Drip-feed nitrogen for backward crop
Drip-feed nitrogen for backward crop
LITTLE and often with nitrogen will get the best out of struggling oilseed rape this spring, says CPB Twyford.
"Crops are generally quite backward and suffering from prolonged waterlogging," says oilseed rape breeder, Liz Williams. "Even our early drilled material has only just started to move."
High water-tables have resulted in very poor rooting, with tap roots no more than 6in deep. Low doses of nitrogen will encourage rooting and a fungicide should be used for phoma and light leaf spot.
About 50kg/ha (40 units/acre) with sulphur should be applied as soon as ground is dry enough to travel, followed by a further 50kg/ha a fortnight later, she advises. "And depending on the weather, it may even be worth splitting the balance."
If growers are considering cutting inputs, then do it in inbreds rather than hybrids, she says.
"Inbred varieties will be less well placed to make a good recovery, and may not warrant a full agronomy package."
Fungicide savings may be possible on hybrid variety Gemini, which is very strong to get going after a long period of winter dormancy and has good resistance to phoma and light leaf spot, she adds.
"But most rapes will need a feel-good-factor and should get a fungicide when there is a good ground cover," says Ms Williams.