The late spring has spilled over to another week as Easter Monday brought no letup in the weather.

There were falls of rain and sleet on Monday morning, particularly in the north, followed by scattered heavy showers, especially across Leinster. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the week appears to be no better, with milder and very showery conditions set to hit the whole of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Weeks of mixed weather has delayed essential spring work in the fields, although some progress was made with fertiliser and spraying last week, with limited sowing taking place in a handful of locations.

While there has been limited growth in recent weeks, forward crops are heading towards stem extension, which brings nitrogen and growth regulation into focus. Later sown or backward crops are more about catching up with fertiliser and spraying, especially herbicides.

Spraying

Weeds remain the most urgent job but growth regulation may not be far away for forward winter cereals. If you have winter crops that have not yet received herbicide, watch Terrachem's Gary Beirne, Bayer's James Burn and TP Whelehan's Chris Maughan discuss the options still available to you this spring.

Part one

Part one focuses on herbicide options available for grassweed control in winter cereals.

Part two

Part two of the conversation focuses on broadleaved weed control in winter cereals.

More advanced crops are coming close to GS30 and will required a PGR application. An application of CCC 1.5L/ha before GS30 may be beneficial for some of the crops with lower plant counts. This will encourage tiller survival and can give a yield response (0.2t/ha) and also help even up crops.

Fertiliser

All winter crops should have received N, P and K by now. Forward crops will soon be in stem extension and so time for the main N split, but it is best to wait for active growth. Sulphur could go with first or second nitrogen. Active growth minimises the risk of loss, should there be heavy spills of rain post application.

Planting

We are coming dangerously close to the end of what’s considered safe to plant spring beans. The later beans are planted, the later they are harvested. Target 35 seeds/m2 - 175-210kg/ha (11-13 st/ac) for 450g to 550g TGW seed. Where possible, get the necessary fertiliser down into the seedbed. It should be as close to pH 7 as possible, so top-dress a granular lime if needed. Seed rate should always take account of seed size and ground conditions.

Read more

Weather continues to frustrate field work

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