Reversal of soil conditions: While not everyone had good or even reasonable ground conditions last week, it seems unlikely that anyone has decent ground conditions this week. Rain and/or snow have really made land wet and now most land is quite sticky. This time last year we were still covered in snow and we were completely knocked out for another one to two months.

But, as always, a few days of good drying can make a massive difference in March. Stubble ground may help with quicker access for planting. There is a need to be ready to go so have seed and fertiliser on hand.

Planting: There may be little or no opportunity over the coming week and this is not the time to mess with marginal conditions. Many areas have had a lot of rain since the start of the month and the forecast for the week ahead is not that promising.

But if you get a half chance in good field conditions, beans are the priority. Aim to plant beans by seed number and target around 35 seeds/m2. This will require 175-210kg/ha (11-13 st/ac) where seed is between 450g to 550g TGW. A pH close to 7 is very important for beans. If soil fertility is low (less than Index 3) get fertiliser into the seedbed at planting if at all possible as it will pay handsomely.

While there is unlikely to be suitable conditions for cereal planting over the next week or so it is important to be ready to go, especially on lighter land, just in case. Rainfall amounts in north Leinster and the midlands have been much lower than many other parts of the country so an opportunity might arise.

Aim to plant spring wheat at about 320-350 seeds/m2 or 160-180 kg/ha (10-12 st/ac) (assuming 45-50g TGW). Drill barley at 350-375 seeds/m2 – 160-175 kg/ha (10-11 st/ac) (45g seed). Target oats at about 350-400 seeds/m2 – 125-146 kg/ha for 35g seed (8-9 st/ac).

A good seedbed remains more important than planting date for all spring crops so don’t muck crops in just to have them sown.

The changing market situation makes it important to look at potential margins from different crops for this spring. Talk to your buyers to guide your decision.

Fertiliser: All winter crops should have received some basic fertiliser by now. Just be conscious as to whether the full requirement for N, P, K, S etc. has been applied and whether a further top-up is needed for elements other than N.

For spring crops combine drilling is preferable, especially on low P and K index soils. This gets increasingly important with later planting as emerged crops need to grow faster.

It is not essential to combine drill all of the required P and K but the balance should be applied into the seedbed if that option is more convenient. If you cannot combine drill then at least get it incorporated into seedbed before sowing.

Consider Wolftrax dressing on the fertiliser as a source of trace elements where you know you will have a definite problem with specific trace element deficiencies.