Cutting inputs and costs is a common goal for growers making the first steps into regenerative farming. As it is a systems approach, the first stage is to build healthier, more resilient soils that are full of biological life.
As Louise Impey reports for Farmers Weekly in the UK, these soils will then start to cycle nutrients to feed the plants, as well as cope with extreme weather events. In time, crops grown in soils that are functioning well require less intervention, providing opportunities to reduce fertiliser and crop protection inputs.
Base phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applications are usually among the first to fall, but the current economic climate and recent price hike means that there is also huge interest in bringing nitrogen (N) rates down.
Farmers Weekly spoke to two growers who are reducing their use of inputs – one who describes himself as just starting out, the other who has more experience.
Source: Farmers Weekly. Read the full article here
Photo: A contractor applying Omex liquid nitrogen. Courtesy and credit Tim Scrivener via Farmers Weekly
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