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 44. Nutrient Requirements (units/acre) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Index | N | P | K |
| 1 Very Low | 72 | 56 | 96 |
| 2 Low | 56 | 48 | 80 |
| 3 Medium | 32 | 32 | 48 |
| 4 High | 16 | 32 | 48 |
Fertiliser Recommendation
| Table 45. Application Rate (bags/acre) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | K1 Very Low | K2 Low | K3 Medium | K4 High |
| P1 Very Low | 5½ x (6-10-18+B ) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
4 x (6-10-18+B) + 1 x (16% Superphos) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 1½ x (16% Superphos) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 1½ x (16% Superphos) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
| P2 Low | 4¾ x (6-10-18+B) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
4¾ x (6-10-18+B) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 1 x (16% Superphos) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 1 x (16% Superphos) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
| P3 Medium | 3 x (8-5-18+B) + 1½ x (0-10-20) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (8-5-18+B) + 1½ x (0-10-20) + 1½ x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
3 x (6-10-18+B) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
| P4 High | 2 x (8-5-18+B) + 3 x (0-7-30) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
2 x (8-5-18+B) + 2 x (0-10-20) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
2½ x (6-10-18+B) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
2½ x (6-10-18+B) + 2 x SWEETGRASS |
*Assuming N index 1
- Boron should be applied to Swedes and Turnips as a routine measure on low Boron soils, high pH soils, and light sandy soils. Consult your local advisor for the amount of Boron to apply
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 swedes and turnips.
