Ground conditions

This is certainly the most difficult backend to get autumn planting done in many years. Some areas have had a lot of rain, while bits of planting continue in other areas. Much of what is being planted is described as marginal, even on drier land, but that could be as good as it gets. That said, crops sown some time ago have emerged well.

Ground conditions are also very troublesome for potato, maize and fodder beet harvesting.

Keep your options

One of the important decisions now is to weigh up the risks to any crop planted from now on and the need to keep your farming system intact, as far as is possible. There is a need to think twice before planting fields that will be subject to waterlogging or ponding, as patchy crops limit yield potential. But one should also be slow in abandoning a crop, as historic crop choices are there for a reason.

All seed needs to be dressed, as it may have to sit in damp soil post-planting, especially as we go later in the season

Calendar does not define planting date and there are no well-proven autumn cut-off dates for winter cereals. Later than normal planting does add a level of risk, but so does a total dependence on spring planting as an alternative (eg 2018). You still need to spread the workload for spraying and harvesting and it is important to keep rotations intact.

Planting

Opportunities may be scarce for the moment, but it is essential to be ready for them. Soil temperatures remain about normal or better for the time of year, so that is a plus.

As the year pushes on, it is inevitable that crows and slugs could become bigger problems. But there is likely to be a lot of planting done in any sowing window and this should help dilute any challenges from crows.

Slug numbers and activity have visibly increased in recent weeks. Sown and emerged crops need to be watched for signs of feeding and pellets should be applied where necessary.

Planting into take-all risk fields should be relatively safe at this point, but there is always a risk.

It is safer to use Latitude, especially on wheat in known high-risk situations.

All seed needs to be dressed, as it may have to sit in damp soil post-planting, especially as we go later in the season.

Ground conditions now mean that seed rates need to be increased if you get a sowing opportunity. Plant winter wheat around 300 plants/m2 – 160kg/ha (10.2st/ac) for 45g seed – more for bigger seed.

Plant winter barley at above 200kg/ha (13st/ac) to provide 350 plants/m2 (50g seed) or more, as both germination and establishment are likely to be lower from here on. Plant hybrids varieties at 220 to 225 plants/m2. Drill oats at 350 to 380 seeds/m2 or 145 to 160kg/ha (9 to 10st/ac) for 35g seed.

Soil testing

Soil samples should be taken now to guide spring fertiliser application on either spring or winter crops. You need a test for every 5ha, so take the samples from the areas that appear to show variable growth potential. Soil test results only remain valid for official purposes for four years.

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Ground conditions hampering potato harvest

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