Ground conditions

Most areas got a fair bit of rain over the past week but, as always, it was very variable. That said, it was more than enough to keep machines off the land for both planting and spraying. But land is still solid if it gets a chance to dry out on top.

Further planting may still be possible but only on dry ground. Establishment risks are now much higher than a month ago. Slugs and birds will be the main concern but waterlogging and rabbits could also be a problem. While these risks are everywhere, they ease slightly as one goes south where temperatures are likely to be somewhat warmer.

Soil temperatures were in the 6-8°C range at the start of this week so that means growth will slow. This is slightly lower than the same week in recent years. While a little growth is still possible, it has slowed substantially in recent weeks and that means that crops will be slower to emerge.

Met Éireann data shows most of the main tillage areas are now within 100 and 250mm of their 30-year average but some, like Mullingar, are still 350mm off that mark.

Pests

Crows remain very active and shorter days combined with lower temperatures could mean that activity will be intensified. 1,000 crows on 2ha is one crow per 20 square metres (one per 10 sq m if on 1ha). These can do a lot of damage in a week. The fact that there are so many fields at vulnerable stages of growth may help.

Keep an eye on all crops for other problems like slugs, rabbits and signs of rat or mouse damage close to hedges.

Planting

There may be an occasional opportunity to get further planting done. Wheat is really the only option and even that must be questioned as ground conditions deteriorate. But if land is good enough, wheat might be planted around 375 seeds/sq m to establish 300 plants/sq m. That would mean either side or 204 kg/ha (13 st/ac) for 50g seed based on 92% germination and 80% establishment.

Aphids

In general, crops that emerge this month should not require aphicide unless the crop is in a high-risk situation. Crops by the coast following dirty stubbles that had a lot of volunteer growth might be regarded as high risk for BYDV. Crops sown in mid-September with Deter dressing might still require one aphicide sometime around now (six weeks post-emergence). There is little point in applying an aphicide spray when the dressing is still active.

Soil testing

With field work now virtually completed for 2018, it is a good idea to look at your current soil test results and update any that are four or more years old. A soil test is not valid after four years and you now need a test result for every 4ha or up to 5ha in a uniform run of soil. Taking additional tests should be seen more as a management tool than an additional cost, especially when you are taking them based on known crop performance variability.