Learning Outcomes:
- To list the sources of nutrients for crops.
- To understand how we ‘measure’ these sources.
- To explain the link between this supply and crop demand
- To understand the sections of the “basis for good crop nutrient management practice”.
RB209
RB209, or the Nutrient Management Guide, is a guide that provides best practices for applying fertilizers and organic materials to crops and grassland in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s published by the AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board)
Go to AHDB Website and download resources
RB209 Video Playlist
Integrated Crop Nutrient Management.
Proper plant nutrition is the cornerstone of arable farming, directly impacting crop yields and soil health.
Arable Plant Nutrition: Key Nutrients, Sources, and Balancing the Supply
Plant Nutrition can be broken down into three essential aspects: the key nutrients plants need, (see Plant Nutrients Page) their sources, and how to balance nutrient supply with crop demand. (See Below)
1. Sources of Nutrients for Crops
To meet the nutrient needs of arable crops, farmers rely on a mix of natural and synthetic sources:
- Organic Sources:
- Manure: Adds nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter to the soil.
- Compost: Provides a balanced mix of nutrients and improves soil structure.
- Crop Residues: Returning plant material to the soil recycles nutrients.
- Inorganic (Synthetic) Fertilizers:
- Nitrogen Fertilizers: Urea, ammonium nitrate, and anhydrous ammonia.
- Phosphorus Fertilizers: Single superphosphate (SSP), triple superphosphate (TSP).
- Potassium Fertilizers: Potassium chloride (muriate of potash), potassium sulfate.
- Biological Sources:
- Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria: Legumes like clover host rhizobia bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: Help plants access phosphorus and other nutrients.
2. Balancing Nutrient Supply and Crop Demand
Balancing nutrient supply with crop demand is critical for optimizing yields while minimizing environmental impacts. Here’s how farmers achieve it:
- Soil Testing:
Regular soil tests reveal nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content, helping to tailor fertilization plans. - Crop Nutrient Requirements:
Different crops have specific nutrient demands at various growth stages. For example:- Cereals require high nitrogen during vegetative growth.
- Oilseed rape benefits from sulfur for oil production.
- Nutrient Timing and Application:
- Split Applications: Applying fertilizers in stages (e.g., at sowing, mid-season) aligns with crop uptake.
- Precision Farming: GPS-guided tools ensure nutrients are applied only where needed.
- Avoiding Over- or Under-Application:
- Over-application leads to nutrient runoff and environmental issues.
- Under-application results in poor yields and nutrient deficiencies.
- Crop Rotation and Cover Crops:
Incorporating legumes or cover crops improves nitrogen availability and prevents soil depletion.
Conclusion
Effective arable plant nutrition combines understanding nutrient needs, sourcing them sustainably, and synchronizing supply with crop demand. This balance ensures healthy crops, productive soils, and reduced environmental impact—laying the foundation for sustainable agriculture.!
Below is presentation about “Crop Nutrient Management?”
