Thetford Farm Diaries
Fertiliser Application
April 25 : Farm Manager : Mark Taylor : Fertiliser Application
Nurturing Our Crops
At Thetford Farm Estate we believe that healthy crops start with healthy soils. As a third-generation arable farm in the heart of South Lincolnshire, we are proud to grow wheat, barley, oilseed rape peas, beans, oats and let land out for potatoes, staple crops that feed the nation. To ensure we maintain both yield and sustainability, our nutrient application strategy plays a vital role in every growing season.
The Right Nutrients at the Right Time
Nutrient application is about giving each crop the tailored nutrients it needs to thrive; we follow a crop specific nutrient management guide (RB209) to ensure that we give each crop and soil type the correct amount of Nitrogen needed for crop development.
We apply a combination of organic and manufactured fertilisers with the organic applied in the autumn and manufactured applied throughout the spring.
Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash, Magnesium and Sulphur are the key macronutrients whilst micronutrients such as Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Boron also play a vital role in crop development which are monitored throughout the growing season.
Tissue analysis samples are taken and sent to the lab for testing to check for deficiency before treatment. A foliar spray application would be made, if required
Working with the Land, Not Against It
Before applying any form of nutrient, extensive soil sampling and analysis is carried out, this helps us to understand where the nutrient levels, e.g. Phosphate, Potash, Magnesium, Ph levels and organic matter are for each field then using this data allows us to produce an application plan for each field to apply the right nutrient for crop needs.
This is done by using variable rate application technology which is part of our commitment to precision agriculture, this enables us to apply nutrients where needed reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Sustainability at the Core
As stewards of the land, sustainability drives our approach. We are focused on reducing our carbon footprint and improving our soil health for long term fertility.
Along with organic manures and crop rotation, we have just started using cover crops to try and increase soil organic matter to reduce the dependency on manufactured inputs.
It’s all part of our effort to balance modern farming with environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Nutrition is a key part for the future at Thetford Farm Estate. By investing in soil health and sustainable methods we are ensuring our fields remain productive not just for this year but for generations to come.
Whether it’s a golden field of wheat or a vibrant crop of oilseed rape everything we grow starts with the care we put into the soil. That care begins long before harvest with thoughtful, responsible nutrition application.