Cereal growers can reduce nitrogen fertiliser use by around 20kg/ha by improving early root development and nutrient uptake. Seed treatments such as Surge help crops establish stronger root systems, improving nitrogen efficiency, protecting yield potential and delivering a strong return on investment.
Fertiliser prices remain one of the biggest uncertainties facing arable growers today. When nitrogen costs rise, margins tighten quickly.
So the focus for many farms is simple: how do we maintain yield while reducing input costs?
At Evans & Pearce, our role as independent mobile seed processors is to assess new products carefully and recommend only those that deliver genuine value in the field.
One product that has been generating increasing interest from both conventional and organic growers is Surge seed treatment.
Improving nitrogen efficiency in cereal crops
Independent laboratory trials indicate that crops established with Surge can reduce nitrogen requirements by approximately 20kg/ha.
This improvement is largely driven by stronger early root development, allowing crops to access nutrients more efficiently and make better use of available nitrogen in the soil.
At current fertiliser prices, that equates to a saving of around:
- £26 per hectare on nitrogen fertiliser
- While reducing fertiliser inputs is valuable in itself, growers are also seeing wider benefits in the field.
Stronger establishment and improved Yield potential
Feedback from growers using Surge suggests the advantages extend beyond fertiliser savings.
By encouraging stronger early root systems and improving nutrient availability, crops can establish more quickly and make better use of the nutrients already present in the soil.
Using a typical cereal example:
- Average yield: 7t/ha
- Crop price: £170/t
- Yield improvement: 5%
This would deliver an additional 0.35 tonnes per hectare, worth approximately:
- £59.50 per hectare in extra revenue
What is the Return on Investment from Surge seed treatment?
When fertiliser savings and yield improvements are combined, the figures become compelling.
Potential benefit per hectare:
- Nitrogen saving: £26.00
- Yield improvement: £59.50
- Total benefit: £85.50/ha
- With Surge costing £10.40 per hectare, the net return is approximately £75.10 per hectare.
- That represents a 7:1 return on investment, which is why we believe Surge deserves serious consideration within a cereal cropping programme.
Added protection during difficult establishment conditions
Establishment is often the most vulnerable stage of a cereal crop.
Cold, wet conditions can lead to poor emergence and uneven crops. If re-drilling becomes necessary, costs can easily exceed £150 per hectare once seed, fuel and labour are taken into account.
Growers who have used Surge have reported:
- Stronger early vigour
- More even crop establishment
- Faster crop development in challenging conditions
- Helping crops get away well early in the season can make a significant difference to performance throughout the year.
The bigger picture
Across a typical cereal enterprise, the potential impact becomes even clearer.
For a 100 hectare cereal farm:
- £85.50 per hectare value = £8,550 additional margin
At a time when every input must justify its place in the programme, products that improve nutrient efficiency, crop establishment and yield potential are becoming increasingly valuable.
Independent agronomy advice you can trust
At Evans & Pearce, our recommendations are always based on independent advice, practical experience and feedback from the growers we work with every day.
If you would like to discuss whether Surge seed treatment could benefit your cropping programme, please give us a call on 01935 850750.
