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Soils

Soil management and nutrient network farms

    Nutrient Grain Analysis – Highlands Soil Discussion Group

    The group submitted at least 1 grain sample of malting spring barley and they were analysed through the lab. The meeting will discuss the results and compare Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Manganese, Potassium Magnesium, Zinc and Copper against AHDB research minimum values that may affect yield. The group will then compare what trace elements they use and how much they apply. After identifying any deficiencies, we will try to identify any possible reason they are low such as soil conditions. Fertiliser applications will also be discussed.

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    Disease Planning Starts Early

    Planning out a disease management strategy in cereal crops needs to start earlier than usual this season. Programmes can be adjusted as the season goes on but setting out the basic framework makes it possible to work in a diversity of chemistry to minimise resistance risks and cover the main diseases and timings.

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    Integrated Pest Management – Top Tips from High Scoring Farms

    The IPM planning tool for Scottish growers is starting to give useful insights about what high scoring farms do and where they get their information. Filing in an Integrated Pest Management plan is now standard practice on most arable farms and is a useful tool to explore what can be done on individual farms to increase IPM practices. IPM plans are also being picked up across mixed and grassland farms too. Almost 5000 arable plans have been completed to date for arable farms and nearly 300 for grassland plans  – just launched at the end for 2021.  Average scores for arable farms are 64.8% and for grassland farms 56.9%.  This provides really positive evidence about what the farming industry is already doing to produce crops in integrated and sustainable ways.

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    Crops and Soils Focus Group – South West

    The Crop and Soil Nutrient Network Focus Group provides an opportunity to get together with growers in your local area to discuss the latest developments within crops and soils helping to improve the profitability and resilience of your business.  Participation in this small group provides the opportunity for members to challenge, be challenged, hear from specialists, and share their own experiences on managing crops and soils in their regional area. The speakers for this meeting are agronomists Gavin Stewart and Jan Vos.

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