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The dry spell has held up well for most of the country. Temperatures are a little lower this week, which will slow growth somewhat, but many winter crops are moving rapidly through growth stages. Early crops are well into stem extension, so growth regulator will be needed. The forecast seems largely dry for most of the week ahead, but it is likely to remain cool overall.
Planting
Good progress has been made in all parts of the country, with a large proportion of cereals planted now. Growers in southern counties are moving on to beet, maize and oilseed rape. Seedbed quality matters even more later, as you must ensure rapid uniform germination plus good root soil contact to support rapid growth. As the year moves on, it is even more important to have seedbeds well consolidated to help ensure uniform establishment. Uneven late emergence is a recipe for additional problems such as trace element deficiencies. As the season moves on, all remaining planting should use a minimum of 380 seeds/m2 for all cereals. Make use of recent P and K tests to help make the best use of fertiliser applied. pH is critical.
Dry weather brings spate of fires
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