Crops become less susceptible to common diseases as their immune system is enhanced, reducing the need for fungicide applications. Furthermore, if individual soil deficiencies have been identified and rectified, the crop grows steadily through to maturity with less synthetic fertiliser needed. When crops display mineral deficiency symptoms in the field, the minerals were required by the plant several days earlier. By the time the crops are sprayed, a two to three week growth check has occurred. This is avoided by applying a tailor-made trace element dressing to the soil at the time of emergence ensuring the nutrients are available as and when required by the plant. Also not having to plough and re-seed pastures is not only environmentally friendly but also saves money (The Farmers Guardian estimated the cost to be over £300 per hectare back in 2007).