AIC welcomes new Fertiliser Manual

The publication of Defras Fertiliser Manual (RB209) after three years of discussion and scrutiny has been welcomed by the Agricultural Industries Confederation as setting new firm foundations for crop nutrition.

Crop nutrition is becoming increasingly important, both in terms of optimising crop output and protecting the environment, said David Caffall, AICs Chief Executive. This publication is the foundation to all work undertaken by the fertiliser and advisory sectors to raise standards through such schemes as FACTS and Tried & Tested.

The recommendations within the new publication are rooted in both science and practice. AICs members have worked with Government officials and science institutes to develop the new recommendations and have provided data from their own trials conducted to standard protocols.

The new integrated approach to grassland fertilisation is particularly welcome for livestock advisers who have advocated it as a more appropriate system of nutrient management that better integrates feed and fertiliser nutrient balance on the farm.

Livestock farmers take quite a different approach to those focused on arable cropping. We believe the industry will welcome the new system, although we recognise advisers will have to play a role in helping it to bed down, said Mr Caffall.

Members will start training their FACTS Qualified Advisers on the new recommendations throughout the summer months so that they will be updated in time to assist farmers and growers planning fertiliser use in the season ahead.