Results from the Scottish Agricultural Census: Module June 2023

This report provides final results from the 2023 June Agricultural Census module covering: soil cover, tillage, irrigation, nutrient management, and fertiliser application and storage. 


Most holdings separate applications of slurry and mineral fertiliser

Of the holdings who use slurry and mineral fertiliser, 4,226 (74%) separate applications of slurry and mineral fertiliser by at least five days. There were 622 holdings that reported testing the nutrient value of manure and slurry, 12% of those who use manure or slurry. The application timing of slurry and manure can reduce nitrogen loss and reduce need for mineral fertiliser.

Testing the nutrient value of manure and slurry can help in the assessment of overall nutrient requirements. Testing could allow for better nutrient application and more effective use of fertiliser.

Figure 5: Number of holdings that tested nutrient value of manure/slurry and separate applications

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