The extent of the ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ EWR is further south and east this year, when compared to the long-term average (1981–2010).
As EWR has a large influence on the nitrate leaching and, thus, the nitrogen availability to a crop, farmers are being reminded to refine their nitrogen management plans in accordance with the AHDB Nutrient management guide (RB209).
EWR is the amount of rainfall the land receives after the soil profile becomes fully wetted in the autumn (field capacity) and before the end of drainage in the spring (around the end of March).
AHDB uses Met Office data to map EWR over 199 40km by 40 km squares that cover the whole of the UK, with the following categories used:
- Low – less than 150 mm EWR (annual rainfall less than 600 mm)
- Moderate – 150 to 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall between 600 to 700 mm)
- High – over 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall over 700 mm)
Two map types are created – bare soil and cropped land. The cropped-land maps, which are produced for winter wheat, winter barley and winter oilseed rape, take account of water lost through the growing crop (i.e. evapotranspiration).
James Holmes, who oversees work on RB209 at AHDB, said: “People who farm towards the West and North of the UK are used to dealing with relatively high levels of winter rainfall. However, the picture towards the East and the South tends to be more changeable. It’s in these regions where greater flex needs to be applied to nutrient management plans.”
“Estimates of soil nitrogen supply can be greatly improved by using RB209’s EWR look-up tables. Some people may need to consider adding extra nitrogen to compensate for that leached during the winter months. However, it is important that any adjustment is made after crop condition and, critically, yield potential have been considered.”
Access the winter rainfall maps and guidance by AHDB here
Source: AHDB Tuesday, 16 February 2021
Nitrogen management: UK set for another ‘high’ excess rainfall winter | AHDB