Now is the time to be looking into ordering potash (K) fertiliser for spreading this autumn.
A lot of fields are becoming very deficient in potash, particularly fields that are cut for silage but that don’t get slurry spread on them afterwards.
A prime example here is paddocks on the milking platform that are cut for bale silage.
Autumn is the best time to spread K as it reduces the risk of luxury uptake of K, causing grass tetany and milk fevers.
Nitrogen and potash compounds are available without any phosphorus, eg 19:0:15 and a product like this could be used between now and the closed period, which is only six weeks away.
Straight K can be spread at any time of the year.
The options here are muriate of potash (0:0:50) or sulphate of potash (0:0:42+16 sulphur). I am hearing of good deals being done now for all types of fertiliser, with CAN being available for less than €190/t.
Dairy management notes: what to consider before leasing land
Dairy management: time to take the bulls out and some time off