2% S and Se) is a compound prilled NPKS fertiliser containing sodium selenate for use on grassland to supplement selenium levels where nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and sulphur are all required together with selenium to improve livestock health.

YaraMila Super Booster

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Silage Booster.

YaraMila SILAGE BOOSTER (20-2-12 + 3% S and Se) is a granular compound NPKS fertiliser for use on grassland to supplement selenium levels whilst replacing the large amount of potash removed after silage. Ideal for re-starting the regeneration of the sward after cutting with nitrogen, potash and phosphate together with selenium to improve livestock health.

YaraMila Silage Booster

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Sulphur Cut

YaraMila SULPHUR CUT (22-1.7-11.6 + 3%S) is a compound NPKS grassland fertiliser ideal for replacing the large amount of potash removed after silage whilst kick starting the regeneration of the grass plants with nitrogen together with sulphur and phosphate, when selenium is not needed.

YaraMila SULPHUR CUT

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Extragrass

YaraMila EXTRAGRASS (27-2.2-4.2 + 2.4% S) is a compound granular NPKS fertiliser ideally suited to little and often application for Spring/Summer application to grassland for index maintenance and high recovery growth rates. With Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash and Sulphur in every granule this product give the maximum return in investment by supplying the crop with all the nutrients it requires.

YaraMila Extragrass

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila New 18's + S.

YaraMila NEW 18’s + S (18-6-11 + 3%S) is a compound NPKS fertiliser recommended for early Spring grazing application or paddocks with lower P&K indexes. By frontloading grazing ground with high P & K levels this will improve soil fertility and ensure that you maximise grass growth over the entire season. 

YaraMila New 18's + S

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Zero P Sward.

YaraMila ZERO P SWARD (26-0-5 + 4% S) is an NK plus S fertiliser used where no phosphate is required and where some potash is required in the grazing system.

YaraMila Zero P Sward

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Based on the information you have given the best choice of fertiliser would be YaraMila Zero P Cut.

YaraMila ZERO P CUT (24-0-10 + 2% S) is a compound fertiliser supplying nitrogen potash and sulphur, often used after first cut silage where no phosphate is required.

YaraMila Zero P Cut

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