European Fertiliser Blenders Association
Aggregated soil analysis results from the Professional Agricultural Analysis Group (PAAG) shows there is work to do in improving basic soil fertility, with only 10% of 140,000 soil samples analysed in 2022/23 at the target index for both phosphorus and potassium.
Given the importance of P and K to nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), crop yield and crop quality, it is imperative that we improve the overall balance of soil fertility, and blends provide the opportunity to do this.
In addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, plants require six macro-nutrients and seven micro-nutrients – see below.
Historically, the fertiliser industry traditionally focussed on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and, more recently, magnesium and sulphur, with micro-nutrients largely applied after emergence through foliar sprays.
This led to a disjointed approach to nutrient management, with crops often deficient before emergence.
Adding the micro-nutrient as part of the initial establishment fertiliser addresses this ‘early-hunger’ enabling the crop to deliver its full potential.