Spring Decisions: Timing, Nutrition, Results

Today we’re tackling spring crop decisions. How do you nail the timing, get nutrition spot on, and boost your results? To answer that, we’ve got Ben Foster from RHIZA and Gavin Stewart, Fertiliser Product Manager for Scotland, and George Proctor, Contracting Operations Manager at Agrii.

Summary:

• Nitrogen needs to be used more efficiently as prices rise and CBAM fertiliser tax comes in. Many farms only achieve around 60% nitrogen use efficiency, but Agrii trials show variable‑rate, evidence‑based applications can lift this to 70–75%.
• Liquid fertiliser offers accuracy and quicker uptake, especially in dry springs. Adding inhibitors like Liqui‑Safe can increase nitrogen use efficiency by ~15% and delivered a 4% yield uplift across 42 winter wheat trials.
• Precision starts with understanding variability, not guessing it. Farmers should use Contour satellite imagery, drones, and N‑sensors to judge crop demand, identify differences in biomass, and decide whether to feed weaker or stronger areas.
• Contract sprayers give farmers access to variable‑rate technology they may not have on their own kit. Liquid systems and modern sprayers allow accurate, low‑pressure applications that reduce crop damage and support timely operations in narrow weather windows.
• Timing and conditions matter as much as rate. Using hyper‑local weather data in Contour helps farmers and contractors judge field conditions, hit application windows, and make sure nitrogen is applied when the crop can use it effectively.