May 2024 Agronomy Update 

News

  • €100/ha (€40/ac) payment for crops that are harvested in 2024. Crops must be declared on basic income support for sustainability (BISS) application to be eligible.
  • BISS applications must be completed by 15th May

Winter Barley:

While it’s still early for Ramularia, this disease can often follow stress in crops. If crops are under stress, make sure to include seaweed products and Folpet chemistry in the T2 mix. Folpet has been seen to enhance the activity of azoles against Ramularia. The T2 application should be applied at the paint brush stage (awns peeping).

Managing weeds, especially wild oats, is essential to reduce competition. Use products like Axial Pro at strong rates to help prevent resistance in wild oat populations. Adjust your treatment strategies based on the crop’s yield potential and reduce fertiliser and chemical rates for less viable plant counts.

Molly Winter Barley Plots at Drummonds Trial site.  

Winter Wheat:

At this point, it’s critical to apply the main nitrogen split to stimulate early growth before introducing strong tank mixes. Herbicides can still be applied to crops that haven’t been treated yet. For fields with chickweed, it’s crucial to use Fluroxypr-based products, as chickweed has developed resistance to many sulfonyl urea herbicides.

High levels of Septoria are being reported in the north east, likely due to recent heavy rainfall. This highlights the imminent importance of a well-planned T1 spray targeting Leaf 3. To ensure timely fungicide applications on your farm, it’s advised to dissect plants with a sharp knife to identify the growth stages. Accurate timing of each fungicide treatment is vital to ensure maximum efficacy. As Leaf 3 contributes approximately 10% of the overall yield, protecting this leaf as it emerges is essential for securing yield potential and preparing for the Flag leaf spray (T2).

Regular monitoring of yellow rust is crucial, and incorporating Tebuconazole treatments where rust is detected is advised due to the rust’s rapid spread potential. Eyespot, which has been observed across the northeast, damages the wheat’s stem and reduces nutrient transport to the ear, further emphasising the need for timely disease management.

Winter Oats:

Oat crops are progressing well, with many now past the Growth Stage 32 and ready for their initial fungicide (T1) and growth regulation treatments. If Mildew is present, it’s essential to use preventative measures. Products like Talius are effective in controlling and preventing further outbreaks. Oats also benefit from additional manganese, so consider including manganese and other trace elements in your T1 mixture. As temperatures rise, be on the lookout for Crown Rust, which tends to affect crops under warmer conditions. Also, pay close attention to weather patterns when applying growth regulators to oats to minimize stress on the crops.

Crown rust in oats

Oilseed Rape: 

Oilseed rape crops are currently in early to mid-flowering. At this stage, they should have already received growth regulators and their first fungicide round. An end-of-flowering spray is crucial for managing Sclerotinia. Varieties like PT303, which have genetic resistance to Sclerotinia, may not need this treatment. However, Dekalb and Clearfield varieties, which lack this resistance, should be treated accordingly. Consider adding Magnesium to the mix when applying Sheperd to target Sclerotinia.  

The final nitrogen is now due for crops that were somewhat backward, otherwise nitrogen applications are nearing completion. Foliar nitrogen is a suitable option at this point allowing you to optimise yield and green leaf retention. Oilseed Rape requires 40-50kg/ha N to maximise yield after flowering. Incorporate a foliar nitrogen with the T2 flowering spray. 

Pollen Beetle in OSR plant 

Spring Crops:

Very few spring cereals have been sown so far, as the land is only now beginning to dry out. Most spring cereals, predominantly barley, are expected to be sown in late April and early May, though seed availability is limited. Considering the demand for wholecrop silage, spring wheat could be a viable alternative.

For spring beans, avoid deep sowing from now on. With all crops likely to be sown simultaneously, any issues with birds should be well diluted. It’s crucial to get the crops above ground as soon as possible. However, do not delay applying pre-emergence herbicides.

As fieldwork begins, adjust seed rates upwards to account for the shorter growing season, aiming for 325 seeds/m2 for late April planting.

To maximise field efficiency when weather permits, incorporate compound fertiliser into the seedbed. Fertiliser recommendations will vary based on crop and soil analysis. Incorporating a higher proportion of nitrogen in the seedbed could prove beneficial if dry conditions follow sowing, although there’s a risk of nitrogen loss if it’s followed by heavy rain.

While waiting for improved ground conditions, use this time effectively:

  • Inspect fields thoroughly, plan the sequence of fieldwork, and identify unworkable areas.
  • Ensure all machinery is in good condition, replacing any worn parts now to avoid mid-season breakdowns.
  • Calibrate sowers and fertiliser spreaders for all products being used.
  • Maintain communication with peers for both moral and practical support.
  • Consider your BISS application and consult your advisor, especially if considering headland fallow or other alternative strategies.
  • Note any issues with drainage, headlands, or gateways and plan for corrective measures later in the year.

Rainfall

We recently installed a weather station at our trial site. This clever unit monitors rainfall as well as soil moisture and soil temperature as well as wind speed and relative humidity. The unit has its own power supply and is topped up by solar panel.

During April so far we have recorded 88 mm of rainfall which ahs left soils saturated and cold . 

Hopefully we will see a change in the weather pattern soon to allow some field operations to be completed.