Fertiliser Choice Optimising grass and forage yields on livestock farms

Grassland Fertiliser Information Guide Fertiliser Choice Optimising grass and forage yields on livestock farms CF

CF CF Blueprints for Growth It has often been said that grass is the cheapest feed on the farm. This still holds true, particularly for grazed grass, but grass is also a quality feed and one that is easy to underestimate. Whatever the production system, a well-managed sward will make a vital and cost-effective contribution to production, whether that is milk or meat. The key to a quality sward is to provide all the nutrients the grass needs. But this must be done carefully, taking into account not just costs but also legal requirements, such as those for NVZs and the environment in general. Fortunately, fertilisers can be used to balance the nutrient content of manures and, with a little planning, this is not too difficult to achieve. This booklet outlines the principles of good grassland nutrition, based on the latest recommendations given in the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) and highlights how different systems can make use of fertilisers and manures. It demonstrates how the CF Fertilisers range of products fit into these systems and how farmers and their FQAs (FACTS Qualified Advisers) can use these to develop farmspecific Blueprints for Growth. These are fertiliser action plans, which take into account the requirements of the chosen system so that performance and profit are maximised and the environmental impacts are kept to a minimum. 2

Getting the basics right Soil fertility It all starts in the soil; knowing what you have at your disposal allows you to make the most effective and cost effective choices about how to use fertilisers and manures. Soil testing, therefore, is vital. Ideally, analysing a quarter to a third of the farm each year is a good way to ensure that you have up-to-date information about what you have at your feet. The targets are Phosphate (P) index 2, Potash (K) index 2-, Mg index 2 and a ph of 6.5. If a field has a known nutrient problem, it is wise to test more frequently to monitor progress. Clover is more demanding of the right soil conditions, so if it is an integral part of your system, regular soil testing is all the more crucial. Each individual nutrient has a role to play in plant production, but they should not be considered in isolation. It is only when the plant is supplied with the right mix of nutrients that it can grow optimally. Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash Nitrogen (N) is the key building block for yield, as well as being the primary nutrient for protein. Phosphate (P) is important for root development; in many livestock systems it will be in plentiful supply as a result of manures spread and deposited by the grazing animal. Where the soil index shows that additional amounts of P are needed, it should be applied in spring for best effect. Potash (K) helps to control the movement and storage of solutions in the plant and so is essential for normal drought resistance. Poor drought resistance will clearly affect nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and plant growth. K is also important for efficient N uptake in the plant. Sulphur Sulphur (S) is more important than ever as atmospheric deposition is now at a very low level. The benefits are not confined to DM yield; protein and sugar levels in the sward can also be improved and N losses are reduced. New trial work commissioned by CF Fertilisers has highlighted that the benefits may be more widespread than ever. Yield and sugar content were improved in a 3-cut silage system, even though herbage analysis suggested the sward was not deficient. In other research, grass protein content was increased in cutting and grazing regimes by S use, in the absence of a yield response. It just goes to show that S is a vital nutrient. 3

Dairy Cows Conventional Grazing Key products: Swardsman, KayNitro Sulphur, Nitram, SingleTop, NK Sulphur The conventional management system, housed for 5-6 months of the year but grazed for the remainder, is still profitable but has evolved. Grazing is perhaps more focused than previously, with many farmers measuring swards and managing pastures with much more focus on pasture utilisation and milk from forage. Example: A grazing fertiliser pattern to maintain P and K levels might be: Late Feb/Mar Swardsman 200 50 10 10 0 April Swardsman 200 50 10 10 0 May SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 June SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 July SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 August SingleTop 110 30 0 0 13 If Sulphur is not deficient then replace SingleTop applications with Nitram. Total kg/ha 250 20 20 67 Example: Often the P index is high but the K index may be low, particularly on a lighter soil type. In this case, omit the Swardsman and use SingleTop in spring (lighter soils respond more to S) and KayNitro Sulphur or NK Sulphur in summer: Late Feb/Mar SingleTop 185 50 0 0 22 April SingleTop 160 43 0 0 19 May SingleTop 160 43 0 0 19 June KayNitro Sulphur 160 40 0 21 11 July KayNitro Sulphur 160 40 0 21 11 August SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 Total kg/ha 256 0 42 100 4 If Sulphur is not deficient then replace the SingleTop applications with Nitram at 125kg/ha. Applying FYM in late autumn after last grazing will help to support P and, particularly, K levels for the following spring. Examples in this brochure assume soil P index 2, K index 2. *Blue figures for manures show available nutrients.

