Planting

While there is some planting already done, we are now definitely in the official planting season and the recent good ground conditions are holding up well. Indeed some regions may be a bit on the dry side but better that than the alternative.

Ground conditions are generally good for all types of planting systems. With so much dry weather and cracking in the ground this seems like a particularly useful year to opt for options other than the plough.

For those with access to Redigo Deter this might be considered as a seed dressing for another week or two or even later down south and in coastal and high risk areas. The real benefit is likely to be this week and next for crops that emerge in September and early October. The benefit is likely to decrease as we plant into October.

Drill winter barley at up to 350 seeds/m2 or 180-208 kg/ha (11.5-13 st/ac) for 50-57g thousand grain weights. Try and get a handle on your actual thousand grain weights. Put in early wheat at around 180-200 seeds/m2 (90-100kg/ha or 5.8-6.4st/ac at 45g TGW and 92% establishment). Plant winter oats at around 350 seeds/m2 or 130kg/ha (8st/ac) for 36g seed.

It is important to be conscious of seed size as seeds are generally smaller this year than last so the same weight will sow more seeds. And with certified seed set to cost more, savings in rate will be a help.

Wheat varieties that suit early planting are listed here. There is now very limited information on variety suitability for second wheat slots but JB Diego and KWS Lumos seem to do well in these slots. Some suggest that Costello is also quite robust in such pressure slots.

Roll post planting, where possible. Good rolling helps germination, establishment, pest control, residual herbicide activity and the prevention of root-roll lodging. It can also help reduce crow damage. Where possible roll across hills to help prevent water erosion down the wheel tracks. Do not roll where conditions are just not good enough.

Soil testing

This remains one of the most important jobs between crops. You can’t realistically expect land that is low in basic fertility to yield in most years and our business depends on the efficient generation of crop yield. Soil testing is essential to guide fertilisation and soil fertility.

It is important to realise that adding additional fertiliser is not a compensation for low soil fertility. It is also important to realise that we only apply little over half of a crop’s needs when we apply recommended rates and the balance must come from the soil. If it is not there then you get limited yield potential.

pH is the most important thing to fix as it influences the availability of the other major nutrients. A low pH may only allow 50% utilisation of major nutrients, including what you actually apply. Having pH right (above 6.5 and above 6.8 for some crops) is essential for optimum nutrient utilisation so fix that one first. Raising pH tends to rise the soil test values for other major nutrients.