Dig now to see if sodden soils need ploughing
10 March 2000
Dig now to see if sodden soils need ploughing
By Jessica Buss
FLOODED maize fields could benefit from ploughing now, when the soil at plough depth is dry because of surface compaction.
But ploughing should only be carried out in specific circumstances, and to find out whether its needed growers must dig into soil, advises Maize Growers Association agronomist Simon Draper.
The National Forage Maize Day site at CEDAR, Reading, Berks, is one field where surface compaction has caused lying water.
"This field has been grazed for five or so years and slurry and muck have gone on over winter, so it now has surface compaction from tractor wheelings and cattle. Because of the wet year this field is in the same situation as those on many farms.
"It looks horrendous. But when you dig down under a puddle and the soil underneath is dry at a ploughs depth, the best thing to do is plough it," says Mr Draper.
Grass has already been killed off with glyphosate, and part of the field has already been ploughed with good results.
Digging deeper on this site reveals a good subsoil structure, so there is no need to subsoil it, he adds.
But you must find out whats underneath the surface before deciding a course of action, stresses Mr Draper. Check that compaction is near the surface and then only plough fields with lighter soil types.
"On a field where maize is grown continuously or after a short term ley or cereal you are more likely to find soil saturation and compaction lower down."
These fields will need to dry out before drilling, but he advises that ploughing should be avoided on most saturated soils. However, subsoiling will help in these cases, he adds.
"As soon as you can travel on these fields, without creating a mess, subsoil them to open up the soil, then let them dry again.
"They may take two weeks to dry, by which time it will be early April." Although there will still be some compaction, you can create a seed-bed with a power harrow or tines. There will not be time to plough and create a seed-bed unless growing the crop on very sandy soils, adds Mr Draper.
However, on light soils where there is no surface compaction it is better to let them drain naturally. Then plough and drill close together in April to retain soil moisture.
MAIZE FIELD PREP
• Dig into soil.
• Find where compaction is.
• Then decide action plan.
This years National Forage Maize Day will take place on Thursday Sept 7, at CEDAR, Reading.
Digging reveals dry soil below a water-
logged surface on this CEDARfield and it should be ploughed now, says Simon Draper.
When and where
This years National Forage Maize Day will take place on Thursday Sept 7, at CEDAR, Reading.