Winter wheat demo plots at Cereals 2026 have recorded a striking improvement in nitrogen use efficiency, with early readings showing 35-40 kg/ha more nitrogen in crops treated with biologicals.

With current nitrogen prices, the results shared by Yara indicate that the application of biologicals is a highly cost-effective way to maximise the value of fertiliser input costs and amplify crop potential.  

"The headline news from our demo plots is how YaraAmplix OPTIVI significantly improves the efficiency of the nitrogen already being applied – effectively delivering the equivalent of an additional 35–40 kg/ha of nitrogen without increasing the bag rate. This is great news for farmers facing real financial pressures right now," says Natalie Wood, Product Manager YaraVita & Biologicals at Yara UK.

Dependable results on challenging ground

At Cereals, Yara is growing winter wheat across four plots. The ground is characterised by stony, brashy soil and a history of black-grass pressure. As viewers to 'Clarkson's Farm' will know, these conditions historically made crop production difficult. 

"For Yara that context matters," explains Natalie. "Results achieved here can give growers farming similar or tougher soils real confidence." 

Two of the Yara's four plots compare nitrate and urea-based nitrogen programmes – YaraBela Axan or YaraVera Amidas, with a T1 pass of YaraVita GRAMITREL and a final dose of YaraBela EXTRAN, totalling the same rate of nitrogen on each plot (188kgN/ha). These plots illustrate how both approaches can deliver consistent results within a well-managed nutrition strategy. 

The other two plots tell the Yara biologicals story: both carry the same solid nitrogen base (total 188kgN/ha) and key micronutrients, but one has the addition of the biostimulant YaraAmplix OPTIVI at 1 /ha.

It's the biostimulant plot that has produced the most striking early data. Yara's N-tester readings confirm that the plot with YaraAmplix OPTIVI shows substantially higher nitrogen uptake from the same applied nitrogen rates as the other plots.

Improving growth and increasing resilience

YaraAmplix OPTIVI is a biostimulant specifically formulated to improve the absorption of mineral nutrients, like nitrogen. It is a product based on amino acids and peptides of vegetal origin obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. YaraAmplix OptiVi is ideal for improving plant growth, increasing nutrient use efficiency and increasing crop resistance to abiotic stress. 

Yara produces its biologicals range here in the UK at its Pocklington plant. The improved nitrogen use efficiency claim is supported by a registered CE label, future-proofed for when the UK adopts the EU's Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR).

See the results first hand

Farmers are being encouraged to see Yara's demo plots in person. "Numbers on a page are one thing," says Ethan Wade, Yara Marketing and Agronomy Operations Lead. "But there are things you can only appreciate by standing in a field. Our technical staff will be on the stand throughout both days of Cereals, ready to walk visitors through the plots, explain the treatments and connect the data to practical decisions back on farm."

Plot boards will provide further detail on what has been applied and why, and historical yield data will be available to illustrate the longer-term return on investment from micronutrient use.

The N-tester readings taken on the demo plots were conducted through Yara Plus, which also supports targeted and variable rate applications, tank mix planning and field-level nutrition monitoring. A demonstration of how YaraPlus fully integrates with the John Deere Operations Centre will also be on show, for growers already working within that system. Since it was launched in January this year over 1,600 farmers have signed up. 

"Absolutely everything leads to improving nitrogen use efficiency, controlling or maximising investments in inputs," concludes Natalie. "Our stand really showcases what a balanced nutrient approach can look like. It all supports Yara's role as a crop nutrition partner, not just a fertiliser supplier."