GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTISES

Recommendations for fertilizer use take account of the crop’s needs. The nutrient uptake of the crop is calculated and the following subtracted:

The nutrient uptake of the crop

 

The nutrient uptake of the crop is estimated according to field experiments and approved recommendations which take account of crop variety, expected yield and nutrient supplies, as well as local soil and weather conditions.

 

The nutrient supply already in the soil

 

Soil and plant analyses and experience gained from previous cropping, soil type and local weather conditions help to assess the mineral nutrient content and the nutrients made available from mineralisation.

 

The nutrient supply from farm manure

 

This varies according to collection and storage methods, feed composition and animal species.

 

Modern farming systems need to enhance productivity and profitability for the farmer, yet still preserve the quality of the world’s environmental resources – soil, water and air. And for this, we will need to depend on the best knowledge, technology and farming practices that are, or become, available.

 

Integrated Farm Management (IFM) shows the way to develop strategies to satisfy the crop’s need for nutrients. Farmers who follow the principles of IFM are using nutrients in a responsible and environmentally-conscious way.

 

What is Integrated Farm Management?

 

Integrated Farm Management (IFM) takes a whole farm approach and finds the right way to deal with challenges on the farm which can, at times, be conflicting. It can ensure that farming is sustainable regardless of whether production is based on a high-input intensive system or one that is less intensive.

 

IFM is based on an understanding of the scientific processes in the farming environment, e.g. nutrient flows, factors influencing soil quality, and the application of this knowledge to identify aspects of the farming practice that need attention.

 

Knowledge also needs to be shared with others.  Our main tool in doing this is our publicationSustaining Fertile Soils and Productive Agriculture (link to publication), It presents the main scientific principles, particularly of soil fertility and crop nutrition, which are the basis of good soil management. It also explains how the fertilizer industry contributes to the best implementation of these principles through advice and practical tools which help farmers to apply the Good Fertilization Practice.