“Hot Air and Hard Ground”

Wheres the moisture gonna come from?

Let’s be honest – April hasn’t delivered the kind of spring we were all hoping for. The much-needed showers have been few and far between across the UK, and especially in eastern regions. Many of us are watching the skies and wondering when the next decent rainfall might arrive.

Instead of vibrant green fields, we’re seeing patchy emergence, dry topsoil, and crops under stress – not just the spring-sown ones, but winter crops too, which should be well into their stride by now.

So, what’s going on out there?

In some parts of the country, April rainfall has been less than 10% of the seasonal average – that’s incredibly dry for a month we usually rely on to freshen things up and get crops away. As a result, seedbeds have dried out, and those crucial early stages of root growth are being held back.

Spring cereals, maise, and other newly drilled crops are feeling the pinch – their roots can’t access moisture or nutrients efficiently, especially nitrogen, which struggles to move into the root zone when the topsoil is bone dry.

And it’s not just the spring crops. Winter wheat and barley, which had been ticking along nicely, are also starting to show signs of stress. Where soils are lighter or where root systems aren’t deep enough, plants are beginning to flag – and if this dry weather hangs about, yield potential could start slipping away.

What if the dry spell sticks around?

If May doesn’t bring some steady rain, we could be looking at further delays in growth, uneven development across fields, and reduced nutrient uptake – all of which can knock yields come harvest.

But here’s the thing: we’ve seen years like this before. A dry spring doesn’t always mean disaster. What matters now is how we respond.

When the rain does come – make it count.

One decent spell of rain can turn things around quickly. Moisture unlocks everything: nutrients begin to move, roots push deeper, and the crop starts to bounce back. But only if it’s got the right tools in the soil to work with. 

That’s why now’s the time to think about Bio-N.

As we discussed in our earlier blog, “Bio-N: Just in Time for the Rain”, this clever bio fertiliser introduces nitrogen-fixing bacteria to your soils. These natural microbes get to work converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms your plants can actually use – and they do it steadily, without any scorch risk.

Here’s the trick: Apply Bio-N just before or as rain is forecast (it’s even okay to put it on in a drizzle of rain). The bacteria need moisture to activate and thrive – so timing is everything. With a bit of rain to carry them into the root zone, they can quickly begin helping your crops recover and push forward.

Why Bio-N is a smart move after a dry spell: 

• Delivers crop-available nitrogen naturally

• Boosts soil biology and root health

• Reduces dependency on synthetic fertilisers

• Fits easily into your current programme

• Safe, gentle, and environmentally sound

Final thoughts

We know it’s frustrating watching your crops stall after a strong start, and even more frustrating when the weather seems to have other ideas. But farming is about readiness and timing – and right now, being prepared for the next rain is key.

When it does arrive, you’ll want to act fast to help your crops make the most of it. Bio-N is one of those tools that can help you turn this dry patch into a minor blip, not a major setback.

Got questions? Not sure when to apply? Just give us a ring – we’re always happy to chat through the options and help you plan for whatever Mother Nature throws at us next.