Dairy Cows Conventional Cutting Key products: MultiCut Sulphur, Heartland Sulphur, KayNitro Sulphur, Nitram, SingleTop Two silage cuts rather than three are more common now because of the cost of making silage and the increased emphasis on maize and grazed grass, but yield and quality are still important. Slurry will usually be utilised here and so the nutrients from this can be balanced with fertiliser to match offtake of P and K, or build them if the indices are low. Example: Where slurry is used after both first and second cut the main requirement is for N or NS, with only a modest requirement for NPKS compounds: Use Cut 1 Late Feb/Mar Slurry, 6% DM 35m 3 /ha 32 * 21 * 101 * 9 * April Heartland Sulphur 325 78 26 26 26 Cut 2 May Slurry, 6% DM 25m 3 /ha 16 * 18 * 72 * 6 * May KayNitro Sulphur 320 80 0 42 22 Grazing July SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 August SingleTop 150 40 0 0 18 Total kg/ha 286 65 241 99 Example: Where slurry is only used for first cut, a greater use of NPKS compound is required to balance the nutrients removed in the cut: Use Cut 1 Late Feb/ Mar Slurry, 6% DM 35m 3 /ha 32 * 21 * 101 * 9 * April Nitram 225 78 0 0 0 Cut 2 May Heartland Sulphur 375 90 30 30 30 Grazing July Heartland Sulphur 170 41 14 14 14 August KayNitro Sulphur 160 40 0 21 11 Total kg/ha 281 65 166 64 If the field is on light soil and Sulphur deficient, replace the April Nitram dressing with SingleTop at 300kg/ha to supply extra Sulphur for first cut. 5

Dairy Extended Grazing Key products: Nitram, CropMaster Sulphur, SingleTop, Swardsman A grazing-based dairy system requires pasture to extend into the shoulders of the season earlier and later than a more traditional system. A steadier supply of grass is desired, not enhancing the flush of growth in spring. Fertiliser use has hence developed into a little and often pattern, applying small dressings after most grazings through the year. Example: If P and K are at target levels, a simple compound can be used, along with NS in a Sulphur deficient situation: Late Feb SingleTop 150 41 0 0 18 April SingleTop 130 35 0 0 16 May SingleTop 130 35 0 0 16 June CropMaster Sulphur 125 34 5 5 9 July CropMaster Sulphur 125 34 5 5 9 August CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 September CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 Total kg/ha 233 18 18 82 If soil P index is between 2 and 3, there might be a positive response to early applications of available P in early spring, in which case the first application of SingleTop can be replaced with 160kg/ha of Swardsman, supplying an extra 8kg P 2 O 5 /ha. Example: There is often little or no separate cutting land, with paddocks being shut for silage, if the growth gets ahead of target. Cut paddocks should have some replenishment of the P and K taken out by the cut, unless soil indexes are high (over 3). Slurry can be used to achieve this: Late Feb SingleTop 150 41 0 0 18 April SingleTop 130 35 0 0 16 May SingleTop 130 35 0 0 16 June Slurry 30m 3 /ha 20 * 18 * 86 * 7 * June CropMaster Sulphur 50 14 2 2 4 July CropMaster Sulphur 125 34 5 5 9 August CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 September CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 Total kg/ha 233 33 101 84 If soil P index is between 2 and 3, there might be a positive response to early applications of available P in early spring, in which case the first application of SingleTop can be replaced with 160kg/ha of Swardsman, supplying an extra 8kg P 2 O 5 /ha. 6

