Since April 1st, new regulations on urea-based fertilisers in England mean farmers have had to adapt their application methods to cut environmental impacts.
Nigel Hester, Yara Crop Nutrition business manager, offers practical advice on navigating these regulatory changes, as well as the benefits which come with management planning and accurate fertiliser application.
The difference between compounds and blends
Unlike blends, compound products enable more uniform application, Nigel explains: “The main issue with blends is the compatibility of the raw materials used in the mix. Size and bulk density are the two key aspects, and shape can also have an impact on flow rates and spread pattern.”
Recent tests showed this difference: YaraVera Amidas, a sulphur-enriched granular fertiliser, achieved an 8% variation in tray tests (excellent), while a comparable blend showed 44%.
For farmers using the latter, this can lead to reduced yields and financial losses. Nigel adds: “Investing in a product which is going to spread well and give an even feed to the crop is clearly of vital importance.”
Meeting new regulations for urea-based fertilisers
New urea fertiliser regulations in England aim to cut ammonia emissions that cause pollution and damage habitats. Between April 1st and January 15th, farmers must use a urease inhibitor.
Nigel explained: “This is all about ammonia loss and the idea behind this is to slow down the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, meaning it keeps the nitrogen in ammonium form, which is less volatile and more available to the plant.”
The increasing importance of sulphur
Sulphur is now increasingly important in crop production, with reduced industrial emissions leading to lower natural levels from the atmosphere.
Nigel says: “Back in 2002, when I started working for Hydro Agri, the company that would become Yara, the majority of our products did not contain sulphur.
“Whereas today, the majority of our product range does contain sulphur. That’s been very much a response to industry cleaning up its act.”
Crops need significant sulphur: cereals 25–50kg/ha, oilseed 50–80, cut grass 40 per cut, and grazed grass 20–30 per 100kg of nitrogen. At 300kg/ha, Amidas is said to deliver 42kg of sulphur and 120kg of nitrogen.
Sulphur boosts nitrogen efficiency, yield, and quality, even without visible symptoms, making it a cost-effective nutrient. Farmers should watch for yellow leaves, use tissue and soil analysis and risk assessments to detect deficiency.
How to achieve optimal results
For the best returns, soil and manure testing plus precise application are necessary. Nigel advises farmers to do soil tests regularly and a full nutrient management plan.
With fertiliser prices often over £400/t, precision matters. Nigel says: “Spending money on spreader calibration and maintenance is money well spent in that context. Tray testing is probably the best bet because that would match the actual product the farmer’s got and his actual spreader.”
The future for the growing season
Good farming begins with identifying soil fertility limits, such as sulphur, phosphate, or micronutrients such as boron, vital for oilseed rape. Assessing soil structure and organic matter is also crucial for strong crop performance. Nigel stresses: “I would always recommend any farmer take advice from a FACTS qualified advisor.”
