Tillage Newsletter - September 2024

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In this month's edition:

• Tillage Forum
  Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 2.00pm  |  Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 T925
  Join us for the Tillage Forum. Session one will have the latest information on cereal varieties for the 2024/25 season, in addition to autumn agronomy updates, including a presentation on take-all. In session two, there will be a focus on soils and how we can improve them after two difficult seasons.
• Autumn planting
  After two exceptionally wet autumns, there is a natural temptation to begin planting cereals earlier than usual. However, striking the right balance between taking advantage of better sowing conditions by planting early, and the risks posed by barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), take-all, grass weeds and increased disease pressure can be challenging.
• Cereal crop P and K requirements
  Winter cereals have a demand for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which ensures that crops are well established in terms of rooting and tiller development entering the winter period. Index 3 soils will have a good supply of P and K for crop establishment; therefore, omit P and K applications until spring.
• Soil structure assessment
  After a wet season 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.
• Shallow cultivation of post-harvest stubbles
  Shallow cultivation must take place within 10 days of baling or, where straw is chopped, within 10 days of harvest. In all circumstances, shallow cultivation must take place within 14 days of harvesting. Shallow cultivation is not required on certified organic holdings, after the harvesting of root crops or late-harvested crops, where cereals are under sown with another crop, where cereals or beans are harvested after September 15, or on lands destined for winter-combinable crops that are sown before October 31.
• Health & Safety - PTO shaft cover grant
  The National Farm Safety Measure 2024 provides a financial contribution to participating farmers for up to four PTO shaft covers. Closing date for applications is November 1, 2024. The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover. For further information talk to your advisor or go to: http://www.gov.ie/farmsafety