Think CNPK
We are no longer concerned only with NPK; we now need to think CNPK. If the carbon content of the soil is not right, then nutrition will be compromised.
For example, the optimum fungi:bacteria ratio in the soil for a typical UK arable rotation is around 0.7:1. However, most soils are much more bacteria dominated as a result of intense cultivations, synthetic chemistry and excessive use of manufactured nitrogen fertiliser.
Excessive bacterial blooms and associated high respiration levels can reduce soil carbon levels through carbon dioxide losses. Restoring soil carbon and balancing soil biology is therefore an essential part of long-term soil functionality and nutrient use efficiency.
Fertiliser - protect, replace, reduce
We have a range of products now available to growers to help fine tune nutrition and reduce its unwanted impacts.
Here are just a few examples. Replacing some late-season bagged nitrogen with foliar-applied, controlled-release nitrogen fertiliser can substantially reduce a crop’s environmental/carbon footprint.
Nitrification inhibitors slow down the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, reducing losses to water and air and helping to keep crop-available nitrogen in the soil for longer.