Winter barley is a vital cereal crop in the UK, valued for its early harvest and role in crop rotation. However, it is sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, and trace elements like copper, manganese, and boron. These deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, poor tillering, chlorosis, and reduced grain quality.
Bionature UK’s smart liquid fertiliser programme, supplied by Spaldings, is designed to address these challenges by delivering targeted nutrition throughout the crop’s growth cycle. Their approach enhances root development, improves stress tolerance, and supports even, vigorous growth—ultimately leading to higher yields and better crop uniformity.
Standard Autumn Programme (Winter Barley)
Delta K
Apply 5 l/ha of Delta K from peri-emergence in the autumn. If the farmer is confident the sprayer will travel later in the autumn, this application can be split into two and applied a month to six weeks apart at 2.5l/ha. Delta K will mix with all known herbicides and insecticides applied to wheat and barley in the autumn, so the farmer doesn’t have to do an extra pass with the sprayer.
1-4-All
Apply 1l/ha 1-4-All in the autumn with Delta K on winter barley and winter barley on sand land to help with nutrient deficiencies. The product can be applied on its own without Delta K if the farmer wants to use it for balancing up nutrient deficiencies to winter barley in the autumn.
Winter Barley, drilled in September or early October:
One application of 1l/ha 1-4-All plus 5l/ha Delta K with an autumn herbicide or insecticide from peri-emergence to four true leaves.
Organic farmers or regenerative agriculture farmers:
Apply 2l/ha Leodita from peri-emergence in the autumn to winter wheat or barley. A humic acid soil improving product containing high carbon content.
Benefits of the Programme
- Higher productive yield
- Improved root and shoot development
- More tillering and stiffer stems
- Better crop uniformity
- Reduced nitrogen leaching
- Enhanced stress tolerance
- Improved grain quality and dry matter
