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Why Detailed Soil Data Will Be Critical for Spring Nutrition Strategies in 2026
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Why Detailed Soil Data Will Be Critical for Spring Nutrition Strategies in 2026
As growers look ahead to spring 2026, many are reassured by the sight of well-established autumn crops emerging from some of the best seedbeds seen in years. But while these promising crops offer a strong platform for yield, experts are urging farmers not to lose momentum. The key to maximising performance next season will lie in how well nutrition plans are aligned with crop demand, and that begins with robust soil data.
According to Abby Kellett, nutrition agronomist at Origin Soil Nutrition, the decisions growers make now will shape not only spring nutrient strategies but also input purchasing over the coming months.
“Growers are understandably cautious after two difficult seasons,” says Kellett. “But with healthy crops in the ground, fertiliser needs to be on farm ahead of spring so it can be applied the moment crops require it. This isn’t about spending more, it’s about investing wisely, using detailed and valid soil data to tailor nutrition and build on the excellent start these crops have had.”
Soil testing: The foundation of efficient spring nutrition
With winter offering a quieter window, Kellett is encouraging growers who haven’t yet purchased fertiliser to take this time to run a broad-spectrum soil test, or revisit existing data.
Under Farming Rules for Water legislation, every field in England must be tested at least once every five years. While recent figures from the Potash Development Association show 78% of farms now routinely test soil nutrient indices, compliance remains an issue: 36% of farms have failed inspections in the past 12 months due to invalid soil tests.
But Kellett stresses that this should not be viewed purely as a compliance exercise.
“A soil test is a snapshot of soil health,” she notes. “Regular testing builds a long-term dataset that helps farmers and FACTS-qualified advisors monitor nutrient availability and measure the impact of nutrient applications over time.”
The difference between a standard soil test and a broad-spectrum analysis is significant. While the basic test covers only four nutrients, a broad-spectrum analysis measures all 15 essential nutrients, critical information when micronutrient deficiencies may be restricting potential despite good macronutrient status.
Does better soil testing really cost more?
On paper, the cost difference between the two testing options is modest: £2.85/ha more for the broad-spectrum analysis. Spread over the five-year validity period of a soil test, this equates to just 57p/ha per year.
“That small annual cost delivers essential data across all macro and micronutrients,” Kellett explains. “It ensures growers apply the right fertiliser, at the right rate, tailored to crop and soil needs. In practice, it often pays for itself very quickly.”
Testing can be carried out even after crops are drilled, though growers should avoid sampling fields that have received fertiliser within the last six months or manure within the last six weeks.
Micronutrients matter: The Molybdenum example
One of the clearest demonstrations of the value of broad-spectrum testing comes from identifying micronutrient deficiencies such as molybdenum. While often overlooked, correcting this deficiency can unlock multiple benefits.
“Soil nutrients work in synergy,” Kellett says. “Molybdenum supports protein formation and improves nitrogen use efficiency. When nitrogen is applied to a crop with adequate molybdenum levels, biomass increases and yield potential rises. If growers are applying nitrogen, ensuring molybdenum availability is essential to maximise uptake.”
Avoiding spring supply chain pressure
Last season’s early spring put severe pressure on the fertiliser supply chain, with many growers struggling to secure product when they needed it. With 2026 shaping up to be a year of high crop potential, Kellett warns against repeating this vulnerability.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is already encouraging farmers to get fertiliser onto farms well in advance of application windows. This is especially important for crops with high early-season demand, such as milling wheat and oilseed rape.
“Both OSR and milling wheat have significant nitrogen and sulphur requirements,” says Kellett. “Taking delivery around the turn of the year ensures products are ready to apply as soon as conditions allow. If it’s in the shed, it’s ready to be spread, avoiding the delays many growers experienced last season.”
A crucial winter task for a high-potential year
With crops in excellent condition going into winter, 2026 has the makings of a strong harvest year, provided that nutrition plans keep pace with crop demand. Broad-spectrum soil testing offers growers a low-cost, high-value tool to sharpen decision-making, tailor applications, and protect the season’s early promise.
As Kellett puts it: “Healthy crops are already hungry crops. Understanding their needs now is the best step growers can take to support them through winter and maximise their yield potential next summer.”
Join us at CropTec 2026 - NEC Birmingham, 14-15 January
Taking place for the first time alongside LAMMA and Low Carbon Agriculture at the NEC Birmingham. The UK’s leading event for arable innovation, crop technology and future-focused agronomy.
