Farmers in the South West collectively waste vast amounts of money every year simply because the fertilisers they apply are poorly matched to the requirements of their farms, according to leading farmer-owned co-operative Mole Valley Farmers.

"Maximising the value of every pound spent on inputs is becoming ever more critical in terms of managing an efficient agricultural business and generating profit," said Ian Rolinson, Mole Valley Farmers' regional sales manager. "Despite the increasing economic pressures facing the agricultural industry, our technical advisors frequently come across situations where farmers are wasting money on fertilisers. Often it is because the product they are buying is incorrectly formulated for the requirements of their particular farm. Sometimes that is because they stubbornly continue to order a product year after year because it is 'what we've always used'. Others have obviously been incorrectly advised and all too often we come across instances of farmers being persuaded to buy products that are incorrectly specified relative to the nutrient status of their farms.

"Quality, application rate and timing are key factors in maximising the yield benefits from fertiliser and minimising the unit cost of production. In order to maximise the economic benefits it is essential to match the products used to the nutrient status of the farm. It is also essential to ensure that they represent good value for money, which concerns far more than simply price, encompassing quality, delivery times and payment options to spread the financial burden.

"The importance of soil testing cannot be over-emphasised. It is a basic starting point in deciding what fertiliser is required and should be carried out at least once every four years to ensure levels of lime, phosphate, potash and magnesium remain satisfactory. Analysis of soil pH is also crucial to obtain the best return from fertiliser inputs because grass grows best at a pH of 6.0, whilst the target for cereals is 6.5. If soil pH falls to 5.5 then 30 per cent of the value of applied and soil reserve nitrogen is lost, along with 40 per cent of phosphate. Apparently small discrepancies in soil nutrient status can therefore be expensive in terms of depressed crop performance and ultimately profitability, which is why our advisers work with customers to draw up individual farm fertiliser plans to ensure that nutrients are not wasted and optimum returns are achieved."

Anthony Grills, who farms at Marhamchurch, in north Cornwall, appreciates the advice he received from Mole Valley Farmers last year, which resulted in a considerable financial saving to his business and improved crop results.

The 700 acres at West Trelay Farm include more than 500 acres of grass, together with 120 acres of wheat and 60 acres of maize, to support a herd of 250 Holstein Friesians, which yield an average 9900 litres.

In addition to producing milk, Anthony operates a range of enterprises, including rearing beef calves through to stores, self-catering bed and breakfast accommodation, a community woodland scheme and a factory making delicious St Marwenne soft cheese.

West Atworthy Farm, at Broadworthy, in South Devon, is well respected as a good grass farm and its owner, John Tellamy, has been delighted with the results achieved since changing from national fertiliser brands to Mole Valley Farmers' Premiere Range. In view of the lateness of the season, the former Grassland chairman, who is well-known throughout the South West and achieves 4,500 litres of his 100-cow dairy herd's 7,000-litre average from forage, was pleasantly surprised by the amount of grass taken for silage this year.

In what was undoubtedly a difficult season because of low temperatures during the spring, John was impressed by the product's quick-acting nature, how the grass got away to a rapid start once the weather did warm up and by the volume of grass produced.