Arable


Feed wheat crops well to stay on top of disease


• Balance micro and macro nutrition • Remember potash, not just nitrogen • Match applications to yield potential


s the spring fungicide campaign approaches, growers are being re- minded of the need to support chemistry with well balanced crop nutrition to maximise plant health.


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Disease control invariably fo- cuses on fungicides, but while they are the primary tool for tackling existing disease and protecting crops from infection, nutrition has a big impact on plant health. As with human fi tness, well-nourished crops will be healthier and less susceptible to infection, although excessive amounts can cause problems too. Fit, healthy crops can also bet-


ter tolerate stress conditions, such as those caused by weather or spray applications, which reduc- es the likelihood of health prob- lems developing, says Hutchin- sons fertiliser manager Tim Kerr. All macro and micro nutrition


“


We recommend applying potash from the beginning to end of March


Other key nutrients


Sulphur • Signifi cant constituent of key amino acids which form proteins


• Defi ciency limits protein production and yield


• Utilisation is similar to nitrogen • Should be applied to cereals every year


• “Little and often” is best, not just with fi rst nitrogen


Micronutrients • Essential part of crop health • Often interact with other nutrients • Manganese, zinc and molybdenum are of notable importance in wheat, but requirements vary


14 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2018


• Measure nutrient requirements with a Healthy Soils assessment


• Support with routine tissue testing at the start of spring growth, around GS31


Calcium • Intrinsic in cell walls • Plant tissues low in calcium are more susceptible to pests and disease


• UK soils not naturally calcium defi cient but plants must keep up with demand, especially during drought or water-logging


• Good soil structure, establishment and rooting help overcome short-term defi ciencies.


should be well balanced, although certain nutrients are of particular importance earlier in the season.


Potassium Potash is the nutrient with the greatest uptake demand of all ar- able crops, peaking at 50 kg/ha per week. Growers should note this when assessing fertiliser require- ments for high yielding crops, as standard RB209 recommenda- tions are based on an 8t/ha yield. Potash has a major role in sev- eral plant functions, notably cell extension and maintaining the water content and turgidity of cells, says Mr Kerr.


“Turgid cells give plants a more rigid and upright structure that reduces the likelihood of lodging and physical damage, which cre- ates a point for infection. Plants with adequate K are also better equipped to handle drought stress and maximise photosynthesis.” A high potassium concentra- tion in the plant also increases its resistance to parasites.


Plants cannot store large amounts of potash, so enough must be available from the soil when required through peak


Different nutrients are of importance at different times, says Tim Kerr


Crops can benefi t


from early applications, says agronomist Sam Hugill (right)


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