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Higher prices for baled straw have prompted reminders to ensure soil nutrients are adequate ahead of autumn drilling. More growers have chosen to bale... Straw demand prompts phosphate reminder

Higher prices for baled straw have prompted reminders to ensure soil nutrients are adequate ahead of autumn drilling.

More growers have chosen to bale rather than chop straw this year, with prices reaching almost £100/tonne in July, according to figures from the British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association.

Strong demand

“Reduced cropping areas and short straw heights have both contributed to the straw shortage this year. Demand for straw has been strong – including from as far away as Ireland, says the association.

But taking straw off the field can contribute to soil nutrient deficiencies, says Toby Ward at Origin Fertilisers. Growers will be wary of later drilling this season and getting crops off to a strong start is paramount, he adds.

“Nutrients removed by baling, reduced soil organic matter, and any potential compaction, will need to be addressed before drilling. This is likely to be earlier than in some years to ensure crops are well established before winter.

Major nutrients such as phosphate and potash are essential to early plant development and protein formation, and incorporating straw maintains these nutrients and avoids a potential shortage for the following crop.

Phosphate is vital for crop establishment and plants need a reliable and available source of it to promote root development, says Mr Ward. Avoiding phosphate lock up is also essential to maintain plant availability.

Products such as Origin Enhanced Phosphate (OEP) can give an immediate and sustained supply, adds Mr Ward. Growers who baled straw should be considering applications around drilling to ensure levels are replenished.

Soil sampling will highlight any deficiencies.  A balanced nutrition plan can then be drawn up to account for any nutrients lost through baling – giving crops access to phosphate to support establishment.