Nutrient research for cereals and oilseeds

With fertiliser prices skyrocketing and the pressure to reduce nutrient losses increasing, AHDB research aims to deliver robust nutrient management guidance, via RB209.

Input-cost and commodity-price volatility means a constant eye needs to be kept on the nutrient management equation. With climate change mitigation firmly back on the world’s radar, in addition to numerous other environmental concerns, the AHDB Nutrient management guide (RB209) is needed more than ever. With fertiliser prices at historic highs, this area of research is a high priority.

AHDB research focuses on:

• Providing robust guidance on the use of fertiliser, manure and slurry applications to cropped land, via RB209
• Funding research to address major nutrient management knowledge gaps
• Communicating ways to optimise nutrient use that maximises farm profitability and minimises environmental impacts

It is essential to understand the point at which the value of extra grain produced is not worth the cost of the extra nitrogen applied. To account for the ‘economic optimum’ associated with higher fertiliser prices, we commissioned a rapid review. Published in autumn 2021, RB209 price tables were extended to the equivalent to £863/t of ammonium nitrate. The tables were also extended to £350/t for cereals and £700/t for rapeseed to account for stronger prices. A second (ongoing) part of the review considers the impact on quality specifications and the value of nitrogen from non-fertiliser sources.

Fertiliser adjustment calculator

Based on the revised price data, we issued a fertiliser adjustment calculator to help farmers determine changes to the typical farm nitrogen rates.

Information on all nutrient research projects is available in our research archive:

• In the ‘Sector’ drop-down box, select ‘Cereals & Oilseeds’
• In the ‘Topic’ drop-down box, select ‘Nutrient management’