After using the information obtained from recent soil analysis to create a nutrient management plan, the next stage is the purchasing of Calciprill lime and fertiliser for spring application to ensure you have the correct fertiliser on farm for a timely application.
Fane Valley’s FACTS qualified agronomists can help you to interpret your soil analysis results to calculate crop requirements as per RB209 / Nutrient Action Plan regulations and advise on the most appropriate fertiliser to apply alongside any organic manures you may have.
However, before applying any fertiliser, the pH of soils must be corrected to maximise efficiency. Calciprill, is a high-quality granulated lime with a consistent particle size, allowing for a uniform spread pattern and even coverage. Calciprill offers a cost-effective solution for building and maintaining soil pH and should be part of annual liming plan. It enables precise pH adjustments based on soil analysis results. Regular maintenance dressings of 50-100 kg per acre can keep soil pH at optimal levels, ensuring high yields and quality forage and crops. A key ingredient in Calciprill is calcium which is a crucial secondary nutrient for crops and essential for cell walls, root and leaf structure, water uptake, and resistance to disease and damage. Many areas in the UK and Ireland have low calcium levels in topsoil, affecting crop yields. Calciprill, being 97% calcium carbonate, is ideal for annual use to resupply calcium and maintain soil pH. Maintaining target pH levels (6.3-6.5) leads to healthier soils, less weed competition, and higher crop production and quality.
At Fane Valley, we have access to a wide range of fertilisers, available at your local Fane Valley Store for collection or for direct delivery straight to your farm, allowing applications as per your requirements. Fertiliser is available as granular solid material, in traditional 500/600kg bags, or as liquid fertiliser which is stored in bulk liquid tanks on farm, with tanks supplied subject to volumes. Regardless of fertiliser type, accuracy of application is key, and the maintenance/servicing of spreaders and sprayers should be an annual task to ensure accurate application rates and placement of fertiliser.
Tailored blends of fertiliser are available, produced to requested specifications providing the soil with the optimum levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium and Sulphur, avoiding the financial and environmental cost of over/under application. These blends are equally suitable to crop and grassland situations, and in livestock enterprises can be formulated to help avoid mineral imbalances in the forage with, for example, the addition of Selenium or Sodium.
Ordering well ahead of usage will ensure you have the correct products on farm, helping avoid stock availability/distribution issues in peak fertiliser season. Fertiliser payment plans are also in place, helping smooth cash flows during the spring period of high demand.
To find out more about Fane Valley’s fertiliser and lime service, including the production of Nutrient Management plans contact your local agronomist or call 02892610485.
