Rooted in Nutrition

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Tom Perrott, Fertiliser and Crop Inputs Specialist, and Dave Thompson, Farm Manager at Eastbury Estates in Dorset.

In this episode, we explore soil health, crop nutrition and how ‘stacking the benefits’ - using alternative sources of nutrition to better support the crop - can, with an innovative approach, strengthen the whole farm operation.

What Are We Trying to Achieve with Modern Crop Nutrition?

Tom Perrott explains that today’s farmers expect more from nutrition. Inputs should not only feed crops but also support soil health -contributing organic matter or biology that benefits long-term productivity. The goal is to stack benefits and reduce waste through smarter, multipurpose applications.

How Does Soil Health Translate into Practical Benefits on Farm?

Dave Thompson focuses on yield and efficiency. Soil health means getting more from fewer inputs and fewer passes. The cost of time, diesel, and labour makes efficiency essential - especially with increasing pressures around sustainability and carbon reductions.

How Has Dave Adapted Drilling and Fertiliser Practices?

Dave describes using a grain drill with integrated fertiliser placement -applying nutrition exactly where needed at drilling time. In autumn, he combines grain, companion crops, and slug pellets in a single pass. This reduces labour, saves time, and increases precision in the field.

Is This Multi-Input Approach Common on Other Farms?

According to Tom, placing fertiliser with the drill is becoming more common. However, Dave stands out by pushing further - adding flexibility to equipment and rethinking how every pass can deliver more value. His focus is on adaptability, using every tool and input with maximum efficiency.

What Equipment Changes Support Soil and Input Efficiency?

Dave has modified drills and added front tanks to apply additional nutrients or cover crop seed with subsoilers or cultivators. This allows flexibility across seasons and changing field conditions. He’s invested in low-disturbance cultivation to balance soil structure with timeliness.

What Are the Benefits of Reducing Passes and Improving Timeliness?

Fewer field passes mean reduced soil compaction, lower fuel use, and faster response to weather windows. Tom notes that Dave’s flexibility also reduces stress - he can act quickly based on agronomy advice or field conditions without being held back by rigid systems.

Can Organic Pellet Fertilisers Replace Mineral Inputs?

Tom and Dave have trialled organic matter pellets, but some posed practical issues with drill blockages. The solution: smaller pellets with consistent flow properties. These materials can supplement mineral fertilisers while slowly building organic matter over time.

Are You Seeing Changes in Soil Health from These Practices?

Initial results show green area improvements via drone imagery and increased biomass. However, hard data on soil health is still in development. A new three-year trial at Eastbury Estates is monitoring bacterial activity, organic matter, and yield effects from continuous pellet application.

Which Micronutrients Have Proven Most Effective?

Tom highlights micronutrients like cobalt and molybdenum with sulphur fertilisers in spring beans, which support nodulation and establishment. Filtered molasses has also shown promise in reducing crop stress by improving the nitrogen-to-carbohydrate balance in liquid fertiliser.

What Can Growers Learn from These Trials?

Dave recommends spring down-the-spout placement for reliable root access, especially in dry springs. Both he and Tom urge growers to consider small changes - adding micronutrients or tweaking fertiliser blends - as these can have a measurable impact without large investment.

What’s the Outlook for the Coming Season?

Dave plans to use more summer cover crops to improve soil structure and continuity between crops. Flexibility remains central - he’ll adapt plans based on soil conditions, with minimal cultivation preferred when weather allows.

Top Tips for Smarter Crop Nutrition and Soil Health

From Dave Thompson:

• Use down-the-spout fertiliser in spring to safeguard against dry spells.
• Trial micronutrient additions where deficiencies are likely.
• Invest in adaptable equipment to handle seasonal variability.

From Tom Perrott:

• Start with small changes - like adding manganese or molybdenum.
• Use practical on-farm feedback to refine input strategies.
• Explore multi-nutrient solutions that build soil and crop health simultaneously.

To find about more about Agrii fertiliser services, visit agrii.co.uk/our-services/fertiliser