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• Shortfall in key crop nutrient levels • Important to eliminate deficiencies • Better soil organic matter can help More cases of nutrient deficiency... Potassium tops nutrient deficiency in East Anglia cereal crops

• Shortfall in key crop nutrient levels

• Important to eliminate deficiencies

• Better soil organic matter can help

More cases of nutrient deficiency are being found in cereal crops, according to seasonal tissue tests across East Anglia.

Winter sown cereals face a huge challenge over the winter months, with crops still in their infancy and at their most vulnerable to climate stressors. Magnesium, potassium and zinc deficiencies are all on the rise.

FMC crop nutrition expert Chris Bond says that having a firm understanding of the level of readily available nutrients can allow growers to address issues head on – and eliminate the threat of deficiencies.

“By carrying out tissue testing, we can build an accurate picture of crop health and robustness at that time. Samples from farms across East Anglia have allowed us to identify which nutrient deficiencies are commonly being seen in the region.”

FMC has been carrying out wide scale testing since 2018. More than 5,600 samples have been collected from wheat, barley and oats crops – about 500 of which were from eastern region farms.

2024 results

A rise in potassium deficiencies is the most significant issue flagged among the 2024 tissue tests, says Mr Bond. East Anglia has the worst potassium deficiency in the UK, with 55% of samples below optimum – 10% higher than the national average.”

Excessive rainfall can cause potassium to leach from the soil, particularly in sandy or lighter soils, exacerbating the problem in the following spring. “A potassium shortage could unknowingly cause issues,” says Mr Bond.

We know it’s important for straw strength to avoid lodging, but it’s also crucial for water management and the transport of nutrients throughout the plant, which help to ensure crop quality and health.

If the region experiences another wet growing season, Mr Bond says keeping an eye on potassium levels is all the more important. Improving organic matter in soil will help to address this deficiency, he adds.

“Organic matter acts like a sponge by storing potassium and other nutrients to improve soil structure. making it easier for the roots to reach and absorb potassium, while also protecting it from being washed away.”

Nutrient deficiencies

This year’s results also highlighted a rise in zinc and magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium levels have fluctuated over the past six years, whereas zinc has steadily decreased.

“It will be no surprise to growers that magnesium is a key macronutrient. Responsible for catalysing over 300 reactions within the plant, it’s the central atom of chlorophyll and synthesises carbohydrates and proteins.

“It’s fundamental to crop success. Understanding your magnesium levels puts you in the best position to address any issues in the early stages of the growing season, to mitigate any shortfalls.

“Magnesium deficiencies can be recognised by poor establishment and a fall in active green leaf throughout the growing period.”

Mr Bond adds that addressing zinc levels early on can also be beneficial to getting crops off to a healthy start. Zinc deficiency has increased by 5% since 2023 – and by a 20% since 2020.”

Vulnerable crops

“Heavy rainfall and waterlogging can cause zinc lockup; cool, wet soils with low microbial activity and slower root growth make it harder for the crop to access zinc. Winter drilled cereals are particularly vulnerable.

“Zinc is vital in strengthening cell membranes, which helps improve the plant’s tolerance to winter’s cold conditions. It may not be front of mind for growers, but crops benefit from zinc throughout the season.”

Adequate zinc levels in cereals can enhance the plant’s ability to utilise nitrogen efficiently, leading to better growth and establishment, particularly in nitrogen-demanding crops like wheat and barley.

“Over time, continuous cropping without sufficient replenishment of micronutrients will naturally deplete the soils,” says Mr Bond.

“In the drive for higher yields, macronutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are often prioritised, while micronutrient applications, such as zinc, may be overlooked.”

How to replenish nutrients

Crop nutrition can be complex because there are a number of reasons why nutritional deficiencies occur. This is why understanding why each deficiency occurs makes it easier to rectify.

Mr Bond advises growers to apply foliar nutrition at crucial timings in the growth season – such as ahead of winter dormancy – to reduce the risk of deficiencies impacting crop development.

“For example, applying a product such as Root 66, which contains magnesium and manganese, or Cereal Plus which contains a broad spectrum of key nutrients for cereals, at the key spray timings will pay dividends for crop development.”

But Mr Bond also encourages growers to keep on top of nutritional analysis, by carrying out tissue testing and soil sampling, as there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to crop nutrition.