Research by Eurofins Agri
Nitrogen figures lower than in previous years
Less nitrogen was measured in the soil in January than in the same period in previous years. This is apparent from research by Eurofins Agro. Arjan Reijneveld, product manager at Eurofins Agro, reports that this was partly due to the weather conditions. "As a result, little to no nitrogen mineralizes and if it is there, it volatilizes in wet conditions."
The nitrogen figures are lower in the first month of 2018 than in previous years. In January values were found between 2 and 45 kilos of nitrogen per hectare. In other years those figures were between 15 and 100 kilos per hectare. "In the layer up to 30 centimeters we find on average slightly more than 5 kilos per hectare. That is very little," reports Reijneveld.
Combination of factors
In many fields, the level can be adjusted by adding nitrogen. "Growers have to pay close attention to the weather conditions and the humidity of the fields," says Reijneveld. "If the fields remain so wet, it is better to give the nitrogen in stages. However, this is only possible if it is possible to go onto the land already."
Research by Eurofins Agro shows that a combination of factors leads to less nitrogen in the soil. For example, the catch crops consume nitrogen, the nitrogen is washed out by the rain and the wet weather conditions cause the nitrogen to volatilize. The lower animal manure rates and the higher amount of compost also change the quality of the soil organic matter, causing it to mineralize less well.
Kimberly Baker
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
