Nutrient management advice: preparing winter-drilled arable crops for optimal 2025 yields
As 2025 approaches, arable farmers’ thoughts will be turning to how to make the most of newly established winter cereal crops.
A carefully considered nutrient management strategy for spring is essential to maximise yield potentials and profit margins – which, for winter milling wheat and feed wheat, are projected to be favourable for harvest 2025.
This guide offers key recommendations in line with AHDB guidance to help you optimise spring fertiliser applications for winter wheat and winter barley crops.
Nitrogen management
Nitrogen (N) remains a crucial nutrient for optimal cereal yields, but precision in its application is essential.
Timing is critical to maximise nitrogen uptake and minimise leaching risks, especially during periods of high rainfall.
For winter cereals, a split application of a nitrogen fertiliser, like OCI Nutramon, is typically recommended to improve nutrient absorption and support steady crop growth.
This generally involves spreading the first application in early spring, around late February to March, as crops begin to emerge from dormancy, and the second application at early stem extension in April, before rapid growth phases.
When working out the spreading rate, nitrogen applications should be adjusted based on the Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) index – calculated by soil testing.
For instance, AHDB’s RB209 nutrient management guidelines for winter wheat recommend approximately 120 kg/ha on medium soils with an SNS of 2, and up to 250 kg/ha on light sand soils with an SNS of 0.
The nitrogen requirements of winter barley generally align closely with those for wheat, though slightly lower in some cases.
AHDB’s recommended rates for winter-sown barley on medium soils, for example, range from 150 kg/ha at an SNS of 2 to around 170 kg/ha at an SNS of 0.
Phosphate and potash for soil health
Phosphate (P) and potassium (K) are critical for strong root systems and resilience.
As per AHDB guidance, both winter wheat and barley benefit from maintaining a soil index of 2 for phosphate and potash.
If soil tests indicate levels below this index, consider higher application rates to build up soil reserves.
For winter wheat at an index 0, AHDB’s RB209 guide recommends approximately 110 kg/ha of phosphate (P₂O₅) if straw is incorporated, while winter barley would benefit from around 105 kg/ha.
Potash requirements are similarly increased on lower index soils, with winter wheat needing up to 145 kg/ha if straw is removed.
Incorporating these nutrients into the seedbed, particularly in lower index fields, promotes better root growth and water efficiency, building resilience in winter cereal crops.
Sulphur to boost protein and yield quality
Independent analyses by Lancrop Laboratories have shown that sulphur deficiencies are becoming more widespread across the UK, particularly in regions with lighter, well-drained soils prone to leaching, as well as in areas with higher rainfall.
This trend is attributed to a lower level of atmospheric sulphur deposition over the years, largely due to cleaner air regulations.
Deficiencies are often observed in early spring, as crops emerge from winter dormancy, when soils are less able to supply adequate sulphur due to leaching that can occur over winter.
To address this, applying a fertiliser that contains sulphur, such as OCI Dynamon, on winter wheat and barley crops has become essential for many farmers.
Recommendations from AHDB vary from 25-50 kg of SO₃ per ha of winter wheat, and 25-30 kg/ha of winter barley, depending on soil type and existing nutrient levels.
Applying sulphur to cereals in early spring ensures it is readily available during key growth stages when it is most needed for protein synthesis and enzyme function.
Monitoring and adjusting nutrient supply
During the spring 2025 growing season, proactive monitoring of winter cereal crops is essential to optimise nutrient management and respond effectively to any emerging deficiencies.
Regular soil testing at the start of the season provides a baseline, helping to identify nutrient variability across fields, and refine nutrient strategies based on the Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) index, soil organic matter, and pH.
However, in-season monitoring is just as critical to address immediate crop needs.
Tissue testing
As crops progress through spring growth stages, tissue testing (or leaf analysis) provides a snapshot of the plant’s nutrient status and reveals nutrient deficiencies before they visibly impact growth or yield.
For winter cereals, testing at the tillering stage (typically March) and again at the start of stem elongation (April) can detect deficiencies in nutrients like nitrogen, sulphur, and essential micronutrients.
Foliar applications
When deficiencies are detected during tissue testing, foliar applications offer a fast-acting method to correct nutrient imbalances, especially for sulphur and micronutrients.
Nutrients like manganese, magnesium, and boron are essential in small quantities but play a critical role in chlorophyll production, enzyme function, and stress resilience.
Foliar applications are especially beneficial when soil conditions are sub-optimal – e.g. cold, excessively wet, or dry soils – which can limit nutrient uptake through roots.
In-season adjustments
Once soil and tissue testing data is available, adjust nutrient applications in response to crop growth and environmental conditions.
Based on your initial spring nitrogen application, consider a second top-up dose of OCI Nutramon at early stem extension (around late April to early May) to ensure the crop has adequate nitrogen through the stem elongation phase.
Tissue tests showing low nitrogen levels may justify a higher rate within the recommended guidelines.
Proactive in-season monitoring and timely adjustments based on soil and tissue data ensure that winter cereal crops receive balanced nutrients when they are most needed, promoting healthier, more resilient crops with optimised yield potential by harvest 2025.
Read further nutrition advice for winter cereal crops here.