Livestock farmers could save hundreds of pounds by knowing and optimising their soil nutrient levels, an EBLEX, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and Environment Agency project has revealed.
Data from 5,000 soil samples showed that only 9% of fields were on target for phosphate (P) and potash (K), leaving plenty of scope for producers to save money on fertiliser bills and improve yields.
Over 1,000 farmers benefitted from the free soil sampling project which ran earlier this year to promote regular soil testing as part of good nutrient management.
The results showed:
• Only 9% of fields sampled were at the target index 2 for both phosphate (P) and potash (K). When looked at separately, only 26% and 28% of fields hit P and K targets respectively.
• About 29% of fields had high levels of P or K. This increased to 44% (P) and 37% (K) for dairy farms. Applying additional P and K in these situations wastes time and money and risks water pollution.
• About 43% had low levels of P or K. This could affect yield quality and quantity.
• 45% of fields showed soil acidity (pH) levels lower than target - this increased to 73% of upland farm samples.
"These findings show that in many cases producers are not optimising the fertility of their soils,” said EBLEX livestock scientist Liz Genever.
“Standard soil tests are relatively cheap (around £10 per sample) compared to the potential savings that could be made, which could be as much as several hundred pounds. Farmers who are not regularly testing cannot manage their nutrients as effectively as those who are."
Once producers have tested their soil, the EBLEX Better Returns Programme manual, Improving soils for better returns, offers advice for dealing with a range of soil management issues.
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