Dairy High Input, High Output Key products: Nitram, KayNitro Sulphur, MultiCut Sulphur, Swardsman,SingleTop Conserved forage is often the main focus under this management, although grazing remains important on many farms. Example: Both quantity and quality of silage are vital to support the feed requirements of a high yielding animal. High stocking rates are common, meaning that slurry is likely to be focused on these fields: Use Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Late Feb/Mar Slurry, 6% DM 35m 3 /ha 32 * 21 * 101 * 9 * April Nitram 250 86 0 0 0 May May July Slurry, 6% DM MultiCut Sulphur MultiCut Sulphur 35m 3 /ha 23 * 21 * 101 * 9 * April Nitram dressing could be split for better N use efficiency and replaced by SingleTop on lighter soils. 350 81 14 46 25 280 64 11 36 20 Total 286 67 284 63 Example: Grazing may need to support high yielding animals at high stocking rates, but the grazing season is unlikely to be long: Late Feb/Mar Swardsman 200 50 10 10 0 April Nitram 125 43 0 0 0 May Nitram 125 43 0 0 0 June KayNitro Sulphur 160 40 0 24 11 July SingleTop 150 41 0 0 18 August SingleTop 150 41 0 0 18 Total 258 10 34 47 To add extra Sulphur on lighter soils, replace April and May Nitram for SingleTop at 150kg/ha. 7

Beef Intensive Grazing Key products: Nitram, CropMaster Sulphur, MultiCut Sulphur, Swardsman, SingleTop Quality swards can improve liveweight gains from forage, either grazed or cut. Whether this is used for finishing stock or reducing concentrate feed costs, it helps to increase margins. Example: Grazing fertiliser should be split into four or five dressings for best efficiency of use and to maintain grass throughout the season: Feb/Mar Swardsman 200 50 10 10 0 April SingleTop 130 35 0 0 16 June CropMaster Sulphur 125 34 5 5 9 Late July CropMaster Sulphur 125 34 5 5 9 Late Aug Nitram 100 35 0 0 0 Total 188 20 20 34 If four applications are preferred, use Swardsman for the first application, followed by CropMaster Sulphur twice at 150kg/ha and Nitram at 100-125kg/ha. Example: Ensuring two good cuts allows winter forage to be maximised in volume and quality, whilst also providing some later grazing: Use Cut 1 March Slurry, 6% DM 35 m 3 /ha 32 * 21 * 101 * 9 * Mid April MultiCut Sulphur 325 75 13 42 23 Cut 2 May/June MultiCut Sulphur 375 86 15 49 26 Grazing August MultiCut Sulphur 175 40 7 23 12 Total 233 56 215 70 8

Extensive Livestock Key products: CropMaster Sulphur, Nitram, Heartland Sulphur, Twenty Ten Ten Alternative: Swardsman, Cut & Graze More extensive systems generally require less N to support sward growth for stock, but it is still worth ensuring that the P and K levels are maintained and that the pasture does not become unproductive. Example: Grazing fertiliser should be split into two or three small dressings, each supplying a small amount of P and K to build on the nutrients supplied by a FYM (or slurry) application. Previous Autumn/Winter Cattle FYM 20 t/ha 12 * 38 * 144 * 2 * March Heartland Sulphur 125 30 10 10 10 May CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 July CropMaster Sulphur 100 27 4 4 7 Total 96 56 162 26 With lower inputs such as this, it is worth considering a white clover-based sward. In this case, fertiliser should be applied in modest dressings only at the early and later parts of the season, allowing the clover to supply the N by fixation during the mid part of the year. If early growth is needed, apply up to 50kg N/ha in February or March, and again in August or September for later growth. Where silage is required, the table at the bottom of the opposite page gives a basis for two quality cuts. FYM the previous winter may substitute for slurry in a straw-based system or, if manure is not available, use 435kg/ha MultiCut Sulphur for the first cut as a split dressing. In this case, additional Potash will be required in the autumn. Example: Hay may be the preferred forage in more extensive systems, but it is still worthwhile growing a quality crop to support stock. In a low input situation, the N status is likely to be low, so up to 100kg N/ha may be needed per cut. A traditional late June/July cut provides an opportunity to utilise FYM the previous winter: Use Winter FYM 15 t/ha 9 * 29 * 108 * 2 * Nitram 145 50 0 0 0 Late April Nitram 145 50 0 0 0 Grazing July Nitram 115 40 0 0 0 Total 149 29 108 2 9

