Tramlines Podcast: Nitrogen Management for Spring - Strategies and Resilience

Topic: Nitrogen management strategies, building crop resilience, and the role of data in spring fertiliser application.

Today, we’re joined by Sam Fordham, Head of Technical at RHIZA, and Tom Land, Fertiliser Technical Manager at Agrii, to discuss nitrogen management strategies for spring. 

This episode focuses on the benefits of variable rate fertiliser strategies, insights from past seasons, and ways to build resilience into crop production for a successful harvest.

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Current Crop Conditions: A Positive Start to Spring

Tom Land: The crops are looking good as we head into spring. We’ve had a relatively mild winter, which allowed the crops to retain nitrogen from the previous season. They’re entering spring well-positioned, holding on to residual nitrogen and ready for new growth.

Sam Fordham: I agree. Winter crops were established in good conditions, and while there was a brief cold snap, the crops have pulled through in strong shape overall. This sets a solid foundation as we move forward.

Learning from Last Season: Variability in Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Tom Land: Last season was a learning curve. Despite concerns about yields due to a dry spring, favourable light levels and well-established crops led to positive outcomes. We saw variability in nitrogen use efficiency across fields, with some growers achieving higher protein levels than others. This has encouraged growers to re-evaluate their input decisions for the season ahead.

Sam Fordham: The data from last season revealed mixed results. Yield maps showed stronger-than-expected crop performance, with good grain quality and specific weights. However, some growers faced challenges in achieving desired protein levels, underscoring the importance of precise input decisions.

Understanding Nitrogen Variability: Key Influencing Factors

Tom Land: One major factor was the weather, particularly high light interception, which contributed to good yields. However, nitrogen utilisation varied depending on soil fertility and application rates. In some cases, lower nitrogen application may have limited protein levels, adding to the variation seen in results.

Creating a Nitrogen Management Strategy for Spring 2024

Tom Land: To improve nitrogen management, growers should calculate their nitrogen use efficiency from the previous year to assess how well their nitrogen inputs were used. Soil nitrogen levels are currently lower than anticipated, likely due to strong yields and mineralisation over autumn. These factors are crucial in developing a tailored nitrogen strategy this season.

Using Data and Insights to Guide Nitrogen Decisions

Sam Fordham: Data is invaluable for refining nitrogen strategies. Soil analysis, weather trends, rainfall patterns, and crop biomass data can provide essential insights. Tools like NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) from satellite imagery, drone footage, or on-ground sensors help growers pinpoint variability in fields, allowing for data-driven adjustments to nitrogen applications.

Building Resilience into Crop Performance

Tom Land: To build resilience, growers need to carefully match fertiliser applications to crop size and soil nitrogen levels. This is particularly crucial if we experience dry conditions this spring. Applying higher doses early in spring can be beneficial in dry years, but flexibility is key as conditions evolve.

Adapting to Market Conditions and Input Costs

Sam Fordham: Growers must be adaptable. Fertiliser prices have been volatile, and grain prices are unlikely to reach last year’s highs. Adjusting nitrogen strategies mid-season and using precision tools like RHIZA to apply variable rates can help growers optimise their inputs and yield potential, improving efficiency despite market fluctuations.

Key Takeaways: Actionable Advice for Growers

Tom Land: My top tip is to assess your fields thoroughly now. Use NDVI mapping combined with on-ground observations to understand crop conditions and ensure nitrogen is applied where it’s needed most.

Sam Fordham: Stay adaptable. Don’t rely solely on a nitrogen plan set in autumn. Utilise available data, monitor your crops’ health, and adjust your approach as needed throughout the season. Informed, flexible decisions based on real-time information are essential to achieving success.