Spring is here, and cropping time is upon us. But getting crops established successfully is not always straightforward.
Wet conditions can increase the risk of nitrogen leaching, while dry conditions can lead to volatilisation before newly germinated seedlings can utilise available nutrients. Either way, valuable fertiliser and money can be lost.
Polymer-coated urea (PCU) offers a practical solution. Its protective coating allows nitrogen to be released gradually and predictably, helping better match nutrient availability with crop demand.
This makes PCU particularly well suited to heavy-feeding crops such as maize and brassicas. In wet soils, urea can rapidly convert to nitrate, often faster than young plants can take it up. PCU slows this process, helping retain nutrients in the soil and reduce potential losses.
Research continues to support the benefits of controlled-release fertilisers, with studies showing improvements in nutrient-use efficiency, nutrient recovery and crop performance. At Fertco, we are seeing these advantages through our Fertco 2-Step Maize Programme and Fertco Smart Brassica Base.
PCU can also simplify crop management by reducing the need for post-germination side-dressing. Fewer fertiliser applications mean lower spreading costs, less machinery traffic through vulnerable crops and reduced reliance on contractors during challenging weather conditions.
The benefits do not stop with cropping. In pasture systems, Fertco’s Nsmart programme can support more consistent grass growth, helping farmers build covers when growing conditions are favourable. Surplus high-quality pasture can then be harvested and stored as silage, providing valuable supplementary feed later in the season.
Establishing a crop or growing quality feed is a significant investment. At Fertco, we combine innovative fertiliser solutions with practical farming experience. Our local team understands the challenges faced by farmers because we are regularly out on farm ourselves. We’re big enough to compete, yet small enough to provide the personal service and tailored advice that helps our customers get the best results from every hectare.
