Another setback: There was a lot of planting over the past week but rain has stopped play, especially on heavier ground. Now it looks like cold will continue to slow growth in winter crops and emerged spring crops. However, there has been growth, which is probably more noticeable in southern and coastal regions. Most or all crops have picked up in colour as new growth appears to smother the foxy winter appearance. The most advanced crops are at first node and winter barley is getting first fungicide in places.

Main nitrogen splits: More advanced crops, especially further south, need their main N split as they move into stem extension. This is less critical until growth speeds up but you will need to have it on by then. Know exactly how much N you are allowed to apply to each crop. This is based on the N Index and also on the highest average yield you can prove for each crop over one of the past three seasons.

For wheat following cereals on worn land, aim for a total of up to 140 units (175kg N/ha) with the option of a late application of 30-50 units (40-60kg N/ha) around flag leaf emergence. Bring wheat following rape, beans, peas, or a recent application of a high-N manure, up to 120 units (150kg N/ha). Winter barley is allowed up to 144 units/ac (180kg N/ha) as the standard dressing for an 8.5t/ha crop. Where you grew the crop before and you can prove a yield level above 8.5t/ha, you are allowed apply an additional 20kg N/ha for every 1t/ha you achieved above 8.5t/ha.

Bring oats up to 100-110 units (125-135kg N/ha) by the start of active stem extension. More growers are applying about 15 units/ac (20kg/ha) late (post-flag leaf) to help grain fill and specific weight. It may be worth considering on worn ground in particular.

Apply the final 70 odd units/ac (90kg N/ha) to rape crops once flowers begin to show. Be careful not to let the crop get too tall for your spreading system.

Fungicides begin: Disease control is beginning on winter barley. This will involve a triazole, SDHI, possibly a strobilurin and a morpholine. Know what’s in your crops. Mildew and rusts were present in places so make sure they are covered. Rhyncho and net blotch are the main targets. Early season products include Venture Extra, Cauldron, Ceriax, Siltra and Bontima, or mixtures of Proline with products like Vertisan or Frelizon. The main activity on forward wheat will be PGR and chlorothalonil or trace elements. For most this will be CCC or Moddus plus CCC.

Care for planting: Seedbeds become increasingly important with later drilling. Keep seed rates up as there will be less tillering in later-planted crops. Incorporate compound fertilizer into the seedbed to enable immediate availability. Combine drilling is preferable. Don’t forget sulphur. Consider trace element seed dressings on fertilizers where micronutrient deficiency is an annual occurrence.