Tillage Newsletter - September 2021

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In this month's edition: 

• National Crops Forum
  The annual National Crops Forum provides an ideal opportunity for farmers to assess the season just gone and also look forward to options for next season. This year due to Covid-19 restrictions, the National Crops Forum will be held over two mornings as a virtual event on Zoom, at 11.30am each day. Register at www.teagasc.ie/cropsforum
• Autumn planting
  It is always tempting to avail of good weather in September to plant winter cereals, but early planting carries risks. Planting winter wheat and barley early (mid to late September – later further south) generally ensures good seedbeds and favourable temperatures during germination and leads to higher establishment rates. However, there is an increased threat from take-all, foliar diseases, lodging, grass weeds and aphids (barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)).
• Time for soil sampling
  Now is the ideal time to identify fields on the farm that require fresh soil samples. Ensure soil samples are taken correctly and take a soil sample every 4-5ha. This will provide the basis for lime, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) applications for the next four to five years. Soil test results will provide recommended rates of lime to correct soil pH to the optimum pH 6.5 for a cereal crop rotation.
• Cereal crop P and K requirements
  Winter cereals have a demand for P and K, which ensures that crops are well established in terms of rooting and tiller development entering the winter period. Check soil test results for Index 3. These soils will have a good supply P and K for crop establishment; therefore, omit P and K applications until springtime.
• Soil structure assessment
  Now is a good time to take out the spade and assess soil structure. This involves digging a number of shallow soil pits (50cm deep) around the field. Take out the top 25cm (topsoil) and assess the shape, size, strength, colour and friability of the soil particles. Examine rooting activity and earthworm numbers in this top zone. This will help classify it as having good, medium or poor soil quality.
• Health & Safety - Food for thought
  The Teagasc strategy applies the total worker health model to support farmers with both health and wellbeing and health and safety. Excess body weight is associated with increased injury, cardiovascular disease, cancers, Covid-19 disease severity, musculoskeletal disorders and depression.