Costly fertiliser must be used efficiently

In the wet weather this year a lot of nitrogen was lost, especially on water-logged soil.

Unfortunately, fertiliser costs have risen dramatically in recent years — which makes it a priority to use them as efficiently as possible.

Fertiliser price and fertiliser value are two very different concepts. Even with the increase in price, they are very good value for money where they are required, because without adequate fertiliser and lime production will be very poor.

In the peak growing season, one bag of CAN can grow an extra 340 kg of feed dry mater, equivalent to about two tonnes of fresh grass or silage, for a cost of about €15. That is a financial return of over five to one on good quality ryegrass pastures that have adequate P, K and lime.

Of course, there are many situations where nitrogen can be cut back without loss of production, such as with the proper use of slurry (applied in spring) and clover.

There are other farms where grass is under-grazed, or badly utilised, where less N fertiliser might even improve animal production.

As with N fertiliser, P, K and lime are still very good value for money, where they are required for optimum production. However, great care has to be taken to ensure that they are properly applied, based on soil test results and in line with regulations.