The Arable section of The Farming Forum saw robust engagement during the week of 18–24 March 2026, with 26 conversations generating a total of 245 contributions. Discussions this week predominantly revolved around fertiliser pricing and availability, nitrogen application strategies for the 2026 season, and disease management, particularly yellow rust. Other notable themes included the use of slurry-derived nutrient products, innovations in liquid nitrogen application, and practical agronomy queries such as magnesium supplementation in grassland and the efficacy of polysulphate fertiliser on spring barley. The forum also hosted several resource-sharing posts from Agrovista, reflecting ongoing interest in soil biology and crop resilience.
Fertiliser Pricing and Supply Dynamics
Fertiliser Price Tracker was the most active conversation, attracting 76 contributions and lively debate on the current market landscape (https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/83/post-10118816). Members reported significant price increases compared to pre-war levels, with figures such as £480 per tonne for 23:0:13 plus 7.5% sulphur and over £520 per tonne for 25/5/5 sulphur compounds being cited. These represent rises of approximately £100 per tonne or more, underscoring ongoing cost pressures for spring nutrient inputs. Several contributors expressed concern over the trajectory of prices, with some advising early purchasing to avoid further increases amid constrained global supply. Others shared cautious optimism about potential short-term price corrections but acknowledged the general consensus that fertiliser costs are unlikely to fall substantially in the near term.
Complementing this, the Combinables Price Tracker conversation (29 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/80/post-10118678) reflected market fluctuations in feed and malting cereals, with members noting variable prices and concerns about the impacts of energy costs and supply chain issues. The interplay between fuel prices and haulage costs was highlighted as a key factor influencing delivered prices.
Nitrogen Management and Application Strategies
Nitrogen application planning for the 2026 season featured prominently, with two key conversations addressing practical considerations and technical calculations.
In Nitrogen applications already 2026 (19 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436157/post-10122933), farmers shared their current nitrogen use rates across various crops such as winter barley, milling and feed wheat, oilseed rape (OSR), and triticale. Application rates varied widely, with some reporting completion of full nitrogen programmes—for example, winter barley receiving up to 160kg N per hectare and OSR applications ranging to 225kg N per hectare. Several contributors discussed adapting their nitrogen use to conserve stocks amid rising prices, reflecting a strategic balance between crop needs and input affordability. Weather conditions influenced timing decisions, with wet soils delaying applications but improving as drying progressed. Concerns were also raised about potential delivery shortages affecting the ability to complete planned nitrogen dressings.
The complementary conversation, Calculation for units of nitrogen (18 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436054/post-10119651), provided a technical forum for understanding nitrogen content in liquid fertiliser products. Members clarified calculations for converting product percentages and volumes into actual nitrogen units per hectare, with specific reference to commonly used products such as Yara 35% N plus 7% SO3. This exchange was valuable for farmers seeking to optimise nutrient planning and application accuracy.
Further discussion on nitrogen application techniques emerged in Spring barley, nitrogen in the seedbed? (9 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436150/post-10122778). Here, growers debated the merits of pre-drilling versus post-drilling urea applications for spring barley. The consensus leaned towards applying nitrogen ahead of drilling to minimise the risk of nutrient loss and ensure availability during early crop establishment, although some advocated splitting applications to mitigate risk, especially under variable weather conditions.
The conversation on Urea and soil incorporation (10 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/424372/post-10119854) focused on regulatory aspects and best practices for urea usage. Members sought clarity on restrictions applying after 31 March, particularly concerning urea sulphur compounds like Amidas and Amipro, which contain urease inhibitors. The discussion highlighted differing regional enforcement, with Red Tractor standards primarily applying in England, and reflected the complexities growers face in complying with evolving environmental guidelines while maintaining nutrient efficiency.
Crop Protection and Disease Management
Disease control, especially for yellow rust in wheat, was the subject of a focused conversation titled Yellow rust (14 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/435951/post-10119460). Participants exchanged insights on effective fungicide options, noting the ban of epoxiconazole and reliance on tebuconazole as a primary treatment until its anticipated withdrawal. The timing of applications was discussed in detail, with advice to consider using strobilurin fungicides such as azoxystrobin to extend protection when spray intervals are extended. The thread also highlighted the limitations of AI-sourced information in agronomy, with members cautioning against uncritical acceptance of outdated or inaccurate recommendations.
In addition, Cost effective fungicide program for wheat (2 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/435843/post-10119470) briefly debated the reliability of trial data and the merits of independent research bodies like NIAB and Dyson Research in providing unbiased guidance to farmers.
Nutrient Innovation and Alternative Inputs
Emerging interest in sustainable nutrient sources was evident in the conversation Would you trust slurry-derived nutrient products? (Research Project) (11 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436016/post-10118926). A final-year Harper Adams student sought farmer perspectives on slurry-based fertiliser pellets as a means to reduce artificial fertiliser reliance. Forum members offered a range of views, from cautious scepticism about nutrient content and effectiveness to recognition of potential benefits in phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and trace element supply. The discussion also touched on logistical and economic factors, such as transport costs and nutrient losses during processing.
Magnesium sprayed onto grass (13 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436059/post-10119788) addressed practical agronomy for livestock health. Growers shared experiences of foliar magnesium applications aimed at preventing deficiencies in sheep, weighing the pros and cons of delivery methods including direct spraying, supplementation in drinking water, and soil application. The conversation underscored the challenges of meeting micronutrient requirements through grassland management.
The topic of Polysulphate on Spring Barley (6 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436009/post-10118748) generated debate on the suitability of this sulphur-containing fertiliser in spring applications. While some advocated for its use at recommended rates (e.g., 100kg/ha), others highlighted its limited solubility and slow dissolution, suggesting it is better incorporated into the seedbed pre-drilling rather than surface-applied.
Advances in Liquid Nitrogen Application
The conversation Getting Into Liquid N ? (5 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/435948/post-10118611) offered insights into the adoption of liquid nitrogen fertilisers. Members shared practical experiences with injection and surface application, noting the importance of inhibitors for slow nitrogen release. Price competitiveness was a key consideration, with urea often cited as more economical than liquid equivalents. Technological advances such as spreader border control systems were credited with improving application uniformity.
Additionally, Liquid fert and herbicide/fungicide intervals (7 contributions; https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436073/post-10120278) provided guidance on the timing between liquid fertiliser applications and subsequent pesticide sprays. Recommendations varied but generally suggested waiting periods ranging from a few days up to a week, depending on product compatibility and environmental conditions.
Other Noteworthy Discussions and Resources
Brief but informative exchanges included the value of organic wheat pricing amid rising fertiliser costs (https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/436178/post-10123448), practical considerations for burning oilseed rape straw as a heat source for grain dryers (https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/435916/post-10118655), and emerging research on soil biology and crop resilience shared by Agrovista through several resource posts.
Conclusion
This week’s activity in The Farming Forum’s Arable section reflects the complex and dynamic challenges facing arable producers in early 2026. Fertiliser affordability and supply remain at the forefront, influencing nitrogen management decisions and prompting consideration of alternative nutrient sources such as slurry-derived products. Crop protection strategies continue to evolve amid regulatory changes and disease pressure, while technological innovations in fertiliser application and agronomic practice offer opportunities for efficiency gains. As growers adapt to these pressures, the forum remains a vital platform for exchanging practical knowledge, debating emerging issues, and sharing research-based insights.