Did you know that Dutch arable farmers face more challenges from legal restrictions on fertilization than from the actual availability of manure?
Recent legislation has sometimes set limits on nitrogen (N) application from manure that are lower than what agronomic advice suggests. Despite these restrictions, the nitrogen balance—calculated as the difference between application and offtake—remains positive in most cases. This highlights that the real challenge is improving nitrogen-use efficiency, not simply applying more N.
To navigate these limitations, farmers are increasingly turning to advanced tools like Tipstar, which factors in soil, crop, and weather data for precise fertilization and irrigation of potatoes. Another useful tool is NDICEA, which predicts nitrogen balance based on expected yield and management history. As these tools gain traction, farmers and advisors are working together to enhance nutrient planning and maximize crop productivity.
Maximizing Nutrient Efficiency
Content Author: DELPHY