I knew that...

…it’s just that I had forgotten.  Reviewing cereal production for 2026 I re-read some of the science associated with the Broadbalk long-term trial at Rothamsted.  The experiment with over 180 years of data has worked with organic and inorganic fertilisers.  This data forms the basis for commercial crop production worldwide.

What are some of its key findings?

It highlights the need for additional nitrogen and phosphate to increase yield.

The application of chalk (lime) is essential when soil acidification occurs which is particularly prevalent where ever increasing amounts of nitrogen are applied.

Weed control is essential.

The inclusion of new varieties of wheat with improved genetics offers the possibility of increased yield if matched with an increasing amount of available nitrogen.

One other point, something largely forgotten by society today, that of statistical analysis (specific to agriculture). Yes there are lies, lies and then dammed statistics, but if it had not been for a Mr Fisher and his understanding of this subject then we would all have been chasing ghosts throughout this 180-year period. Something perhaps we should bear in mind when confronted by a modern phony fabulist on social media or whilst listening to prevaricators at winter meetings.