The benefits of liquid fertiliser: a cost-effective and high-performing crop nutrition strategy

With future farm resilience, nutrient efficiency and long-term sustainability more important than ever, liquid fertiliser is becoming an increasingly attractive option. Ongoing innovation and investment in its infrastructure means more farms can now benefit from the system too, helping to boost productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Ultimately though, every farm is different, and your crop nutrition strategy needs to reflect your specific business objectives, cropping rotation and operational priorities.

As a business development manager working in the Crop Nutrition team, I’ve seen a real surge of interest in liquid fertiliser from growers across the country in recent months. Many are making the switch from granular to liquid systems, and I’ve had plenty of conversations about what’s driving this change. In short, it’s all about efficiency, accuracy, and return on investment, which I’ll expand on throughout this article.

In this blog, I’m going to get into more detail about the advantages of liquid fertiliser and how we’re helping growers to get the most from this proven technology.

Precision applications for optimised nutrient use

Liquid fertiliser allows for exceptional precision — a huge advantage for farms that are focused on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and sustainability.

Liquid systems are compatible with variable rate technology, allowing growers to fine-tune their nutrient delivery across individual fields. This level of control helps to reduce the risk of over or under application, ensuring nutrients are delivered exactly where and when crops need them to achieve the maximum yield potential while minimising wastage and environmental losses.

Better use of labour, machinery and space

Applying liquid fertiliser is typically a single-operator process that requires no additional spreading or unloading of machinery, helping to make better use of both time and equipment.

The product is stored in specialist on-farm tanks, freeing up valuable shed space for grain, straw or other business uses. At Frontier, we supply and install tanks at no additional cost as part of our service and because that storage isn’t tied to one single manufacturer, growers have the flexibility to use whichever liquid products best suit their agronomic and commercial needs.

In instances where a tank installation isn’t feasible or possible, our regional contracting services can provide a practical solution too — offering storage, handling and application support so you can still benefit from a liquid approach.

Reduced plastic waste

Another important benefit offered by the infrastructure of a liquid system is the reduction in plastic use.

With liquid, the requirement for multiple bagged deliveries is replaced with reusable bulk storage tanks which, beyond the environmental benefits, also support on-farm compliance with evolving regulations around fertiliser handling, storage and traceability - all while aligning with your wider business's sustainability goals.

Greater flexibility in application and delivery

Unlike solid fertilisers, liquid products are less affected by weather conditions, providing a wider and more reliable application window. This flexibility is invaluable in increasingly unpredictable seasons, allowing operations to continue efficiently even in challenging weather.

Delivery and purchasing schedules are also more adaptable, giving you extra time to make decisions and plan applications with confidence.

You can hear more from me and my colleague, Nigel Russell, on the benefits of liquid fertiliser in the video below:

What does it mean to make the switch?

Transitioning to or optimising a liquid fertiliser programme is easier with the right support. We support growers with a complete service package to ensure the best performance and value:

• Free tank installation when purchasing your liquid fertiliser requirements through Frontier.

• Free site inspection from our team who will help to assesses suitability, practicality and compliance before installation takes place.

• Evidence-based advice, with our recommendations backed by extensive research and trials with our supply partners so we can be sure we’re always bringing the best solutions to market.

• Widest product range in the UK as the only national liquid partner with access to multiple suppliers. This means we’re able to offer flexibility and peace of mind as you look to use the solutions best suited to your business.

• Flexible payment options such as bespoke terms can be arranged to suit cashflow or marketing plans, with additional credit solutions available through Oxbury Bank.

• Unbiased nutrition guidance from our experts. Because we support growers with both liquid and solid fertiliser programmes, our advice remains completely farm-focused; tailoring nutrition strategies on an individual basis.

While there are plenty of long-term benefits associated with liquid, a full and complete liquid programme may not always be right for everyone. If more appropriate to your nutrition strategy, we can help you move into a hybrid programme, with a partial-adoption approach often considered a helpful way to slowly incorporate liquid at a pace that suits you.

Working closely with our nationwide agronomy and precision teams means we can easily link you to other expertise to suit your nutrition strategy too, further supported by our reliable logistics team and in-house storage and haulage network for reliable delivery.

Not sure if liquid fertiliser is right for you?

If you’re still weighing up whether liquid fertiliser suits your business, consider starting with a hybrid approach. Many farms find that partially adopting liquid applications allows them to transition smoothly and experience the benefits before committing fully.

You can learn more about our liquid systems in the videos below:

• The benefits of liquid fertiliser

• Switching to liquid fertiliser - answers to common questions

Our team is here to help assess your system, recommend the right products, and design a solution that aligns with your broader crop nutrition goals.

If you have any questions about how liquid fertiliser could benefit your farm, get in touch on 0800 227 445 or email us at info@frontierag.co.uk.

Read here: https://www.frontierag.co.uk/expertise/benefits-of-liquid-fertiliser