Teagasc Crops Forum addressing soil health rotations and early planting
The Teagasc Crops Forum discussed the latest agronomy issues facing farmers and also how farmers can improve their soils in the coming years. The Crops Forum took place on Wednesday, September 11th in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, County Kildare.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) presented data on cereal varieties which are available to farmers this year. Cara MacAodháin from the DAFM’s Crop Policy, Evaluation and Certification Division said; “The challenging weather conditions in recent years has provided invaluable information in identifying varieties that will perform consistently for farmers and highlights the importance of selecting varieties from the Recommended List which have been comprehensively evaluated and proven over a number of years.”
Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, presented strategies to help farmers get rotations back on track following the wet year in 2023/2024. Ciaran Collins said; “Spreading the risk across multiple crops will give farmers the best chance of an improved income. Using multiple crops allows a wider planting window thereby helping to plant and subsequently manage each crop at the optimum time.”
Dr Richie Hackett, a researcher in the Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, presented results from recently completed winter barley trials. “The yield results show that early sowing in September increases the risk of lower yields where take-all, or BYDV, occur but management can help reduce these risks.”
The final session focused on soils and how to improve soil structure and drainage. Dr. Veronica Nyhan, a Soil and Plant Nutrient Specialist in Teagasc, outlined the process of assessing soils. Veronica Nyhan said; “All farmers can easily perform this assessment. With the results the farmer can put a plan in place to improve any deficits. A well-structured soil increases the yield potential of your crop.”
Cathal Somers, a Water Specialist in Teagasc, discussed soil drainage in mineral soils. He focused on assessing and remedying wet patches which have become more and more prevalent in the last two years. “It is often the simple checks and cheap checks which can make a large difference to remedying wet patches in fields. Firstly, check the field drain outlet and the overall drainage channel are not blocked. Secondly, check field drain by rodding the pipe for immediate blockages”. Eoghan O’Brien, an ASSAP advisor in Teagasc, spoke about practical measures farmers can take to reduce nutrients moving from the field to streams and rivers.
The event proceedings will be available shortly on www.teagasc.ie/publications