IN BRIEF

6 September 2002

IN BRIEF

&#8226 APPLYING extra nitrogen to try to overcome poor growth caused by potash or phosphate shortages is like accelerating an engine short of oil, warns the Potash Development Association.

Despite huge financial pressures on growers to economise on P and K inputs, doing so is only acceptable if the fertility change does not affect yield or quality, says the PDAs John Hollies.

The potential "hidden hunger" of potash deficiency is highlighted in the latest PDA leaflet justifying maintaining soil nutrients. Trials results with winter wheat show that allowing the K index to slip from 2 to 1 produced 2t/ha (0.8t/acre) less – a salient message for autumn drillers, says Mr Hollies. &#42