Spread Nitrogen Now to Maximise Grazing Season

Pasturebase data has shown us that its not uncommon for many dairy farmers to end up with a lower supply of grass than they would like entering into the autumn. About 50% of farmers miss the targets for autumn build up of grass. August is a crucial month to build grass supply for autumn.

Current grass situation on farm (grass 10 bulletin 11/8/2020)

Target Farm Covers

We need to build c. 250kg DM per ha between here and September 1^st

How do we ensure we will have enough grass on September 1st?

• Increase your rotation length from 25 to 30 days
• Spread fertiliser now

The increase in rotation length will not happen without the application of fertiliser.

The response to Nitrogen fertiliser diminishes rapidly during September in a normal year.

Blanket spreading of 30*40 units N/ac on most of the farm in the latter half of August needs to be carried out to ensure a build-up in grass supply.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus (P) is essential for early spring growth. However, it needs to be available to the plant. P levels in the soil rise slowly compared to Potassium (K).

Have you met your grounds yearly phosphorus allowance?

Applying P in august and September will ensure its “ready” for the plant to use early next year. Spreading fertiliser containing Phosphorus (P) it needs to be applied before mid-September (regulation closing date).

Potassium

The importance of soil Potassium (K) is something that has been overlooked on many dairy farms. Teagasc soil analysis indicate that up to half (48%) of fields on dairy farms across the country are deficient in soil K i.e. in index 1 or 2 for K. This is particularly the case on silage ground, which has a large demand for K.

Have you met your grounds yearly potassium allowance?

Use muriate of Potash (0:0:50) on low K fields. One bag per acre of muriate of potash will supply enough K to potentially jump your K index by 1. Unlike nitrogen and phosphorus, there is no restriction on the amount of K you can spread. Now and into the Autumn period is the best time of the year to spread K.

Please contact our Inside Sales Team on 022-31644 or you Area Sales Manager to formulate a late season fertiliser strategy that meets your farms requirements.