Agronomy Update - August 2020

Harvest has resumed through July and as we dodge the showers and get into August, we will see an increase in numbers of crops ready to cut. The outcome so far is varied, as is normal for early results. In general terms OSR yields are disappointing whilst cereal yields, so far, are average with better-than-average quality. Early signs suggest that soil type is an important factor this year which re-iterates last month’s comments regarding the overall importance of soil health.

Jonny Oosthuizen - Bartholomews Agronomist

There are some spring barley crops with secondary tillers present which is an expected outcome given the weather patterns experienced in some areas and in specific cases, it has been appropriate to utilise the pre-harvest recommendation for Glyphosate. This said, it should only be used where absolutely necessary due to continuous scrutiny of the product by the regulatory bodies.

As crops come off, thoughts turn to catch and cover cropping as well as OSR establishment. Remember to align your sowing/drilling rate with your chosen establishment method. Consider the utilisation of cover crops and tailor your mixes to suit in order to get the best value out of the concept. Where plans are in place to grow OSR, we are all too aware of the pressure it comes under during establishment which requires us to be sure that we give it the best start possible. Establish OSR into warm, moist seedbeds ensuring a fine and firm finish. Use starter fertiliser in the seedbed and ensure your chosen variety has good autumn vigour. If, and only if, the CSFB threshold is reached be sure to time an insecticide spray as effectively as possible. Consider the time of day, water volume, adjuvant use, target population present etc because consecutive sprays will increase the risk of resistance and further damage the Beneficial’s population.

When approaching field cultivations post-harvest try to reduce the potential carry over of pest populations, disease pathogens, viruses and problem weeds. This can be done by targeting the destruction of ‘the green bridge’ with appropriate strategies in a timely manner. In addition, utilising cultural controls such as stale seedbeds should form the basis of your IPM strategy on farm in preparing for the autumn drilling season.