Conditions were somewhat settled at the end of last week. While drying was generally poor, the relief from rainfall did give fields a chance to soak. For many, this presented an opportunity to make a start at spring sowing.

Reports suggest ground conditions were better than expected but this was generally on the driest parts of farms. Other growers made progress with ploughing, spraying and fertiliser applications on winter crops.

Elsewhere, potato planting recommenced on a number of farms over the weekend. Poor drying conditions meant field operations such as destoning were slow. However, ground trafficability was again reported to be surprisingly good.

It should be said, however, that some fields are still reported to be very wet and will take a number of good drying days before they are workable.

With wet and windy conditions forecast for parts of the country in the first half of this week, progress many once again be set back. However, showers may be localised and some areas might escape the majority of the rain.

At this moment it looks like milder, more settled conditions will appear from midweek onwards. Dare I say, could this be the onset of spring?

As it stands, the crop diversification measure under greening is still in place.

As it stands, the crop diversification measure under greening is still in place.

Planting

There was some planting done towards the latter half of last week and into the weekend. The message we’ve been hearing over the last two weeks is that it is now too late to plant beans.

Beans were planted last week and will continue to be planted this week. If growers are willing to accept that the harvest will be late and there will most likely be a yield hit, then they still remain a viable crop option.

As it stands, there is no individual cap on the Protein Aid Scheme, meaning that if there is a reduction in the area of beans this year, there’ll most likely be a higher payment.

All cereals planted from now onwards should consider a minimum of 350 seeds/m2 to establish 300 plants. Make use of recent P & K tests and get fertiliser incorporated into the seedbed if it is not to be combine-drilled. If possible, put more N into the seedbed as the growing season will be short.

Despite the current conditions, dryness may now be a potential problem following all of the recent rain. The seasons always tend to balance themselves out.

As we progress into spring, seeding rates must be adjusted accordingly.

As we progress into spring, seeding rates must be adjusted accordingly.

Seed rate calculator

As we progress into spring, seeding rates must be adjusted accordingly. A useful tool to assist in calculating this is the Teagasc seed rate calculator. A link to the program can be found here.

Three-crop rule

We are still awaiting a decision on a possible derogation from the three-crop rule.

As it stands, the crop diversification measure under greening is still in place.

While it looks highly likely that the derogation will be granted, we still do not know the possible terms and conditions attached to the measure. We hope to hear confirmation on the derogation later this week.

Growers should still try to plant what is sensible for now and for harvest. If there is a local interest in having fodder crops produced they might be considered if you can strike a price deal.

Once first nodes are clearly visible, apply PGR on wheat and possibly barley.

Once first nodes are clearly visible, apply PGR on wheat and possibly barley.

Spring crop pest control

While most crops have yet to be sown, April and May-sown crops should receive an aphicide at the three-four leaf stage. Teagasc suggest using full label rates to get best control, but monitor after spraying to assess for resistant aphids.

Slugs and leatherjackets may also be an issue as after the wet autumn and winter, numbers could be high. Good consolidation of the seed bed will help reduce the problem. This is the only line of defence left for leatherjacket control.

Winter cereals

The only accurate way to determine the stage of winter crops is to dissect the plant and count its leaves. Winter crops seem to have come to life over the past week are gradually moving into stem extension as temperatures increase. Some winter crops work may need to be done a little on the early side is you are going to get caught up with spring planting activity. But late winter crops will still not be at the stage for main N or PGR.

Make sure you have adequate sulphur applied by stem extension – 15-20kg S/ha for cereals and 30-40kg S/ha for winter rape.

Make sure you have adequate sulphur applied by stem extension – 15-20kg S/ha for cereals and 30-40kg S/ha for winter rape.

Spraying: Once first nodes are clearly visible, apply PGR on wheat and possibly barley. Winter barley crops have generally moved into stem extension but most appear to be quite clean so far. There is some rhynchosporium is being reported on cassia crops in particular.

If you hope to get away with two fungicides try and hold the T1 until second node present. T1 options can be triazole plus SDHI or strobilurin for general disease control.

  • Options include: Siltra (0.6l/ha), Ceriax (1.8l/ha), Elatus Era (0.8l/ha) or Proline (0.4l/ha) plus SDHI (Imtrex, Zulu, etc.)/strob. Where mildew is evident, include a mildewicide. Add chlorothalonil to the last spray for ramularia control.
  • On forward wheat, the T1 options will include a straight triazole plus chlorothalonil, with or without an SDHI. Consider both the T1 and T2 at the same time so as to use a different triazole at T2.

  • Options include: Bravo plus 80-100% of SDHI mixes (Adexar, Librax, Elatus Era, Ascra, Treoris plus triazole, etc.). Add a morpholine where mildew is present.
  • Fertiliser: Make sure you have adequate sulphur applied by stem extension – 15-20kg S/ha for cereals and 30-40kg S/ha for winter rape. Rape should receive its final N (up to 90kg/ha) as flowers begin to appear.

    Bring winter wheat up to 150kg N/ha in Index 2 fields or 170-180kg N/ha on Index 1 sites. For winter barley bring worn Index 1 fields up to 200kg N/ha with a bit less on stronger land. Bring oats up to 130-140kg N/ha. Adjust total N levels for historic yield and for any relatively recent applied organic manures.

    Read more

    Decision time for crop choices and work priorities

    Monday management: tough cropping decision to be made