With harvest underway for many, farmers are urged to maximise the use of organic matter from crop residues to boost seedbed quality in dry soils, while reducing the need for autumn fertiliser applications.

David Newton, technical product manager at Timac Agro UK, says despite the fact conditions may look unfavourable for drilling, due to the recent dry weather, hope should not be lost.

He says: "Although it's common practice to break down stubbles and incorporate them into the soil, there are many benefits of leaving crop residues in the ground, such as helping to catch and retain much needed moisture in the lead up to drilling.

"Crop residues are a fantastic source of nutrients for our soil, so making the most of them is an attractive proposition for farmers," adds Mr Newton.

"I often get asked how to increase nutrient availability without adding extra nitrogen - straw, with its naturally high C-N ratio, requires a microbial supply of N to break down.

"As the fresh organic matter breaks down, it releases key elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and especially potassium, as well as valuable micronutrients."

Mr Newton says: "Traditionally, farmers have applied around 30-35 kg/ha of nitrogen to stubbles to overcome N-deficit from breaking down this fibrous material.

"However, with nitrogen prices currently at around £310-340/t, and only oilseed rape allowed an autumn nitrogen application, it's worth seeking alternative solutions to boost soil fertility."

He recommends applying a soil conditioner specifically designed to help break down crop residues and unlock their natural benefits.

"In soils with a good level of organic matter or where high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio material is present such as straw, sawdust and woodchip, a soil conditioner can complement your existing nutritional plan and reduce the nitrogen deficit.

"In farm trials, we've seen nitrogen use reduced by over 50kg per hectare, in addition to the wider benefits of using a soil conditioner," he says.

Soil conditioners have the added benefit of improving soil structure for the following crop, while also being far more environmentally friendly than applying additional nitrogen.

Mr Newton says: "Humistart+ is a soil conditioner that contains seaweed-based microbial feed and yeast extracts along with marine calcium, which supports the rapid breakdown of organic matter without any need for added nitrogen.

"Conditioners also help promote microbial activity, along with encouraging beneficial fungi to populate the soil.

"They help to mineralise nitrogen already in the soil, making it available for the following crop, while solubilising P to stimulate early root growth once the next crop is in the ground," he says.

For more information, please visit uk.timacagro.com.