Planting conditions may not have been perfect but it’s done, or at least most of it is at this point.

Emerging crops seem to be establishing well and are quite uniform, helped by the higher soil temperatures.

But it doesn’t stop there as there are definite signs of crow and slug activity in particular. The drop in air temperatures is likely to slow establishment and it may also lead to more pest problems for longer.

Establishment

There may still be opportunities to plant but establishment is likely to take longer and be lower as we move into November.

So think twice about any further planting. Target 380 seeds/m2 for wheat, 400 for any remaining barley and up to 450 for oats.

These equate to 210kg/ha (13.4 st/ac) for 55g wheat and 53g barley and 180kg/ha (11.5 st/ac) for 40g oats.

Read more

Tillage management notes: pests