Ground conditions

It seems like we will get another run at decent planting conditions despite the recent heavy rain. Land has soaked well and conditions are good again. A large amount of autumn planting is already completed and now it is down to the opportunities that will follow maize, beet and potato harvesting. Much of the maize is already harvested up the country but it is only under way in the south. It is still a bit early for beet unless fields have to be cleared. Potatoes remain difficult as the crop is not sufficiently mature for harvesting, despite being burned off for some time.

Planting

Hopefully there will still be a few weeks of planting opportunities. Soil temperatures are about normal for the time of year so no major worry on that front, despite recent signs of frost. Roll once seedbeds dry out fully and the ground below that again is dry. This helps establishment, residual herbicide activity, slows or prevents slug damage and helps prevent root-roll lodging.

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.

Birds, especially crows, continue to be a big problem in places but perhaps the recent rain may help by softening up grassland as a diversion. Undressed seed should not be considered from here on.

Good ground conditions mean that seed rates can remain modest. Plant for a winter wheat population of around 280-300 plants/sq m – 150-160kg/ha (9.5 -10.2 st/ac) for 45g seed – more for bigger seed. Any remaining winter barley needs to go in above 200kg/ha (13 st/ac) to provide 350 plants/sq m (50g seed) as both germination and establishment are likely to be lower from here on. Complete oat planting at 350-380 seeds/sq m or 145-160kg/ha (9-10 st/ac) for 35g seed.

Maize harvest: Make the most of good ground conditions to get maize harvested. Also take note that if maize is not yet ready for ensiling, that same variety might not mature adequately in a poor maize year. That is a risk you should avoid for your location. Where crops are cleared, it makes sense to plant those stubbles to winter cereals. But min-till may not be an options where plastic is still intact.

Winter rape

Crops are growing well but keep an eye out in case the preponderance of brassica catch and fodder crops causes more pressure from light leafspot or phoma.

If Salsa (25g/ha) is to be used to target weeds like charlock, chickweed, shepherd’s purse, hedge mustard and poppy, it should be applied shortly. It needs small weeds, active growth and spray penetration. Use two to three times normal rate of a vegetable oil with this product for best results.

Be careful with growth regulation. You need to have enough growth before you stop it and that can happen too soon. The triazole fungicides double up for phoma and light leafspot and they also have a growth regulation effect correlated to application rate. Half rates will normally suffice but more might be needed in very forward crops.

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