UK: Expert warns over early spring barley drilling

The difficult drilling conditions this autumn could see more growers opting for spring barley, but one agronomist warns that they may need to change their approach if planting the crop early, Farmers’ Weekly reported on November, 5.

"Normally the optimum time for drilling spring barley in England is around January to March," says Syngenta's barley specialist, Charlie Siggs. "However we're expecting more interest than usual in drilling before Christmas this year.

"If you are drilling spring barley early, factors to consider include being prepared for higher disease pressure, since the crop will be exposed to disease earlier, and checking chosen varieties are suited to an early drilling slot. Also, check seed rates and fertiliser use according to planting date, and avoid planting too early. Higher weed and lodging pressures also can't be ruled out."

Because temperatures can be slightly warmer in November than December, Mr Siggs suggests drilling in November may allow spring barley crops to grow too proud over the winter, so December in England could be the preferred option.

"Because of the greater disease risk, another idea is to look for varieties with better rhynchosporium resistance. If you're growing for domestic or export brewing markets, the popular malting varieties Propino and Quench are clear options from this viewpoint. Both are classed as having good suitability for early drilling," he adds.

Looking at seed rates, Mr Siggs says these will be dependent on soil conditions at the time of drilling. A guideline of 325 seeds/sq m is in place for Propino and Quench if drilled in good conditions in December or January in England, but higher seed rates may be needed in more difficult environments, he notes, in case of increased plant losses from winter kill.

"Fertiliser use may also need adapting. Nitrogen applications for spring barley in England can normally be 50% applied at growth stage 11 and the remaining 50% applied 10 to 14 days later.

"But with NVZ restrictions these timings may not be possible. So nitrogen use may need to be similar to that for winter malting barley - for example with applications delayed until nearer the spring. As usual, residual soil nitrogen levels, together with grain nitrogen requirements of the malting barley contract, should also be taken into account."

With crops in the ground for longer, Mr Siggs says it will also be important to prevent disease getting a foothold throughout the year. "A three-spray fungicide programme may be needed - beginning in March with a T0 treatment to clean up rhynchosporium and mildew, and following up with a long-lasting fungicide, such as Bontima (cyprodinil + isopyrazam), to maintain protection at the key timings of T1 and T2.

With increased lodging pressures, growers should also consider growing varieties with good lodging resistance, and a growth regulator to improve straw strength, he says.

07 November, 2012