Maize and Forage Crops Key products: Twenty Ten Ten, KayNitro Sulphur, Heartland Sulphur, Nitram, SingleTop As a high-yielding energy crop, maize is a major part of many dairy and high output beef systems. Maize is often viewed as a handy repository for manures. However, a good crop pays dividends so it is worth spending time to work out the crop s actual nutrient requirements. Where maize follows maize or another forage crop, the Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) is given as index 1 (low). But, where manures have been regularly applied, there will be a residual effect: The SNS will be higher and the N fertiliser requirement lower. Manures often supply much of the P and K. Modest amounts of starter P may be needed, but a large dressing, e.g. of MAP, is often not necessary. Maize example: Feb/Mar Cattle FYM 40t/ha, ploughed 24 * 77 * 288 * 34 * Pre-drilling SingleTop 280 76 0 0 34 Total kg/ha 100 77 288 68 Where 35 m 3 /ha of cattle slurry is incorporated instead of FYM, decrease SingleTop application to 240kg/ha to achieve the target N input. If soil P index is no more than 3, then 125kg/ha of Twenty Ten Ten can be applied at drilling to supply some available P to encourage establishment and early growth. Ploughing out of a grass ley for a forage crop such as forage rape or stubble turnips is a useful way of obtaining late season grazing or providing a summer break before reseeding in the autumn. The N requirements are often modest (SNS index 2, unless low input grass). If sowing after mid-august (i.e. as a late season grazing) N will not be needed, unless the grass has been very low input. Forage rape or stubble turnips for grazing example: Product Rate (kg/ha) N P 2 O 5 K 2 O SO 3 Twenty Ten Ten 400 80 40 40 0 or Slurry, 6%DM 25m 3 /ha 26 * 15 * 72 * 6 * Nitram 160 55 0 0 0 Total 81 15 72 6 If Sulphur is required, replace Twenty Ten Ten with Heartland Sulphur at the same rate. 10

Integrating Manures Whether it is from a cost or an environment protection point of view, the integration of manures within production systems is vital. To make full use of farm resources, whether these are slurries or FYM, the more precision you can achieve in calculating their nutrient contribution, the better. The very best way of knowing the nutrient content of manures is to have them analysed. In addition to traditional analytical methods, there is now a quicker and more cost effective process. This has been developed as part of a large government and industry funded research project, which included CF Fertilisers. It uses NIRS (Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy) as used for feed and forage analysis to rapidly analyse manures and biosolids. At around half the cost and twice the speed (to getting results) of traditional chemistry, getting the whole answer has become a lot easier. Contact CF Fertilisers for more details. Product Choice The precise content of the Blueprints for Growth for your farm will need to take into account the requirements of your fields and your management system. The following product choice guide provides a useful summary of the options available and their impact on P and K indices: Use Raise P or K index Maintain P or K No P or K needed Grazing Cutting, using slurry Cutting, no slurry Extensive Grazing (Nitram, SingleTop), Swardsman, KayNitro Sulphur, Cut & Graze Nitram, SingleTop, Heartland Sulphur, KayNitro Sulphur Organic Manures plus Heartland Sulphur, KayNitro Sulphur, MultiCut Sulphur Twenty Ten Ten Heartland Sulphur (Nitram, SingleTop), Swardsman, NK Sulphur, CropMaster Sulphur CropMaster Sulphur, NK Sulphur, Swardsman Cut & Graze Nitram, SingleTop, MultiCut Sulphur, KayNitro Sulphur, NK Sulphur MultiCut Sulphur, Heartland Sulphur, KayNitro Sulphur Nitram, SingleTop Nitram, SingleTop 11

Reassuringly British Fertiliser Storage and Handling Tips Store fertilisers securely, at least 10 metres away from a watercourse or field drain and well away from other chemicals and organic materials, such as straw. Make sure there are no sources of ignition in the store and that up-to-date stock records and Safety Data Sheets are available. If bags have to be stored outside, they should be off the ground on pallets and sheeted to protect them from the elements. Stack a maximum of three high and interlock bags for stability. When using mechanical loaders, check the tines regularly to make sure there are no sharp edges which could damage bag loops. Never carry bags with the lifting tines at an angle and always drive slowly and smoothly, especially over rough ground. Blue bags grow better crops For further help and advice, please contact us on: 0151 357 5758 or email: advice@cffertilisers.co.uk www.cffertilisers.co.uk CF Fertilisers UK Limited, Ince, Chester, Cheshire CH2 4LB CF Fertilisers UK Limited 2016 *Blue figures for manures show available nutrients. CF Fertilisers UK Ltd assumes no liability for reliance on, or any errors or omissions in, the information provided in this document. For a precise farm specific recommendation please contact your FACTS Qualified Adviser. CF