SPRING HEELED
farm and all machinery is in good working order to be able to capitalise on every opportunity to work. The priority must be for good field conditions rather than panicking to get work done early.
Approximately 30pc of the total nitrogen fertiliser should be applied, 50-70kgs per hectare on wheat and barley. Increase the rate by another 20-30kgs N per hectare for thin or backward crops. The green area index (GAI) on winter oil seed rape crops visited last week were very good, with a GAI of up to 2 evident in many crops.
The higher the GAI at this time of the year the lower the requirement for nitrogen fertiliser and this can be a significant saving. Remember that 120kgs N per hectare can be sufficient for crops with a GAI of 2. Rape crops are generally very strong and advanced this year so once growth starts watch timing for your second split of N.
When weather conditions improve a clean up of weeds in winter crops might be considered. Most crops have received an autumn herbicide, however, typical weeds that can survive are fumitory, groundsel, speedwells, red dead nettle and cleavers.
A low rate of sulphonyl urea with or without low rates of CMPP/Fluroxypyr/Florasulam, depending on weeds present, will generally clean up most crops. Products such as Galaxy or Spitfire are good where there is a broad spectrum of weeds present.
Wild oats or volunteer oats in barley or wheat could also be treated early. However, temperatures are important for good results and the inclusion of a suitable wetter will improve control.
Broadway star is an excellent product (before GS 32) on wheat only for ryegrass, brome, wild oats, cleavers, poppy, pansy, speedwells, charlock, volunteer rape and mayweed.
It is not good on AMG. Alister is excellent on grass weeds and a good range of broadleaved weeds but must be used by GS 30, while Paciticia can be used late when weather conditions warm up for good grass control.
Wheat and barley crops are heading towards growth stage 31 and will soon be at the ideal stage for growth regulation. Temperatures are important but products like K2 and the new Medex Max can work at lower temperatures. However good growing conditions is always advisable for good growth regulation.
“This is now also the time of the year when the most important office work must be completed. The BPS applications opened last week and need to be submitted before the May 15.
You should undertake this work with your advisor in advance of starting your field work. This will keep you out of the fields and allow the soil to dry out for another day or two, you will then be able to proceed with your field work in the happy knowledge that this important office work is completed.
Amendments will be permitted up to the end of May.
Pat Minnock is a Carlow based agricultural consultant and a member of the ACA and the ITCA. www.minnockagri.ie