Agronomy Update - August 2021

Ollie Berkley - Bartholomews Agronomist

Harvest has begun after being delayed due to unsettled weather pattens over the last months. As we head into August, an increased area of crops will be ready for cutting. Early indications of yields for OSR are looking relatively disappointing, whereas cereals are looking to be average yields.

Pre-harvest Glyphosate may need to be used on some specific fields due to late germinating weeds for harvest ease. As always, great care and consideration should take place before deciding to use Glyphosate, due to the continual political pressure that Glyphosate is under, and to help minimize the risk of Glyphosate resistance in the UK.

Attention will soon turn to establishing cover/catch crops, as well as OSR. Cover crop choice is important and can be tailored to individual situations to get the most out of the varieties chosen.

OSR establishment may be later in some areas due to a later harvest, but good establishment is key with OSR, with increased pressure from pests such as CSFB, CSFB larvae, and Slugs. Drilling into moisture will aid  the plants to grow more vigorously and more evenly helping to reduce pest pressure. Starter Fertiliser placed into the seedbed will also help plant vigor heading into the autumn months. If CSFB Thresholds are met then consider using an insecticide. To make sure you are using your insecticide as effectively as possible, take into consideration time of day, water volume, use of adjuvants etc, as consecutive sprays will only increase resistance further and have a detrimental impact on beneficial insect species.

As the crops come off, soil sampling can start to take place where required, to help give a better representation of each field’s nutritional requirements prior to the upcoming crops being drilled. Contact us to find out more about our soil sampling and Crop Nutrition Planning service.

In forage crops, target the volunteers before they get too established. Look out for Turnip saw fly larvae in Stubble turnips and treat accordingly.

Post-harvest cultivations aim to reduce the carryover of pest populations, disease pathogens, viruses and problem weeds. This can be achieved by destroying the green bridge with appropriate strategies, such as stale seedbeds. This could be a good starting point for your IPM plan with thoughts turn towards autumn drilling.

If you want to get in touch with our agronomy team, call 01243 755610.

Find out more about what we have to offer in our Agronomy package HERE.