T-sum 200 all but here
T-sum 200 all but here
ONLY the Grampians and small areas of the southern uplands remain below Kemira T-sum 200í on Feb 17. With the mild spell continuing, values are now about 100 above the long-term normal.
The prediction for the week ahead shows the expected cold snap will limit further progress in upland areas, while lower lying regions are expected to increase by another 30-40C.
Fertiliser should be applied as soon as ground conditions are suitable and where flooding is unlikely to occur in the next few weeks, says Kemira south midlands technical manager Ross Leadbeater. "This will ensure adequate grass growth for the early turnout of ewes and lambs or cows."
In the Cotswold area, fields are drying but any further heavy rain will delay fertiliser applications and turnout, he warns.
Mr Leadbeater believes there is a risk of swards building too rapidly as many fields remain too wet to graze. This could mean greater areas have to be closed up for first cut, leading to grazing grass shortages if there is a dry spring.
Daily T-sum updates can be found on farmers weekly Interactive (www.fwi.co.uk). *