The Welsh government's Farming Connect programme has launched a new online 'gadget' which will help farmers maximise the potential of fertiliser.

The new service, which provides fresh regional updates on soil temperature each morning, was launched last week in association with the Environment Agency.

The updates appearing on the new soil temperature map are intended to save costs and improve targeting of nitrogen applications, by providing information on the optimum conditions for application. As soil processes start at 5^oC or higher, Farming Connect advisors suggest early season application occurs when temperatures have been at or above 5^oC for five consecutive days.

The new service allows farmers to see soil temperature changes for themselves and work out optimal timing for fertiliser application on grasslands.  

The map is available here, along with more information on the service.

The Environment Agency also operates a free soil testing service each autumn in a number of catchment areas across Wales, to help farmers target their applications.  The service is backed by both Welsh farm unions.