12 October
Growers making the most of high straw prices urged to protect future yields
With straw prices rising after a challenging summer, growers are being urged to factor nutrient replacement into crop nutrition plans to protect future yields. Origin Soil Nutrition nutrition agronomist Toby Ward says: “Merchants are currently paying in the region of £80/t ex-farm, according to the British Hay and Straw Association, so a typical straw yield of 4t/ha could potentially deliver around £320/ha of additional revenue. “The overall income would be around £220–270/ha – factoring in farm baling costs of £50/ha, or £100/ha if carried out by a contractor – so it makes economic sense this year.”
However, Mr Ward warns that nutrients removed in grain and straw must be factored into future crop nutrition plans to protect productivity. “Baled straw removes significant amounts of nutrients from the system, with potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) particularly at risk of dropping below optimum soil indices as a result,” he says. He adds: “At approximately £30/ha to replace both the P and K taken out in the straw, it’s a false economy to take shortcuts as both nutrients are yield-limiting. “There is still a £190–240/ha gain from selling the straw – even taking into account nutrient replenishment costs.”
There are several options for replacing nutrients, including using available nutrition from circular sources such as manures or digestates, says Richard Ward of ICL Growing Solutions. Nutrient content of such materials needs to be analysed so growers understand exactly what is being applied, but he also suggest a move away from straights back to products containing both P and K could be beneficial in many cases. “In terms of mineral fertiliser practice, growers are increasingly favouring straight GTSP or GMOP, with fewer opting to apply P and K together. “But with rising fuel and labour costs, as well as concerns around compaction, farmers should consider the benefits of applying P and K together. “Growers can have any PK analysis blended and tailored to their fields. “With non-nitrogen sources of sulphate, calcium and magnesium, such as polysulphate, PotashpluS and PhosphatepluS, the options to add more balanced nutrition are now far greater.”
Richard Ward recommends considering products that combine polysulphate with phosphorus and potash for autumn or spring starter applications. The added benefits of calcium and magnesium should also not be overlooked, he believes. “Calcium is vital for early plant development and structure, ensuring strong cell walls and helping build resilience, while magnesium plays a critical role in chlorophyll production, photosynthesis and overall plant growth.
“PKpluS products contain polysulphate-inside, which gives farmers the option of applying five or six nutrients together in single application, within a single compound, whether through placement or broadcasting.
“This provides an autumn or spring fertiliser option to support establishment while replacing key nutrients removed from the field.
“There is also the added benefit of applying P and K together which saves labour and energy costs.”
Source: industry press release.