Given that soils have had a rough ride over this winter, mineralisation of nitrogen and sulphur could be suppressed.
The grass will be hungry and raring to grow for second cut, so it’s worth getting applications of slurries and bagged fertiliser on aftermaths quickly following first cut so you don’t miss any growing days.
Application rates will depend on your target yield, typical rates are 70-75KgN/ha, but high growth potential areas might push up towards 90kgN/ha.
Potash need is greatly dependent on soil index status. If you haven’t had soil test done in the last 3 years it is well worth getting then done to avoid over or under application of K.
Index 2 soils will need 90kg/ha to maintain the index. Where slurries have been used then this will provide the majority of your potash requirements. Check with our forage team on application rates.
Sulphur will certainly be critical, especially if you are looking to maximise the crop’s sugar yield and protein quality. It’s inclusion is hugely cost effective.