A long and warm autumn allows field work to continue. Unfortunately, the current conditions are the perfect time for aphids to develop and attack emerging winter cereals. After the sugar beet and grain maize harvests are complete, aphids are also moving into the new winter oilseed rape sowings. The young seedlings are ideal food for them, leading to a weakening of the plant before winter dormancy. Damage to leaf blades or the transmission of dangerous diseases that cause, in particular, yellow dwarfing of barley leaves, are the greatest bane of farmers.

The supply of nitrogen after the winter period is crucial for cereal plants, enabling their rapid development and regeneration. The timing of the first dose of nitrogen has a direct impact on future yields. So which form of nitrogen should I choose and when?