New research probes use of N inputs in grass
GrowHow UK is pleased to announce that it is working with North Wyke Research and Cheshire Grassland Society's R&D group to improve the targeting of N inputs in grassland.
GrowHow Grassland specialist, Elaine Jewkes explains, "A common question from grassland farmers is 'how much N do I actually need to use to grow the amount of grass I want?' - and right now there is little information to help us provide anything like a good answer."
This is not surprising as the last comprehensive studies of N response in grass swards were done in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then.
"Breeders have given us improved herbage varieties, animal management systems have changed - along, arguably, with the climate - various legislative measures have been introduced and margins have tightened," says Elaine. "All of which means that farmers are scrutinising their input requirements more than ever before," she adds.
So what is being done? The research team has set up field trials evaluating N response on grass and grass-clover swards. These will assesses the performance of a model developed at North Wyke and will provide some of the information needed to help farmers tailor fertiliser applications more accurately to provide the herbage that they need through the season.
"It isn't work that will provide an instant answer," explains Elaine. "But in the next season or two we hope to start to put some of the findings into action."
Improving the targeting of N inputs in grass will bring efficiency benefits to the farmer. These might be in the form of increased grass yields, if that is what is needed on the farm, or tailored use of fertiliser, adjusting rates according the grass required or able to be grown at different times through the season.
More efficient use of Nitrogen should also help grassland farmers improve their environmental performance, minimising the risk of nitrate leaching and reducing the farm's greenhouse gas emissions.
