Recommendation Details - Grassland

1. Purpose of the Page

This page records nutrient recommendations for Grass Silage & Grazing on Demo Farm. It allows users to:

  • Track soil test values (pH, P, K, Mg).
  • Record grazing sequences and crop nutrient requirements.
  • Log manure and fertiliser applications.
  • Monitor nutrient balances and compliance with closed periods.

2. Key Sections

🔹 Field Information

  • Field Name: Silage ground.
  • Total Area: 18.00 ha.
  • Soil Type: Medium.
  • pH: 6.2.
  • Indices: P=3, K=1, Mg=4.
  • Grassland Established: 17/08/2019.
  • Grass Growth Class: Average.
  • Previous Crop: Not grass in previous 3 harvest years.

🔹 Grazing Sequences

Each sequence records grazing events:

  • Date – e.g., 01/05/2025, 01/06/2025, 01/07/2025, 01/08/2025.
  • Crop Material – Fresh grass (15–20% DM).
  • Duration – 1 month.
  • Yield – FW yield (t/ha) and DM yield (t/ha).
  • Nutrient Offtake – P and K removal values.

👉 Example:

  • 01/05/2025 → 15.0 t/ha FW, 2.6 t/ha DM, P offtake -25.0, K offtake -32.5.

🔹 Crop Nutrient Requirements

Pulled from RB209 guidance:

  • Sequence 1 → N=45 kg/ha.
  • Sequence 2 → N=35 kg/ha.
  • Sequence 3 → N=35 kg/ha, K₂O=30 kg/ha.
  • Sequence 4 → N=35 kg/ha.
  • Totals: N=150, P₂O₅=0, K₂O=30.

🔹 Advice Notes

  • Nitrogen Grazing: Reduce or omit if growth restricted by drought.
  • Phosphate Grazing: Apply in small applications; early spring may give small response.
  • Potash Grazing: Apply 30 kg/ha at Index 0 for first grazing. Avoid spring potash if hypomagnesaemia risk.

🔹 Manure Applications

  • Cattle slurry (6% DM) applied on:
    • 20/02/2025 → 30 m³/ha → N=27.3, P₂O₅=36, K₂O=69.
    • 18/05/2025 → 25 m³/ha → N=16.3, P₂O₅=30, K₂O=57.5.
    • 11/07/2025 → 20 m³/ha → N=13, P₂O₅=24, K₂O=46.
  • Totals from manures: N=56.5, P₂O₅=90, K₂O=172.5, SO₃=17.3, MgO=45.

🔹 Fertiliser Applications

  • 06/03/2025 → Chafer Nufol 20+S → 190 kg/ha → N=38, SO₃=8.
  • 02/05/2025 → 24N 0P 15K 15S → 267 kg/ha → N=64.1, K₂O=40, SO₃=40.
  • 18/05/2025 → Liquid N 28-3SO₃ → 225 l/ha → N=63, SO₃=6.8.
  • 10/07/2025 → 27-0-0 30SO₃ → 85 kg/ha → N=22.9, SO₃=25.5.
  • Totals from fertilisers: N=188, K₂O=40, SO₃=80.3.

🔹 Nutrient Balances

  • Net Crop Nutrient Requirements: N=93.5, P₂O₅=-90, K₂O=-142.5, SO₃=-17.3, MgO=-45.
  • Available from fertilisers & manures: N=244.6, P₂O₅=90, K₂O=212.6, SO₃=97.6.
  • Balance: P₂O₅ surplus (+65), K₂O surplus (+180.1).

🔹 Compliance

  • Closed Periods:
    • Manures: 15 Oct – 31 Jan.
    • Fertilisers: 15 Sep – 15 Jan.

3. How to Use This Page

  1. Review soil indices before planning applications.
  2. Check grazing sequences for nutrient offtake.
  3. Log manure applications with dates and rates.
  4. Add fertiliser applications to meet crop requirements.
  5. Monitor nutrient balances to avoid surpluses/deficits.
  6. Ensure compliance with closed periods.

4. Tips for Users

  • ✅ Always fetch RB209 values for accuracy.
  • ✅ Use advice notes to guide nutrient timing.
  • ✅ Track manure and fertiliser totals to avoid over‑application.
  • ✅ Monitor nutrient balances for sustainability and compliance.