Why should I manage my nutrients?
Good nutrient management is one of the keys to farm profitability. Broadly, applying nutrients at recommended rates doubles the yield of most crops.
Getting things wrong risks yields, profits, the environment and compliance with regulations. Statutory rules for nitrogen management apply in NVZs.
How do I get started?
The Tried & Tested Nutrient Management Plan is created by the industry - for the industry. It has been developed to aid farmers by making nutrient planning and recording simple and practical for you and your farm. The plan provides useful information sources on nutrient spreading guidance, soil analysis services, Professional advice, nutrient storage and fertiliser security. The Tried & Tested plan also takes you through the main stages in the season, identifying priorities at each stage. The plan is intended to be used alongside the Defra Fertiliser Manual (RB209) and the series of Guidance for Farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones leaflets. You can find the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) in our library along with the NVZ leaflets.
Our New to Nutrient Management Guide can help you if you are new to nutrient management or if you require a simple step by step guide to the principles of nutrient management planning. Available here or request it free in paper form.
For information and best practice advice regading the storage, handling and spreading of manures and slurrys take a look at Think Manures, a publication produced by Tried & Tested alongside the Environment Agency and AHDB. Think Manures is availbe here or you can request it in paper form.
Tried & Tested tools
You can use our SNS calculator to help you determine the Soil Nitrogen Supply of your soil. You will need this index number when using the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) for guidance on fertiliser application rates. You will find the SNS calculator to the left of this screen.
The Tried & Tested tear-off pad is a pad of two-sided field record sheets. The sheets can be used to plan applications of nutrients on one side and then record the actual applications at the end of the season on the other side. By using the pad to keep hard records of on-farm nutrient management you can make sure you are complying with NVZ rules for record keeping.
For a limited time only we have also had a number of Tried & Tested memory sticks produced. These sticks include all the information and documents you need to do your nutrient planning such as the Tried & Tested plan, RB209, NVZ leaflets and much more.
All Tried & Tested tools are available free of charge - please contact nutrientmanagement@nfu.org.uk or phone 02476 858 896
I am still not sure how to get started......
On the Tried & Tested website we keep up to date details of nutrient management events across the country. Some of these events will include workshops where farmers can get detailed advice on how to do their nutrient planning. Visit our events page here to find out more.
FACTS advisers are trained to give professional advice on nutrient planning. To find a FACTS qualified adviser in your area visit the BASIS website here.
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