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Reports on ground condition are variable, with all land now wet on top following recent rain but most land is solid. Light rain and drizzle is undoing the benefit of the occasional good drying day. But there is growth and so nitrogen and other nutrients are important. Soil and air temperatures are running two to three degrees above normal for the time of year and are part of the reason unfertilised crops are starting to go off colour.
Planting
There may or may not be opportunities to plant in the week ahead but if you are on light land you need to be ready. Beans, spring wheat, oats and malting barley are priority providing conditions are good enough.
Organic manures
Where possible try and get some form of organic manure on to land for spring cereals, especially if it is not already ploughed. Any form of organic matter or manure will be of benefit in time.
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