Agronomy Update - February 2021

Jonny Oosthuizen - Bartholomews Agronomist

Many areas have experienced wet conditions in the latter half of last month making any later Propyzamide applications very difficult. The end of January marks the end of the Propyzamide application window but Carbetamide can still be applied up until the end of February. Remain vigilant regarding slugs and pigeons as they can persist and become an issue at this time of year. Any remaining Bifenox (EAMU) applications should be completed before flower buds are visible, preferably in conjunction with colder weather. Start to plan initial fertiliser applications for later this month providing the weather and ground conditions are suitable.

The battle continues with grassweeds. Be sure to maximise the efficacy of any graminicide applications by paying close attention to detail when it comes to the miscellaneous elements of spraying. Weather conditions, water volume, boom height, travelling speed, nozzle choice, adjuvant choice etc. Extra care now will pay dividends in the future and forms an important part of your IPM strategy with correct product choice being only part of the solution.

This month will see the initiation of many spring drilling campaigns. Seedbed conditions are of upmost importance in order to allow the crop to get off to a good start – especially following a period of wet weather. Careful consideration of the specific weed burdens you may encounter should influence your choice of pre-emergent herbicides. This should form the base of your crop protection strategy as in many cases, there’s little else available, for grassweed control, after passing this application window.