UP-TO-DATE information on fertiliser is outlined in a new publication from the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food.

The 7th edition of Fertiliser Recommendations for Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (RB209) costs £15 and is available from: The Stationary Office, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN; telephone (0870) 6005522; fax (0870) 6005533.

It is widely accepted as the industry's standard reference text, according to MAFF. It describes the principles of crop nutrition and gives recommendations for the use of lime, fertilisers and organic manures for field crops and grassland.

The aim is to maximise economic return from fertiliser while minimising the risk of pollution.