Nitrogen

In this episode, Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert at PGG Wrightson, explains why farmers should think carefully before applying nitrogen to struggling fodder beet crops after a difficult 2025–26 season. With cold conditions, slow crop growth and persistent wet weather impacting yields across the country, Andrew outlines why adding nitrogen late in the season may not deliver the extra feed farmers are hoping for.

In this episode, Dr Lucy Bell discusses her PhD research into legume species that can thrive in hill and high country soils affected by high aluminium toxicity. She explains why traditional options like lucerne struggle in these environments, highlights the standout performance of species such as Lotus pedunculatus and crimson clover, and outlines what this could mean for improving nitrogen supply, forage quality and animal performance in challenging farming systems.

The suggestion that dairy cow urine is the source of so many environmental problems deserves re-examination, Jacqueline Rowarth writes.