Nutrient Management Guide (RB209)

The Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) helps you make the most of organic materials and balance the benefits of fertiliser use against the costs – both economic and environmental. The guide explains the value of nutrients, soil and why good nutrient management is about more than just the fertilisers you buy; it can save you money as well as help protect the environment.

We first published RB209 in 2017 in seven sections, following a technical review of its content in 2016.

Since then, it has been annually updated, based on evidence provided by research commissioned by AHDB, in partnership with others.

To ensure RB209 continues to meet the changing needs of levy payers, we are leading the first large-scale strategic review of RB209 since 2016.

To complete the questionnaire (which is open until 31 July 2024) and for more information, visit the RB209 review page.

nutrient.management@ahdb.org.uk

NUTRI-CHECK NET (2023–25) aims to help arable farmers across Europe adopt the most effective nutrient management practices. The EU-funded network will collate nutrient management resources and set up farmer Crop Nutrition Clubs (including in England and Scotland) to evaluate nutrient management practices. Farmers and researchers will also work together to create best practice guidance. ADAS, the UK lead, will collaborate with the project’s National Expert Group for the UK, which comprises farmers, researchers and industry representatives. The group includes Amanda Bennett, who oversees the production of RB209 at AHDB.

AHDB updates the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) in partnership with many organisations. The partnership comprises a Steering Group supported by three Technical Working Groups (TWGs). 

The partnership coordinates the research and knowledge exchange it funds to generate independent, scientifically robust and practical data on crop nutrient management for the UK.

All research used to update RB209 is published by AHDB.

• AHDB
• Agricultural Lime Association (ALA)
• Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)
• DAERA
• FACTS
• Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF)
• Defra
• BBRO
• NFU
• PGRO
• PNMG
• Scottish Government
• Welsh Government
• Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC)

AHDB, AIC, AgriSearch, British Grassland Society (BGS), British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB), Bunn Fertiliser Ltd, CF Fertilisers, Creedy Associates, CSF, DAERA, Defra, FACTS, Frontier Agriculture Ltd, George Fisher (Independent Consultant), ICL Fertilisers, HCC (Meat Promotion Wales), Mike Slater (Independent Consultant), Potash Development Association (PDA), Scottish Government, Teagasc, Welsh Government and Yara UK Ltd.

Agricultural Lime Association (ALA), AHDB, AIC, Agrii, BBRO, Bunn Fertiliser Ltd, Compass Agronomy,Cropwell, CSF, CF Fertilisers UK, DAERA, Defra, FACTS, Frontier Agriculture Ltd, H L Hutchinson Ltd, ICL Fertilisers, iSoils, John Clarke Agronomy, K+S UK & Eire Ltd, Limex, OMEX Agriculture Ltd, Omya UK Ltd, Pepsico International, PGRO, PDA, Scottish Government, Teagasc, Welsh Government, Velcourt Ltd and Yara UK Ltd.

Agricultural Lime Association (ALA), AHDB, Agrii, Agrovista, Bord na Mona, Bulrush, DARD, DEFRA, Engage Agro, FACTS, Fresh Gro, Hortifeeds, H L Hutchinson Ltd, ICL Group, J&A Growers, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, New Forest Fruits, Omex Agriculture Ltd, Omya UK Ltd, PGRO, Scottish Government, Sinclair Pro, STRI, Teagasc and Welsh Government.

Are you a farmer with a passion for nutrient management and the evidence that underpins it?

If you are, you may like to know that we have opportunities for AHDB farmer levy payers to join:

• The Steering Group
• The Arable Technical Working Group
• The Grass and Forage Technical Working Group

What does it involve?

• Good working knowledge of RB209 (a FACTS qualification is desirable)
• Active participation in the Crop Nutrient Management Partnership
• Attending meetings twice a year (usually in spring and autumn) either online or in-person at the AHDB main office (near Coventry)
• Committing about three days each year (to prepare for meetings, attend meetings and deal with any actions arising)

Note: Independent farmer members can claim expenses in line with the AHDB expenses policy.

To express an interest in joining the Crop Nutrient Management Partnership, email (by Monday 30 September): nutrient.management@ahdb.org.uk

The RB209 app is no longer available. We recommend that users delete it and view the latest RB209 data on the AHDB website.

Nutrient management videos