Why Autumn Nutrition Matters
Autumn drilling is one of the most important stages in the arable calendar. The way crops establish in September and October sets the foundation for everything that follows. A cereal crop that tillers well in the autumn, or an oilseed rape crop that develops a strong taproot before winter, is far more resilient when faced with cold temperatures, wet soils, or pest pressure.
Nutrition is central to this process. The balance of nutrients supplied in the first few weeks after drilling can make the difference between a crop that struggles and one that thrives.
Nitrogen: The Driver of Early Growth
Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for biomass production. In autumn, its role is to:
- Stimulate early leaf area expansion so the crop intercepts more light.
- Encourage root development, giving cereals the structure they need to tiller.
- Support protein synthesis, which underpins cell growth and crop vigour.
Without sufficient nitrogen, seedlings remain small and weak, and crops go into winter underdeveloped.
Sulphur: The Often Overlooked Partner
Sulphur applications in the autumn were once considered unnecessary, but declining atmospheric deposition means soils now supply far less sulphur than in previous decades. Deficiency symptoms are becoming increasingly common.
Sulphur is vital because it:
- Enhances nitrogen use efficiency – without S, nitrogen uptake is restricted.
- Improves protein quality in cereals.
- Is especially important in oilseed rape, which has one of the highest sulphur demands of any crop.
Crops deficient in sulphur are less efficient, less resilient, and deliver lower yields at harvest.
Why Liquid N + S is the Right Choice
Granular nitrogen applications in the autumn often struggle with evenness of spread, particularly in windy or damp conditions. Liquids solve this by delivering:
- Consistent coverage across the field
- Rapid uptake via both soil and foliar pathways
- Flexible timing — easy to apply around drilling operations
Nitrasol UAN + Sulphur 30-6 delivers nitrogen and sulphur in the ideal ratio for autumn nutrition, ensuring crops establish quickly and efficiently.
The Added Value of Protected Nitrogen
In some situations, nitrogen losses through volatilisation can reduce the effectiveness of an application. Using AdvaNShield-protected nitrogen locks in the nutrient, reducing ammonia emissions and ensuring more reaches the crop.
This means:
- Greater efficiency from every litre applied
- Less environmental loss
- More consistent establishment
Key Takeaways for Farmers
- Nitrogen kick-starts autumn growth; sulphur makes sure that nitrogen is fully utilised.
- Balanced N + S applications are critical for OSR and cereals drilled from September onwards.
- Liquid fertiliser offers the most precise and flexible way to deliver nutrients at this stage.
Nitrasol UAN + Sulphur 30-6 is the ideal autumn product, supported by AdvaNShield where additional protection is required.
Secure Your Autumn Delivery
Ensure your crops get the best possible start this season. Secure your supply of Nitrasol UAN + Sulphur 30-6 today for strong establishment and improved resilience. Act now to guarantee timely delivery and set your fields up for autumn success.
