The recommendations in this section are using the RoI fertiliser classification system and are based on Teagasc research.
Due to slight differences between the RoI and NI classification systems, these recommendations are only a guide for Northern Ireland farmers. They can be converted between the RoI and NI classification systems using this Conversion Table.
Before choosing your fertiliser products please consult your local advisor to ensure that you do not exceed the limits for your farm as determined by the nitrates directive (SI no 31 of 2014).
| Table 42. Nutrient Requirements (units/acre) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Index | N | P | K |
| 1 Very Low | 156 | 56 | 256+80Mg |
| 2 Low | 124 | 44 | 192 |
| 3 Medium | 96 | 32 | 128 |
| 4 High | 64 | 16 | 64 |
- These recommendations are for sandy loams with approximately 160 mm of rainfall after falling between April-June. If the soil is a loam, decrease Nitrogen (N) rates by 30 units.
- It is advised to apply up to 100 units N/acre into the seedbed.
- ll Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) requirements should be incorporated into the seedbed.
Fertiliser Recommendation
| Table 43. Application Rate (bags/acre) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | K1 | K2 | K3 | K4 |
| P1 | 11 x (8-5-18 + B) + ¾ x Muriate of Potash + 3 x Sweetgrass |
10 x (8-5-18 + B) + 3 x Sweetgrass |
6 x (8-5-18 + B) + 1½ x 16% Superphosphate + 4½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (6-10-18 + B) + 1½ x 16% Superphosphate + 6 x Sweetgrass |
| P2 | 8 x (8-5-18 + B) + 2 x Muriate of Potash + 4 x Sweetgrass |
8 x (8-5-18 + B) + ½ x Muriate of Potash + 4 x Sweetgrass |
6 x (8-5-18 + B) + ¾ x 16% Superphosphate + 4½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (6-10-18 + B) + ¾ x 16% Superphosphate + 6 x Sweetgrass |
| P3 | 6 x (8-5-18 + B) + 2½ x Muriate of Potash + 4½ x Sweetgrass |
6 x (8-5-18 + B) + 1 x Muriate of Potash + 4½ x Sweetgrass |
6 x (8-5-18 + B) + 4½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (6-10-18 + B) + 6 x Sweetgrass |
| P4 | 3 x (8-5-18 + B) + 3½ x Muriate of Potash + 5½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (8-5-18 + B) + 2 x Muriate of Potash + 5½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (8-5-18 + B) + 1 x Muriate of Potash + 5½ x Sweetgrass |
3 x (8-5-18 + B) + 3 x CAN + 2 x Sweetgrass |
*Assuming N index 1
Top Dressing
- Sweetgrass: 23% Nitrogen (N) + 2% Sulphur (S) + 1.2% Magnesium (Mg) + 5% Sodium (Na). This should be used for top dressing the beet as an alternative to ordinary Nitrogen. The two-fold benefit of the combination of Nitrogen along with the Sulphur, Magnesium and Sodium make it a perfect option for beet.
