DEFRA fertiliser manual launched for farmers
A new Fertiliser Manual is being launched by Defra today to help farmers optimise their nutrient efficiency.
The manual, known more widely as RB209, is the Government bible on fertiliser recommendations and has been through three years of extensive analysis with experienced advisers and the research community.
It includes updated data on crop responses which will provide farmers with the latest recommendations for improving nutrient use efficiency.
A new feature of the manual is an integrated approach to grassland fertiliser use - something livestock advisers have long been advocating.
Crop specific nutrient recommendations given in the manual are used in the Tried and Tested nutrient management plan, developed by the Professional Nutrient Management Group, with support from England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative.
Using the manual to target nutrient use to crop need improves nutrient uptake and reduces nutrient losses, which can cause diffuse water pollution.
Speaking on behalf of the Professional Nutrient Management Group Bolette Neve, Tried&Tested Project Coordinator, said:"We welcome the release of the new and updated Fertiliser Manual. Farmers take nutrient budgeting seriously and the Fertiliser Manual is an important tool in ensuring an efficient use of nutrients to optimise crop returns and protect the environment.
"The high demand for the Tried&Tested nutrient management plan over the past year shows that farmers have a keen interest in managing their nutrients professionally. The Fertiliser Manual is a key tool when completing the Tried&Tested nutrient management plan and we are very pleased that farmers can now use the new and updated version of the manual which will provide them with the all important recommendations."
Fertiliser Advisers Certification&Training Scheme (FACTS) qualified advisers will be trained on the new recommendations throughout the summer months so that they will be updated in time to assist farmer and growers through the autumn season of fertiliser planning.
Nutrient management planning workshops will be run for farmers in priority catchments by England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative.