In this issue... Precision progress page 62 Clover care page 77 Putting N in its place Cropping route to regen ag

Net Zero nutrition page 44 Beet for bees page 89

Opinion Volume 23 Number 2 4 Talking Tilth - A word from the editor. February 2021 6 Smith’s Soapbox - Views and opinions from an Essex peasant….. 60 Tech Respect - CPM ’s machinery editor surveys the search for UK Ag’s next step. 91 Last Word - A view from the field from CPM’s technical editor. Technical 8 Weed management - Thinking differently about weeds Is it time to look at managing weeds in a different light? 14 Weed management - Herbicide hints for spring Weeds may need attention as winter turns into spring. 18 Forward-thinking farmers -Tests and tools to track and trace Decent diagnosis of in-field issues ensures the right product is applied.. 22 Theory to Field - Can less be more? Improving productivity is all about using inputs more efficiently. 26 Disease delve - The dynamic force behind yellow rust Editor Yellow rust stood out as the disease to watch of 2020. Tom Allen-Stevens 30 Research Briefing - Emerging from the shadows Technical editor Research shows folpet may be more effective than previously thought. Lucy de la Pasture 34 Real Results Pioneers - Dig down to preserve potential Machinery editor One Cambs grower resolved to get a better understanding of the soil. Charlotte Cunningham 38 BioScience insider - Primed for defence Writers Innate defences against disease come at a hefty price to the plants. 42 Fertiliser advice - Keep the faith Mike Abram Rob Jones Things may be looking up for growers who kept their faith in the crop. Tom Allen-Stevens Lucy de la Pasture 44 Grow the future - The productive plus of a carbon conscience Charlotte Cunningham A focus on climate change could add to your productivity. Design and production 48 Technical survey - Inhibiting climate change? Brooks Design Both the industry and the government are looking to reduce fertiliser emissions. Advertisement co-ordinator 52 Fit for the future - When yield gives way to shield Peter Walker Sow a seed you can depend on over one that may simply fill the barn. Publisher 56 Consultations - Your views matter Angus McKirdy Two significant consultations were launched in the New Year. Business development manager Charlotte Alexander Machinery To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to [email protected], quoting reference CP/100659/2021/g. 62 Fertiliser spreaders - Precision pushes progress To claim two NRoSO CPD points, please send your name, The capabilities of spreader technology have soared in recent years. NRoSO member number, date of birth and postcode to 68 Innovation Delve - Trials uncover secrets to success [email protected] Claydon Drills and Hutchinsons have been carrying out cover crop trials. *the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based 72 On Farm Opinion - Going to great lengths on independent reader research conducted by The value of low-disturbance kit is rapidly gaining traction in UK agriculture. McCormack Media 2020 Editorial & advertising sales CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY3 7AG Innovation Tel: (01743) 369707 E-mail: [email protected] 77 Climate Change Champions - Regenerative route to Net Zero Reader registration hotline 01743 861122 The Southill Estate in Beds has productive soils that capture carbon. Advertising copy 81 On-farm R&D - Field opens for agri-tech explorers Brooks Design, On-farm innovation is set to get the ELM scheme co-design treatment. 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: [email protected] CPM Volume 23 No 2. Editorial, advertising and sales offices are at Roots CPM Ltd, 1 Canonbury, Shrewsbury, SY1 9NX England. Tel: (01743) 369707. CPM is published eleven times a year by CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers 84 Potatoes - Understanding dynamics aids control and farm managers in the United Kingdom. Nematodes and late blight are two of the big problems facing potato growers. In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the 89 Sugar beet - Should neonics return? advice, recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine. The granting of an emergency authorisation has attracted criticism. If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited material, including photographs. crop production magazine february 2021 3 CPM (Print) ISSN 2753-9040 CPM (Online) ISSN 2753-9059 It’s never a good idea to ask a in the genome is pinpointed damaged or reclaimed soil? plant root to grow through and marker-assisted How do they fair with cover compacted soil, whether or breeding is used to bring crops, companion crops, in a not it’s capable of doing the compaction-busting root blend, planted inter-row or as a so. Organic farmers capability conventionally into perennial understorey? How would rightly scorn a commercial lines. So it seems they do in min-till, no-till, strip-till, system that engineered a little ludicrous to me to restrict controlled traffic farming, on sand crops to allow bad a breeding technique that could that caps, or in deep subsoil practice and such a effect the same change in a layers of naturally compacted notion goes against the fraction of the time, whatever clay? Root to success? very essence of conservation the outcome. Rather than restrict their agriculture. The difficulty is that if you introduction to the field, that’s So should we ban plant over-regulate a technique such exactly where these plants Scientists have made an breeders and scientists from as GE because you fear it may should be. Rather than close our important discovery about plant engineering such an ability into have undesirable outcomes, with minds to them, we should be roots –– it’s not that they can’t crops? That is in effect how EU the same hand you stifle the open to what they can do, share get through compacted soil, they regulation currently works, and potential for that same technique our views and build on one choose not to. The question for the question Defra has now put to do good things. It’s not the another’s experiences farmers is what to do with that in front of us in a consultation is fault of the tool that there’s a bad –– good and bad. And rather information. whether to diverge from this outcome, but the way it’s used. than view them as a binary tool The findings of the research, (see page 56). So rather than over-regulate and that will simplify a system, allow led by Nottingham University, Defra has always believed that restrict its use, we should bring it them to find their place in were published in Science last where a change to a plant’s DNA into the field and develop our a matrix of methods that month. Compacted soil causes could have happened naturally, understanding. complements the rest. ethylene to build up, according to this should not make it a GMO, Coming back to this discovery Here in the UK, right now, the research team, which acts as subject to the tight EU about compaction-busting plant we are in a unique position to a signal to plant roots to stop regulations. The grey area is roots, I don’t think we should unshackle ourselves from the growing. But in plants where a gene-editing (GE) where a cut regulate or restrict breeding traditional view of how farming mutation has been introduced to –– or edit –– is made at a very of plants that have this ability, should be done. We have a new switch off this response, the roots precise point in the genome. The although I thoroughly respect the agricultural policy to put in place, will continue to grow through the slight mutation that results when views of those who’d choose not and there is a genuine call compacted soil. the plant naturally mends this cut to have them on their farm. from Defra that this should be On the one hand, this is known to confer a desired trait. Equally, whether they choose to co-designed with farmers. is potentially a massive Similar mutations happen grow compaction-busting crops The roadmap to its new R&D breakthrough. Increasingly heavy every day in the field –– it’s the or not, the farmers who throw the Innovation package starts this kit has put arable soils worldwide skill of the breeder that spots the good soil management rulebook spring (see page 81). This is under pressure –– more than traits they confer and brings the out the window are fools. surely the time to bring as many half of Europe’s 68M hectares desirable ones into commercial But there is a third way. technologies as we can into the of cultivated land is prone to lines. In fact, it’s quite likely As with any crop bred with new field to explore what they can do. compaction. Farmers spend a there’s a wheat plant somewhere plant-breeding techniques, these fortune alleviating the problem with a natural mutation that’s are not tools for fools but plants and yields could be significantly switched off this rooting with potential. Wouldn’t you Tom Allen-Stevens has a improved if crops could be bred response. It could be in your want to know how they 170ha arable farm in Oxon, that didn’t have this restriction. field and you’re just not aware performed in dry soils, brashy where the main restriction But on the other, isn’t this that the mutation’s there. soils, late-planted after roots, in on roots is the inability to exactly the wrong thing to do with Now that the trait has been the corner of that field where get into the field to start this discovery? Compaction is identified, though, and scientists establishment is always tricky? them off. damage to the soil, causing have a proof of concept from an Are they best used rotationally, [email protected] soil erosion and nitrous oxide engineered plant, it’s just a or as a short-term measure @tomallenstevens emissions, as well as poor yields. matter of time before the place to restore life and structure to a

that clearly forbids any sniff of crop then doubled in recent years. I disturb as I trudge across the production. At the other end of the Although the effect of schemes crop, it’s good for biodiversity, spectrum there was our fields in that preclude production will have (and of course the bloody archaeology protection different impacts on different pigeons!) schemes that precluded the farms, you could argue there is a Then there’s the benefits of use of plough but otherwise deleterious impact on our industry over-wintering OSR crops in terms allowed crops to be grown as a whole if you downsize of the boon they provide to however you thought fit. production. Things like R&D insects in early spring as a rich For us as a business, the budgets and infrastructure source of pollen, not to mention attractiveness of the schemes investment depend on the nesting habitats for reed buntings was more to do with the level of critical mass of their economic in early summer. Covering all bases payment rather than whether they foundation. I don’t suppose there is a permitted arable production but There is also the snowflake’s chance in Hell that One of the key questions to be we were conscious that there are much-discussed chestnut of Defra would ever accept winter asked of the new Environmental efficiencies of fixed costs achieved our food self-sufficiency as a OSR as eligible for an acreage Land Management (ELM) through economies of scale to nation. Without going into this payment under an environment Scheme is to what extent it will consider. Once you start reducing vast discussion in detail, the scheme but nonetheless maybe be dominated by elements that a cropped area to less than simple fact is if we produce less we should be making the case. take land out of crop production. 300-400ha then fixed costs start to food as a nation and consumption If it requires some sort of min-till, We’ve had some personal increase at a greater rate than on a patterns remain the same then we non-plough condition then all the experience of this over the years pro rata basis. When it comes to will import more from abroad. This better. On our land in the typically with our involvement with various the key issue of payment rates the will in turn have important impacts dry autumn it’s almost impossible environment schemes. At the one term ‘income foregone’ becomes on our economy and on the to get good tight seedbeds for end of the scale there is our all the more electric when wheat environments of those places small seeds behind the plough arable reversion rough grassland prices have more or less halved that make up the shortfall. anyway. So it would be a win for There are also important my bank account and the ecology cultural issues. For right or wrong of my farm not to mention the farmers are by definition active nation’s food security and balance food producers rather than of payments. What’s not to like? passive park keepers. So there is a case for coming Pigeons may be unwelcome in up with imaginative environment OSR, but is the crop delivering schemes that allow production a host of ecosystem services? rather than preclude it. I was chewing this over in my mind as I trudged through my oilseed rape crops on my winter morning ritual of checking for pigeons and test firing the bangers. The OSR is notably proud this year having thrived in the wet and warm autumn. Although some agronomists, with good reason, will worry about over-proud OSR crops, in another analysis it should be seen as a good cover Guy Smith grows 500ha of crop providing all sorts of other combinable crops on the north benefits. It’s fixing nutrients, so east Essex coast, namely they don’t wash away in what is St. Osyth Marsh –– officially the driest spot in the British Isles. proving a very wet winter. Very Despite spurious claims from importantly it’s absorbing and others that their farms are fixing carbon. Furthermore it’s actually drier, he points out conditioning the soil with its that his farm is in the Guinness vigorous rooting, and by providing Book of Records, whereas a cover, protecting against others aren’t. End of. erosion. Finally, judging by the @essexpeasant linnets, hares and skylarks

6 crop production magazine february 2021

Thinking differently about weeds

Use little “hammers and not sledgehammers.”

Technical Weed management

You don’t have to be Einstein modes of action (MoA) available in an periods, which means they can grow international survey published last year. rapidly in the periods between times to know that doing the “There’s a real risk that we may run out when effective controls can be applied. same thing and expecting of chemistry to control some weeds. “Intensive weed control can degrade Resistance is expensive, with the annual farmland’s natural capital, with potential a different result is the cost of blackgrass resistance in England negative effects on both farm productivity definition of insanity. Is it estimated at £0.4bn in lost gross profit and the environment,” believes Chloe. (2014 prices) to the industry. According to Regular and intensive tillage is a major time to look at managing research published in the scientific journal contributor to unsustainable levels of soil weeds in a different light? Nature Sustainability, in winter wheat the erosion, she adds. “In Europe, soil erosion cost of herbicides can be anything rates are from 3-40 times more than the CPM reports. between £75-450/ha for blackgrass control. upper limit of tolerable soil erosion. Both

tillage and herbicides have some effect L By Lucy de la Pasture Evolving resistance “The more we study the problem, the tricker it seems to be getting. We used to Blackgrass has become a weed that’s think that if you mixed herbicide MoAs then driving farming strategies on many it would prevent resistance, then as time farms –– its success and the failure of went on it was realised resistance was herbicide measures has led to changes still evolving. Recent research from in rotations, cultivations and herbicide Rothamsted, led by David Comont, is use. But instead of a weed being the showing that mixing herbicides does delay force behind changes in practice, could target site resistance, but at the same weeds be thought about in a different time it also promotes the development way and be managed more ecologically? of cross-resistance,” she explains. That was the question posed by Chloe also points out that more Dr Chloe MacLaren, plant ecologist at intensive weed control can select for more Rothamsted Research, during AHDB’s problematic weeds. On a farming systems Agronomy Week. level, weeds which are generally tolerant or Chloe points out that the way weeds good at avoiding control are becoming Chloe MacLaren believes the time has come for are being managed across the globe is increasingly common. “These weeds new thinking about weeds and particularly the a struggle, with 262 weed species found achieve this through strategies such as benefits diversity can bring. to be resistant to 23 of the 26 herbicide variable germination times or short growth

8 crop production magazine february 2021

Weed management

that the weeds will always win. We need new ways of thinking about weeds,” she says. Foremost Chloe suggests it’s not necessary to get rid of all weeds and that instead the aim should be for farms to be more resilient to problematic weeds.

Diverse community “We don’t want huge populations of species like blackgrass, but we do want to foster a diverse community of wild plants Intensive use of herbicides selects for weeds with so that the weed benefits outweigh the a similar growth habit, metabolism and resource costs of having them there,” she says. requirement as the crop itself, hence the success “Amongst the positive functions of weeds of blackgrass as a weed. are soil protection, nutrient cycling and interaction with beneficial insects ––

L on soil microbes, particularly mycorrhizae. providing pest interference and pollinator “We don’t know enough about this yet support. Removing weeds habitually to know if that contributes to a change or means all these functions can potentially Small, flowering weeds (or wild companion loss in function of soil microbes, but it does be lost.” plants) such as field pansy can bring more suggest we want to be careful about how Long-term research studies show that overall benefits than costs to farmland. often we use either of these tools.” many weed species may not be as The conventional approach to weed competitive with the crop as most people When plots with high diversity control is also a major cause of biodiversity think, she adds. “Weed diversity is (~20 species) were left unsprayed, the loss in farmland –– critically bird biodiversity associated with reduced competition yield loss caused by the weeds was depends on the variety of weed seeds that between weeds and the crop. There is much less than in plots with low diversity are available, she highlights. evidence for this in Rothamsted’s long-term (5-6 species): 30% compared with 65-80%. “Several arable weeds are being farmed Broadbalk experiment, where researchers A further long-term study in France to extinction but we’re still losing the war on compared plots with high weed diversity to published in Nature Sustainability looked at weeds. The more we study them, it seems plots with low weed diversity. the effect of different cropping systems Weed management and found different weed communities enhanced weed diversity.” developed in each system over time in Chloe suggests that the question in response to the management used. In agronomist’s and farmer’s minds shouldn’t unweeded and zero weeded plots the be ‘how weedy is the field?’, but more researchers found six distinct weed ‘which weeds are there and how many communities, four of which decreased different species are present?’ when yields (20-55%) but two had no effect making weed control decisions. on yields. “Weeds which are beneficial in “The yield loss was also less as weed crops are small, slow-growing, mainly diversity increased. The study found large-seeded flowering plants. These yield wasn’t strongly correlated to are less competitive with the crop while weed density but was highest in weed providing more services to biodiversity. communities dominated by blackgrass Tall, fast-growing, competitive weeds and cleavers, and lowest where field –– such as blackgrass and wild oats pansy or speedwell were present with –– aren’t desirable,” she explains. Putting the theory into practice is tricky, and solutions will be specific to farming systems and sites, admits Chloe. But there are a number of things to avoid, she says. Steve Cook says agronomists are having to use some pretty big sledgehammers, particularly to Eliminating weeds tackle blackgrass. “Firstly, try to avoid consistently penalising weeds for being different to in selecting for weeds that are similar the crop. Examples of this are always to the crop and benefit from the same eliminating weeds that germinate before resources, so are more competitive in the crop, disadvantaging weeds that use nature. alternative resources or are more stress “Secondly, avoid doing the same Flowering weeds provide seed for birds and an tolerant or using in-crop herbicides that thing each year as this exacerbates the interaction with beneficial insects – providing eliminate weeds that have different problem of selection for similar and more pest interference and pollinator support. metabolisms of growth forms. This results competitive weeds. Then, if possible, try L Weed management

frequencies and precision application of herbicides. “Minimising resource ability means limiting light, nutrients and water to weeds. Not only do more free resources mean more weeds, but high resource availability helps fast-growing problematic weeds in particular. “This can be avoided by choosing competitive crops, using precision techniques such as variable rate fertiliser applications and drip irrigation, and/or choosing organic nutrient sources (legumes and manures) that release Campus OSR was successfully established nutrients more slowly. Light to weeds can on David Miller’s farm this autumn with a also be limited by shading the soil with multi-species companion crop, with no need intercrops, crop residues and mulches,” for insecticide or early herbicide treatments. she explains. If those three principles are followed, David Miller of Wheatsheaf Farming David Miller has embraced change on his farm, Chloe is optimistic that the last principle, Company in Hampshire is one of these. which now has a focus on agroecological ‘take advantage of the positive aspects of He’s adapted his farming system to principles. weeds’, will come naturally. “Increasing improve soil health and reduce dependency diversity, avoiding sledgehammers and on inputs on his 700ha of Grade 3 ground.

L not to create an environment where reducing resource ability should lead us “Herbicides were developed after World the only worry the weed has is resisting toward farming systems that are resilient War 2 with the intention of being used in control. to problematic weeds whilst allowing a conjunction with cultural controls. Weed In intensive systems with short-strawed diversity of less competitive wild plants control has now become a reactive system cereals, high fertilisation rates and to persist. These remaining ‘weeds’ (in which relies on applying herbicides.” pesticide use, this means that weeds this case perhaps better termed ‘wild David moved to no-till six years ago and face little competition and few enemies or companion plants’) will then contribute uses cover crops extensively to bridge the pathogens –– meaning the only selection to soil quality and supporting beneficial gap between cash crops on the farm. In pressure is herbicides.” biodiversity,” she comments. this time he’s already seeing a significant To manage weeds in a more ecologically reduction in blackgrass and a shift in the sound way there are four main principles, Enhancing biodiversity weed species present, with less-competitive says Chloe. “Increase diversity in all Agronomist Steve Cook of Hampshire weeds becoming more prevalent. its forms, use little hammers and not Arable Systems says that enhancing Companion crops also feature heavily in sledgehammers, minimise resource biodiversity probably comes low on the list his system. This autumn, oilseed rape was availability and take advantage of the of priorities for most agronomists, whose drilled with a mixture of vetch, berseem positive effects of weeds. All of these are main aims are to avoid yield losses and and crimson clover and buckwheat and useful for pest-pathogen management optimise grower margins. established successfully without the use and nutrient-use efficiency,” she explains. But he also says that weed problems of any herbicides or insecticides. After a “Increasing diversity in all its forms have built up in recent years. “Agronomists good frost has thinned out some of the refers to increasing crop and management are having to use some pretty big more susceptible companion plants, diversity –– in rotations and in different sledgehammers and pushing things David removes the rest using Astrokerb fields –– to avoid creating a consistent too hard, but they’ve had to tackle (propyzamide+ aminopyralid). environment where well-adapted weeds blackgrass.” All the spring-cropped land on the farm can proliferate. He puts part of the problem down to benefits from a mixed-species cover of “Increasing other forms of biodiversity –– poorer rotations which have reduced crop sunflowers, vetch, lupins, camelina, whether farmed (such as livestock) or wild biodiversity but has also observed that berseem and crimson clover and buck- (such as seed-predating insects) –– can farmers seem to have a reduced tolerance wheat over the winter. ““There’s a natural also help to suppress weeds. The use of of weeds in their crops than perhaps they sequence of senescence in the mix and ‘little hammers rather than sledgehammers’ did several years ago. we use a Cambridge roll when conditions encourage tactics that target just a few Steve believes that there are good are frosty in Jan to bruise the remaining species at specific times and places, while reasons behind the desire for clean crops, crop, enhancing die-back,” he says. allowing beneficial species to persist.“ including ease and speed of harvest and Nitrogen use is one of the factors David Chloe gives the example of using little that even though in theory it should be is looking very closely at in his farming hammers in practice. These are techniques possible to leave behind the less system. “The last tonne of yield can require such as intercrops and cover crops, rather competitive weeds, in practice herbicide 100kgN/ha and when you consider the than sprayed or tilled inter-rows or fallows; actives are mostly broad spectrum, even negative side of nitrogen application, what using mowing or weed wipers to target tall in spring. it does to the soil and weeds, then you competitive weeds, while leaving short But more and more growers are finding have to question whether the extra yield species untouched; using reduced tillage that where there’s a will, there’s a way and is worth it.” I

12 crop production magazine february 2021

Most wild “oat plants are only resistant to one mode of action ” Herbicide hints Technical Weed management for spring February sees many A fatua, 10% A. sterilis spp. ludoviciana and agronomists getting ahead of 21% were a mixture of both species. It was the spring rush and noting a higher proportion of winter wild oat than we’d anticipated –– it had been assumed weeds which may need to comprise around 10% of the population, attention as winter turns concentrated in a central band across the country.” into spring. CPM finds out the Questionnaire responses suggest that latest on wild oat resistance, farmers and advisors consider the wild oat problem to be increasing at the highest rate some spring advice for where winter wild oats are present, making blackgrass and a farmer’s understanding the contrast between the two species important, says John. strategy for getting ahead John Cussans says the survey showed a higher of weeds in peas. Herbicide resistance proportion of winter wild oats in the population “The immediate concern is that the than previously thought. By Lucy de la Pasture prevalence of herbicide resistance might be higher in winter wild oats compared with the confined to one area. and Rob Jones spring wild oats and that this may be behind Where wild oats have shown regrowth in the former’s increased abundance.” the field and have been sent to NIAB for Wild oats have taken a bit of a back seat To test whether this was the case NIAB testing, the resistance between species as the spotlight has been shining firmly went on to test seedling susceptibility begins to diverge more, he adds. “In these on blackgrass in recent years. to Axial Pro (pinoxaden) and Niantic samples 10-15% of spring wild oats and “They’ve gone under the radar and (iodosulfuron+ mesosulfuron) at field rates. 30% of winter wild oats have shown we haven’t looked at updating our The initial findings point to cases of resistance to ALS herbicides.” understanding of wild oats for many years,” resistance in both species to both classes There are some features of wild oat

says NIAB weed biology specialist John of chemistry. biology that mean resistance takes much L Cussans. “We felt it was really time to “10-15% of seedlings tested showed provide an updated picture of wild oat resistance to pinoxaden. Where ALS herbicide resistance, and also a general chemistry was used, 5-10% of spring wild picture of where we are with wild oats oats showed resistant compared with currently across the UK.” 10-15% of winter wild oats. Fully resistant To achieve this, NIAB teamed up with Life wild oats were seen but decreased Scientific to carry out the first survey of the sensitivity to the ALS herbicide was also wild oat population in more than 20 years. detected which means a lack of herbicide In excess of 100 samples were received at robustness may be seen in the field rather NIAB and speciated to find the relative than incomplete control,” says John. proportions of the UK’s two wild oats –– Even though the resistance was found Avena fatua (common or spring wild oat) at a relatively low level, John believes it’s The UK’s two wild oat species are only and Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana (winter significant that resistance was detected distinguishable by their seeds –– the spring wild oat), he explains. across all the areas the samples came wild oat has a single seed whereas the winter “70% of the samples received were from, indicating that the problem isn’t just wild oat has two-three seeds within a glume.

14 crop production magazine february 2021

Weed management

Darren Adkins says that where pre-emergence sprays were applied, blackgrass control looks reasonable.

oats are hexaploid, meaning a plant has three pairs of chromosomes where blackgrass has just one, it develops resistance much more slowly but once developed, resistance will dominate,” warns John. Fields that didn’t receive a pre-emergence herbicide will benefit from a post-emergence Metabolic changes spray when conditions allow to reduce “ALS-resistance is mainly metabolic whereas competition from blackgrass. resistance to fops, dims and dens is mostly target site, with some involvement of Looking globally, in the North of North metabolic changes. Wild oats have a more America wild oats have become problematic complicated cross-resistance mechanism on the same scale as blackgrass is in the than blackgrass and also have more fop UK, with resistance to a wide range of and dim-specific mutations than to den herbicides, says John. “The potential is there chemistry. Most wild oat plants are only for a problem to develop in the UK if the resistant to one mode of action and there wild oat population isn’t understood and L longer to build than in blackgrass. “Wild is little cross-resistance, so rotating actives managed appropriately. It’s not possible to |oats are in-crossing (selfing), so the pollen is a good strategy for wild oat control,” collectively manage all grassweeds under a doesn’t spread out in the field. Because wild he explains. strategy designed to control blackgrass.” I Getting the best out of blackgrass post-ems

Despite a wet Oct, farmers successfully drilled and 50% on the application is a good guide.” most of their planned wheat area but not all For contact-acting herbicides, application crops received a timely pre-emergence herbicide, technique and conditions are crucial to getting so some fields may benefit from a follow up the best grassweed control, says David, though this spring, according to Darren Adkins, he emphasises that any application involves Bayer commercial technical manager for compromise. theEast Midlands. “There are so many variables when spraying “The settled spell at the start of Nov meant that conditions will never be perfect. The thing to that most wheat went in this season. Farmers aim for is to get as many things right as possible. understandably prioritised drilling rather than “On our own farm, we managed to apply pre-ems but, where they were used, control looks post-ems in the autumn where they were needed, reasonable.” so we won’t go back out this spring. With Reducing blackgrass levels in the spring helps blackgrass, the principle for all contact-acting reduce seed return and blackgrass problems in herbicides is that if the target is there and you can future crops but it’s not the only weed to consider, spray, then get it done because smaller plants are David Felce stresses that getting the application with other grassweeds and broadleaf weeds more susceptible. The date doesn’t matter (label right is as important as herbicide choice. also providing competition in some crops, allowing) as long as conditions are in your favour.” suggest Darren. For products like Pacifica Plus, active growth doesn’t have the weight to fall and adhere to the “There’s often a mixture of weeds to deal with and sufficient drying time, ideally with a light target. Air induction nozzles reduce drift and will in spring, which is why we introduced Pacifica Plus breeze, are the most important considerations allow more spraying opportunities but be aware of (mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron+ amidosulfuron) last in early spring. Without these, the herbicide is target and droplet size.” year. It controls grassweeds like its predecessor, unlikely to be effective as it won’t be taken up by Any spray windows are likely to be short at this Pacifica but the amidosulfuron component also the weed plant in sufficient quantities to kill it, time of year, but water volumes are one way to adds broadleaf weeds to help clean up the crop adds Darren. increase area sprayed. “In open crops 100 l/ha is in one application before moving on to other If conditions are favourable, then sprayer set up sufficient to get good coverage. As the canopy spring jobs.” is the next focus. Droplet size and distribution both develops during spring this will have to increase Spray application specialist David Felce, Agrii depend on nozzle choice and operation, explains to 150 l/ha or 200 l/ha.” regional technical adviser and Cambridgeshire David. “In open crops in early spring, I favour a 03 Later in the spring, nozzles with a larger farmer, recommends paying close attention when flat fan nozzle as it produces a smaller droplet size droplet size will probably be needed to penetrate applying post-ems in wheat this spring. with even distribution. This means the herbicide is the canopy and reach weeds beneath. For all “Application is always hugely important for any likely to reach the target and settle on the leaf. applications, a boom height of 0.5m above the crop protection product. We can argue over exactly “With this type of nozzle, you have to watch canopy is a good starting point although the how much of a difference it makes, but the old forward speeds; too fast and the pressure technology on some modern sprayers can safely saying that efficacy is 50% based on the product becomes too high, creating a fine spray that go lower, he adds.

16 crop production magazine february 2021 Removing the competition

With limited post-em options for chemical control of weeds in peas, a pre-emergence tank mix is critical to ensure the crop remains competitive during establishment, says Velcourt farm manager Tom Macfarlane. He oversees the arable enterprise at Bannister Farms, near Boston in Lincolnshire, where the spring break crop is a key component in a varied rotation. The rotation includes vining peas, cereals, sugar beet, vegetables and maincrop potatoes, all grown on light alluvial silt. Approximately 40ha of vining peas It’s important to get the are harvested each season on pre-emergence spray right with contract with Boston-based so few herbicide options once the co-operative Fen Peas. As crop is up, says Tom Macfarlane. well as its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil which benefits following herbicide options once the crop crops in the rotation, the crop helps is up,” he says. “Post-em to spread the autumn workload on applications can also check the the farm, says Tom. crop, which is the last thing you “Our average vining pea yield is need when it has to battle with 4.4t/ha which provides a profitable some of the challenging weather margin to the business. And while we’ve seen in the spring in the following crop benefits are recent years. difficult to quantify, there is Tom highlights the importance definitely a yield benefit in either of seedbed preparation to give wheat or potatoes which usually peas a good start. “Seedbeds follow after vining peas in our must be clod-free, level and rotation.” contain some moisture for He says that the early harvest maximum residual herbicide that comes with growing peas efficacy.” provides a good opportunity to For crop safety, seed is placed begin land preparations ahead of at a minimum depth of 2.5cm an autumn-planted crop, when and the pre-em herbicide conditions are at their optimum, application is made as soon as and this helps spread the farm’s possible after drilling. Typically the overall workload. mainstay treatment includes This year is a case in point, 3.0 l/ha Nirvana (imazamox+ where some drainage work will be pendimethalin) and 0.25 l/ha completed on land after peas have Centium (clomazone) in a been harvested and before the tank mix. subsequent autumn crop is drilled. “We’ve always included And being a spring break crop, Centium to give us good control peas also provide further of cleavers, but it also helps with opportunities to control grass control of chickweed, red weeds, he adds. dead-nettle and shepherd’s purse. With thoughts turning to crop It was noticeable in spring 2020, establishment in 2021, Tom says when it was drier than I would that a range of broadleaf weeds have liked when we applied the including polygonums and cleavers pre-em, that we still achieved are his main targets each spring to good control of these weeds. ensure the pea crop gets off to the “Getting this aspect of weed best possible start. control right, avoids the necessity “It’s so important to get the for, and the risk associated with a pre-em spray right with few post-em treatment,” he adds. Tests and tools with Bayer for James, as the lead in a group of eight Sentry farmers. “For many years we’ve undertaken tramline trials with Bayer’s Xpro club and a number of us wanted to get to track and involved with YEN. Bayer’s a key sponsor of YEN, and offered to facilitate bringing us together as a group and make the most of what we get out of it.” trace Now in its fifth year, the group gathers twice a year –– just before harvest and again in Nov or Dec, when they take a close look at the YEN reports. The report gives a full analysis of how the field in question performed, as well as its maximum potential yield, benchmarked against other YEN farmers. With a farm average wheat yield of around 9.5t/ha, James’ You can’t YEN crop tends to perform at actually“ see any disease, a middling 10.5-11t/ha. “We have had an 11.5t/ha crop of so it’s useful to know Skyfall that achieved best what’s there in its latent percentage of potential yield in our group and 17th phase. nationally,” reports James. ” “But for me, it’s not about the competition. That result opened my eyes to what we could achieve off some of our more variable soil, and as a group, it really helps us focus on what improvements we can make.” The six-year rotation on the farm includes oilseed rape, peas, beans and winter and Technical Forward- spring barleys across its mainly chalky thinking farmers boulder clays. “Our calcareous soils are prone to nutrient lock-up, notably phosphate, so we’re doing more tissue testing. In the Decent diagnosis of in-field It’s the prospect of managing disease past year we’ve also joined YEN nutrition, issues ensures the right with a reduced armoury that’s giving him bench-marking grain analyses to better pause for thought, however. “We know we determine our offtake levels and overall product is applied in the right have to stay in the protectant zone, and grain nutrition levels.” place at the right time. CPM that’s rarely been a problem. But last While involvement with YEN is helping spring we had chlorothalonil and disease James address nutrient issues, last year reports on the progressive levels were very low. This year could be he also submitted samples for Bayer’s growers and agronomists an entirely different animal, and we’re Rapid Disease Detection test for the first facing it without CTL –– how will that time. James joins Bayer south east L helping to refine the change things?” techniques. Key concern By Tom Allen-Stevens Yellow rust has always been a key concern. “But it’s a disease we know how to manage. We never underestimate James Mayes confesses he has a little septoria, though, and know the damage trepidation for what the season holds a wet spring can do.” for his wheat crop. This year there are a couple of extra He manages 800ha of combinable tools in the armoury that James hopes will crops for Sentry at Bentfield Bury Farms, help him though. He’s putting Bayer’s near Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. The Rapid Disease Detection service through its paces and has also signed up to the wheats are all Group 1 quality types with Bentfield Bury Farms has had good results from free trial of Climate FieldView, Bayer’s KWS Zyatt and Skyfall in the rotation, and Skyfall winter wheat, and this year are trying a digital platform. there’s one field grown as a blend of the blend with KWS Zyatt. two this year as a trial. It’s part of a long-standing relationship

18 crop production magazine february 2021

Forward-thinking farmers

scenarios you could then act on accordingly (see panel below).” This year there’s a plan to use Rapid Disease Detection to pick up any yellow rust in the crop, as well as septoria, and to use FieldView to inform decisions. This was used with the Sentry team for the first time last year, and the biomass maps the digital platform generates can be useful to direct in-field monitoring, Richard explains. “It gives you a regular check of how the crop is developing, and unlike other platforms, the biomass map in FieldView The Sentry group gathers twice a year – just before harvest and again in Nov or Dec, when they take a doesn’t saturate later in the season. That’ll close look at the YEN reports. be a good guide for areas of the field you’ll want to sample with Rapid Disease L commercial technical manager Richard discipline to get into the crop and look in Detection.” Prankerd in a Zoom call to discuss results more detail at what we’re facing as each So what about the field with the blend and the plan for the coming season. spray timing approaches –– you pick up of Zyatt and Skyfall? “They complement “We first started qPCR analysis seven other aspects that may need addressing,” each other well on septoria, but there’s years ago to detect septoria DNA in wheat he notes. a potential issue on yellow rust,” says leaves before symptoms show,” explains He chose a field of Zyatt, late-drilled in Richard. “The two varieties have quite Richard. “This was used in internal trial Jan, and Oct-drilled Skyfall. “The Zyatt crops to get a better picture of whether didn’t receive a T0 spray –– we went fungicides were being applied in a straight in with the T1. The Skyfall had an protectant or eradicant situation. early dose of tebuconazole with CTL. We “We’ve now moved to a rapid test with were keen to know from the test whether results coming back within 48 hrs, making that would make a difference, and then it a practical in-season tool for growers to how disease would develop up to the inform fungicide rates and choice at the T2 timing.” main T1 and T2 spray timings.” In the end, there was very little disease So five days before a planned at both timings, largely down to the lack application last year, James collected of rainfall –– just 0.5mm was recorded on around 20 of the top two leaves in the the farm throughout May. Richard reports crop canopy and sent them in for analysis. a slightly higher level of septoria was “You can’t actually see any disease, so found in the Zyatt, “but levels overall The rapid test gives results within 48 hrs, making it’s useful to know what’s there in its were so low it could just be background it a practical in-season tool for growers to inform latent phase,” says James. noise. In a normal season, you’d expect fungicide decisions at the main spray timings. “For us at Sentry, it’s also been a useful to see significant differences in these

DNA testing reveals how septoria surges

Just how quickly a septoria threat can develop Elation coming in at over 250 pp/µl and Motown can be seen from the data Bayer has acquired not far behind. via various diagnostic tools since 2014, For Richard, it highlights how quickly rain explains Richard. events can change septoria severity. “Growers “Most of the work has been undertaken at have an idea of risk based on variety and drilling our septoria-prone site at Callow, Herefordshire. dates but they are unaware of the weather to Unfortunately, the autumn of 2019 put paid to come. In 2019, the dry spring had kept septoria in trials for the 2019/20 season but 2018/19 results the base of crops, and there was talk of cutting were revealing.” rates at T2. But these results show if you have Testing of leaves in wheat at the Callow trial In 2019, the level of septoria DNA jumped after background septoria it only needs a few rain site in 2019 showed the level of septoria DNA a series of rain events in late May and early June events to kick it off.” jumped after a series of rain events in late May –– until then, DNA measurements had barely The work has also shown the value of variety and early June. registered. First assessments taken on leaf two in resilience. Richard believes this can add an extra Elation, Motown and Sundance, just ahead of T2 ten days to a fungicide spray window, but it’s At 5.7 Trinity was the most susceptible to septoria sprays on 24 May, revealed only untreated Elation dependent on drilling dates, winter weather and and some samples carried DNA levels twenty carrying perceptible infection –– this being rain events ahead of key growth stages. times above that of Siskin. No variety is immune under 10 pp/µl (picograms per billion). Further “In 2016 DNA testing of leaf two, just prior to septoria, but what varietal resilience offers is assessments just ten days later showed a to T2, revealed big differences in septoria levels the chance to schedule sprayer rosters around significant increase in septoria DNA with untreated between KWS Trinity, Revelation and KWS Siskin. crops at highest risk,” he says.

20 crop production magazine february 2021 Forward-thinking farmers

growth habits and grain characteristics Forward-thinking farmers tend to be similar. “I’m not too concerned with yellow rust, although we know With robotics, gene mapping and molecular diagnostic tools and evaluate different farming pathogen populations are evolving so markers, digital technology and bio-chemistry strategies, coupled with exciting plant breeding I want to stay ahead of what’s happening it is a dynamic time for anyone involved in and product development programmes. It will in the field,” he says. agriculture. help us develop innovative solutions and “I hope the testing and analysis we do Challenges lie ahead for UK agriculture, such services to assist farmers achieve profitable this year will help not just with disease, as improving productivity while minimising its and sustainable agronomic practices. but how the crop develops and how we environmental footprint. But farmers have always Despite the challenges facing UK agriculture can retain green leaf area. There’s no had to deal with change, and adopt new ideas there is much to look forward to. substitute for late season rainfall, but the and technology. This series of articles focuses on crop’s got off to a good start. With the right Bayer is at the core of these agricultural how innovation and partnership management, informed by in-season advances, working with farmers throughout the between farmer and industry testing, we should be able to achieve UK and further afield to trial and develop new will help us face the future together. its maximum potential.” G Growers interested in taking part in similar growth, though, so it’ll be from where they’re grown alone.” the free trial of Climate FieldView should interesting to see how they develop Having grown both varieties for three get in touch with their local Bayer together and whether disease levels differ or four years, James is familiar with their representative. I Resistance testing reveals a weed worry

Growers have been advised to keep an eye on high background population nor the result of poor blackgrass and especially ryegrass in winter cereal application.” crops this spring. Ryegrass plants with a high level Kevin contacted Bayer commercial technical of resistance to residual herbicides have been manager Ben Giles who sent seed samples for identified through testing. testing in Germany in July 2018. “They came Bayer has been working with individual growers back as RRR resistant to both PDM and Liberator and agronomists, investigating instances of (flufenacet+ DFF), and that’s really worrying,” suspiciously poor control from autumn-applied says Ben. residual herbicides, and helping with testing where Further work by Bayer as part of a necessary. One of the first confirmed instance of pan-European study has shown the sample had resistance in the UK was spotted by ProCam an ED90 (the level of active ingredient required for With few cultural options to control resistant agronomist Kevin Pearcy, who looks after crops 90% control) for flufenacet of 800g/ha. “That’ll ryegrass Kevin Pearcy advises taking the in Essex, Herts, Bucks and Glos. mean the typical field rate of 240g/ha will give affected areas out of crop production. “We have pockets of bad ryegrass where very poor control,” he adds. resistance to contact herbicides has already been Ben stresses that only a few instances of ryegrass species are very tough to manage. confirmed, and here we rely on programmes pre-em resistance in ryegrass have been “If you suspect resistance, get samples tested, based around flufenacet, diflufenican and confirmed in the UK. “We haven’t yet identified a although not all tests are based on the pot-test pendimethalin with prosulfocarb and triallate case of blackgrass resistance, although reduced method which gives the best result for residual added where necessary,” he explains. sensitivity has been confirmed through testing. In herbicides,” he advises. “What was concerning was poor control from a these cases a well applied full rate of herbicide While reduced susceptibility to glyphosate pre-emergence application. We needed to be sure will still deliver good levels of control.” has been confirmed in blackgrass, no cases of this was truly poor control, and not survivors of a But Kevin notes that ryegrass can be more resistance in grassweeds have yet been identified tricky to control than blackgrass with less effective in the UK. In bromes, instances of resistance to cultural options. “It germinates all year round, and ALS and ACCase herbicides have been confirmed, populations aren’t knocked back as much by a but no cases of resistance to residual chemistry double spring break or a two-year grass ley,” have been recorded. he points out. “If you know the ryegrass population is resistant to residual chemistry, I would advise taking the affected areas out of crop production through either a mid-tier option in Countryside Stewardship, or preparing to adopt an ELM option.” Ben notes the importance of good hygiene to stop resistant seed spreading. “The key one is Ben Giles recommends those who suspect where you import straw that’s then spread with Ryegrass plants with a high level of resistance resistance to get samples tested, ensuring muck, or transfer through contractors. It’s to residual herbicides have been identified this is based on the pot-test method. important machinery is cleaned down between through testing. farms. The lesson from Australia is that resistant

crop production magazine february 2021 21 Lowering “inputs is just a part of the equation.”

Can less be more?

Looking across at his office wall, Brian and not just a crop in isolation, lowering Barker scans the pieces of paper pinned inputs is just a part of the equation,” there to give him inspiration. He settles explains Brian. on the one carrying the quote, “That’s the One of his mantras is ‘farming for way we’ve always done it, should we be potential not for hope’ and he religiously doing it?” As a result of the trials being monitors every crop’s potential by monitoring carried out on his farm, the pioneer in the biomass at key growth stages. It’s become AHDB’s Strategic Cereal Farm network, an integral part of his farming practice and the answer is, more often than not, Brian believes he now has a pretty good a ‘No’. handle on crop potential from his five AHDB’s Teresa Meadows explains that years of intense assessments. Even so, the purpose of the Strategic Farms is he still gets a little twitchy about how low

to put research into practice and help he can go with inputs. L growers find the line between inputs and outputs so net margin can be maximised Improving productivity is within an IPM approach. all about using inputs more “They provide a platform for discussions and take farmers on a journey which efficiently. At AHDB’s encourages them to start to question Strategic Cereal Farm in things and look at how inputs can be matched to variety, disease and the Suffolk Brian Barker is season rather than simply taking a looking at just how low he programmed approach,” she says. Tailoring nitrogen according to potential can go by tailoring his inputs began when the farm did its stint as an to crop, disease levels and AHDB Monitor Farm, but its current Strategic Farm East status is taking the the weather. CPM finds study of inputs to a whole new level. “The question we’re trying to answer out more. Using regular plant counts to assess biomass has is whether we can apply less and still been instrumental in determining crop potential on maintain crop output and to do this we’re By Lucy de la Pasture the farm. looking at the farming system as a whole

22 crop production magazine february 2021

Theory to Field

L Brian feels he is ‘scratching the surface’ some yellow rust started to come in so compared with some other farmers when it another 0.5 l/ha tebuconazole went on. comes to cutting back on inputs. So in There’s no question that 2020 was a 2020 a field was dedicated to pushing the low-risk season for disease but a fungicide boundaries to the max in an effort to test cost of just £12/ha involved some brave just how little he could put on the crop and decision making. “The field was right still maintain productivity. behind my house, so each morning I’d “We chose an October-planted field of twitch the curtains and look nervously out KWS Siskin and we held back on nitrogen, of the window. The crop actually yielded applying 150kgN/ha which in hindsight 9.43 t/ha, which was one of the highest was probably still too high. It was then a yielding on the farm with one of the lowest case of monitoring the crop biomass, costs of production (£67/t),” adds Brian. disease and the weather and using Pushing the boundaries that hard isn’t this information as a basis for making a risk he’d choose to take across the Results from the past two seasons have shown fungicide decisions,” he says. whole of the farm, but it has highlighted that in disease-resistant varieties there was a low At T0 it was dry, with little disease, so the potential for reducing inputs and response to increasing fungicide spend, says the decision was made to apply copper, reinforces that ‘do we need to do it?’ is Teresa Meadows. zinc and a PGR. At the T1 timing the crop the right question to ask, says Brian. received 0.5 l/ha tebuconazole but at T2 programmes and taken to yield.” the consensus was no fungicide was Take ownership The results showed that in necessary. Conditions changed at T3 and “I believe it’s important for farmers to disease-resistant varieties there was a low take ownership of their own destiny response to increasing fungicide spend in and have the confidence to question what turned out to be a moderate their agronomist and be a part of the disease-pressure season. “Although the decision-making process. Lowering inputs highest yield was seen in the high input does mean higher risk but you have to regime, the best net margin was obtained question what’s the bigger risk –– losing with Graham in a low input situation –– tonnes or losing pride.” highlighting the importance of varietal The farm is now entering its third year resistance as part of an IPM approach,” as a Strategic Cereal Farm, gradually she says. building layers of information about where In the next season (2019-2020), the fungicide inputs can be reduced, adds trials were repeated in the same field Teresa. “In the first year (2018-2019) the with Siskin, Shabras, Graham, Santiago trials looked at the relationship between and KWS Crispin but refined further, varietal disease resistance and fungicide with variable input levels for PGRs and inputs. Five winter wheat varieties –– biostimulants as well as the different Brian Barker believes it’s important for farmers to Silverstone, Graham, KWS Siskin, Shabras fungicide input strategies. take ownership of their own destiny and be and KWS Santiago –– were treated with Each of the varieties received four sets involved in agronomy decisions. low, medium and high input fungicide of fungicide and other inputs of varying Focus on fungicide timings in 2021

This season the trials on Brian’s farm will look different levels of fungicide inputs. The exact at fungicide inputs in a slightly different way, approach is yet to be finalised but will include the adding yet another layer of information about how most up-to-date chemistry and mixed modes of best to use fungicides to maximise profit. The aim action. The low input system will be decided as is to prise out the influence of different timings the season progresses, explains Will. on crop performance and is being led by NIAB’s “All treatments will be applied using the farm’s Will Smith. sprayer and assessments of disease in the leaf The trial this year takes place in a single layers will begin around the T0 timing and be variety, in a field large enough to accommodate repeated every two weeks through the season. two replicates of the 150 x 30m plots. It was The assessments will be made at the same point drilled on 04 October with Gleam and the in each plot and at harvest the plot combine will Will Smith explains that this year’s trials will take treatments will investigate fungicide applied at T1, also take a grain sample from these same points place in a single variety and aim to prise out the T2 and T3 and all their possible combinations for quality assessment, which will feed into the influence of different timings on crop while also incorporating an untreated control. margin analysis. The remainder of the plots will be performance. Overlying the timings will be a high and low harvested with Brian’s combine which will map the fungicide input regime, he explains. yields,” says Will. surrounding crop. Brian is also looking at his use The higher inputs will be based on the NIAB Further work continuing at the AHDB Strategic of marginal land as well as investigating how fungicide programme used at Morley, where Farm in 2021 includes monitoring beneficials and cover cropping holds and releases nutrients similar work has been carried out looking at natural enemies in flowering margins and the through the rotation in a split-field trial.

24 crop production magazine february 2021 Theory to Field

intensity (high, medium, low and sense to then throw everything Yield rankings untreated), which was decided but the kitchen sink at them.” as the season progressed Farming more sustainably and in response to disease profitably involves moving away assessments and the weather. from entirely chemical solutions Once again, the lower-input to agronomy problems, believes regime gave the best margin Brian. “It’s getting easier to make in another low disease the no-spray decisions and and relatively low-yielding having the confidence to go less season. Even the more will be more beneficial in the disease-susceptible varieties only longer term. After all, it’s net saw a small improvement in net margin I’m chasing, not gross Source: AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm East, 2019 margin between low and high margin.” Gross margin rankings input regimes, she says. Understanding crop potential also means having the Farming for potential confidence to invest more in a For Brian, the 2020 season crop when it’s prudent to do so, highlighted another of the quotes he believes. “In 2021 many crops he has stuck on his office wall in the ground will have more yield reminding him not to make his potential than last season. With farming decisions based on last wheat prices also rising, there’s year. In hindsight he says he’d also more margin potential so a have cut back on the levels of higher level of investment in PGR he’d used on the farm –– crops may prove worthwhile Source: AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm East, 2019 another lesson in farming for without sacrificing net margins.” Net margin rankings potential, not hope. Another of Brian’s favourite “All the bigger biomass crops sayings is ‘the devil is in the on the AHDB Recommended List detail’ and that’s precisely what’s are also the highest yielding and coming out of the Strategic I think that in that season, the Cereal Farm programme. “There effect of the PGR was to reduce are different ways to farm than biomass when crops had lower applying a standard fungicide than normal biomass anyway. programme and 210kgN/ha. That meant there just wasn’t Farming isn’t consistent enough enough leaf to provide the to just continue ploughing the photosynthetic capability to same furrow,” he says. Source: AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm East, 2019 translate into yield.” Strategic thinking really does Winners are prudent in Fungicide Margin Challenge The Strategic Farm work has mean ‘thinking outside of the box confirmed in Brian’s mind that before looking in it.’ We’ll just Last season, 36 farmers –– Margins were based on the disease-resistant varieties have to wait and see which new all engaged in AHDB’s Farm average grain price between actually need more management quote Brian picks for his office Excellence programme –– took 1 January and 1 August 2020, time (rather than less) to fully wall based on his experiences part in the ADAS Wheat Fungicide /fungicide-cost data and cost of realise their full potential and in the coming season. I Margin Challenge with the support £14/ha per application. deliver a decent net margin of AHDB, a contest to see who had Across all of the entrants, through lower inputs. the nerve to cut fungicide spend the best margin over fungicide When it comes to reducing Research roundup just enough to produce the best costs were achieved with fungicide inputs, T0 is one of the regional winter wheat gross low-to-moderate fungicide inputs, applications that may not pass From Theory to Field is part of margin. both by product and number of the ‘do we need to do it’ hurdle AHDB’s delivery of knowledge Each entrant planned a applications. It was a relatively unless disease pressure really exchange on grower-funded fungicide strategy for their low-disease year, and average warrants it, he says. research projects. CPM would respective regions, which was put spend on fungicides was less “If the plant population has like to thank AHDB for its into action by ADAS and pitted than in 2019 (a moderate low biomass in early spring then support and in providing against strategies devised by disease-pressure year). I have concerns about applying privileged access to staff and ADAS’ experts. In each region, The winners and margins for fungicide, some of which will others involved in helping put the strategies were applied to each region were Mark Wood hit bare soil and potentially these articles together. replicated plots across a single (West and Wales): £1,320/ha from could damage mycorrhizal Further information about field of wheat and ADAS conducted 8.6t/ha, Andrew Bott (East Anglia): associations. It has its place but AHDB’s Strategic Cereal Farm regular disease assessments and £1,753/ha from 11.4t/ha and probably not on the more robust East can be found at gathered yield data with a plot Jonathan and Philip Dolbear (South cultivars –– they’ve been chosen ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/ combine. West): £1,367/ha from 8.9t/ha. as the first step in an IPM strategic-cereal-farm-east strategy, so it doesn’t make

crop production magazine february 2021 25 The dynamic isolate, part of the Warrior minus (Red group), Red27 was responsible for the unusual outbreak on KWS Zyatt and force behind Dunston. And perhaps in a forerunner to what happened in the field in 2020, five isolates collected in 2019 then displayed virulence yellow rust against new combinations of yellow rust resistance genes were investigated by UKCPVS in adult plant trials in the spring of 2020. All five infected KWS Firefly, which may explain the outbreak in You have that variety last season. to“ think about yellow “Things have clearly changed again,” Bill says, with rust all the time, even if the latest results from UKCPVS you have a variety due to be published in March. The rapidly changing that is supposedly picture has created challenges resistant. for the RL ratings, which used to ” be based on the average of the previous three seasons’ results, says Matt Bull, Syngenta seeds technical expert. “AHDB has recognised the adult plant resistance ratings didn’t reflect any changes quickly enough.” Technical The latest AHDB RL yellow rust resistance Disease delve ratings now use a weighted score, with the previous season’s results three times more important than results from three seasons In a year when disease levels been broken and a new race is about to ago, he explains. “The resistance rating is were low, yellow rust stood overrun the variety? based more on the latest year.” In addition, there’s been a resetting of out as the one to watch in In-season dilemma how much disease is equivalent to a 2020. CPM takes a look at While this remains an in-season dilemma for particular rating. Over time this had growers, the advice is clear on one aspect gradually changed so that 10% yellow rust the changing picture of a — that this is a dynamic situation. The arrival on a variety in 2019 would have meant a problem pathogen. of the Warrior group of races across Europe rating of 5, while in 2012 it would have in 2011, believed to come from the meant a rating of 4. By Mike Abram Himalayas, may be a key reason behind the For the new RL it has been reset to change. They are thought to be derived via the 2012 level, which has led to greater sexual recombination rather than asexual discrimination between varieties on L The yellow rust jungle drums are already mutation as the UK population had beating, as agronomists and growers start previously been, and this has led to high to publish pictures on social media of the diversity within the population. disease infecting wheat crops again. As a result, the yellow rust varietal The list of varieties where it has been resistance ratings have been changing more seen include the obvious, such as Skyfall than normal as these Warrior races battle rated as a three now on the AHDB for supremacy, says Bill Clark, technical Recommended List, and one of the varieties director for NIAB. “And that’s still going on worst hit last season to the less obvious, –– we can still expect yellow rust ratings to such as KWS Extase, rated an eight. be dynamic.” Other varieties where it has been While the original Warrior or Pink group found in January include RGT Gravity, race found early success, the other races LG Skyscraper, Graham and KWS Barrel. All slowly built up through varietal selection. of those varieties have one thing in common Most of the rust population now is from the –– they have good adult plant resistance but Warrior minus or Red group of races, which are susceptible as young plants. has become dominant, although additional It’s one of the things that can make yellow races arrived in the form of the Kranich The yellow rust varietal resistance ratings rust a bit trickier to control: will adult plant (Purple 3) and Blue 7 races. have been changing more than normal, resistance kick in and diminish its threat? In 2019, the UK Cereal Pathogen notes Bill Clark. Or is it a sign that the adult resistance has Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) found a new

26 crop production magazine february 2021

Disease delve

L the list, says Matt. overcoming the variety’s genetic The AHDB has also released resistance, but also because a yellow rust watch list (see table it might not kick in in some below), which orders varieties varieties until as late as flag leaf based on disease levels in the emergence, he says. three worst trials for each variety, “You cannot wait and wait, to allow easy comparison with expecting the variety to show the ratings on the RL. “It will help its adult plant resistance. warn about what changes we You might have already missed might expect in varieties in future two opportunities to treat.” –– an early warning system.” Timing is everything with With such a dynamic situation, controlling the disease, he it makes crop walking crucial, stresses. “You must get on top of says Mike Thornton, head of yellow rust early in the season. If crop protection at Procam. it gets away from you, you will be “You have to think about yellow chasing it all season. For growers The yellow rust life cycle; *there’s no known alternate host in barley; Sexual rust all the time, even if you have who see it early in the season, stage of the life cycle does not occur in the UK on Berberis; Source: AHDB. a variety that is supposedly T0s are critical.” resistant.” That’s not only to control AHDB Yellow Rust Watch List Resistance ratings are useful infection at that time, but also to as a starting point, but while the give leeway in timing T1 sprays. Yellow rust watch Winter wheat variety Disease rating ratings for other diseases don’t “If it turns into a wet spring and list category (RL 2021/22. Order based (RL 2021/22. shift much or, if they do, in a you can’t get on with your T1, on resistance at the three Adult-plant resistance smaller way, there is potential for you’ll regret not having put a T0 worst trials for each variety. based on a three-year one-year data set) data set) changes to happen within a field triazole on. At T0 most people quickly with rusts, he says. would use a tebuconazole, as it’s Highly resistant KWS Siskin 9 “It’s a disease that requires very cheap and effective.” Theodore 9 more on-the-ground emphasis.” At T1, Mike advises growers to RGT Illustrious 8 That extends to not look for products that are both Costello 9 over-thinking juvenile resistance, potent and persistent, especially LG Sundance 9* Bill says. “You don’t know when with epoxiconazole-based LG Astronomer 9 the adult plant resistance will kick products on use-up and what he KWS Jackal 9* in. It is not unusual to see yellow suspects were limited forward KWS Cranium 8 rust on varieties at the T1 timing, sales for the coming season. Elicit 8* when those varieties are rated as “Timings can be stretched, not Crusoe 9* nine on the Recommended List. by design, because of weather, KWS Extase 8* “From an advisory point of and also through farm size and Graham 8* view it’s simple: if you see yellow different holdings, so you need to Elation 8* rust in the crop and it’s clearly be adequately protected. LG Detroit 8* active, not just the odd fleck, Solatenol fits that pretty well –– RGT Saki 8 then you have to treat the variety there is nothing better on rusts.” as if it‘s susceptible.” Bill agrees that Elatus LG Prince 8 That’s not just because adult Era’s (benzovindiflupyr+ LG Skyscraper 8* plant resistance is not always prothioconazole) strength is for Medium resistance Merit 8 reliable in terms of a new race rusts at T1. “If you’re in a yellow LG Quasar 6 LG Illuminate 7 Yellow rust: 2020 fungicide comparison % Yellow rust Swallow 6 250 KWS Barrel 7* Leaf 1 Leaf 2 Leaf 3 RGT Gravity 7* 200 KWS Firefly 7 150 SY Insitor 5*

Gleam 5* 100 LG Spotlight 6* Shabras 5* 50 Low resistance KWS Zyatt 5* 0 RGT Wolverine 5* Untreated Full rate Half rate Full rate Half rate Full rate Half rate ELATUS Era Mefentrifluconazole Bixafen/fluopyram KWS Kerrin 4* /fluxapyroxad /prothioconazole KWS Kinetic 4* Source: Syngenta, Luton 2020; cv Dunston; Application of each fungicide was made at both T1 and T2 timings for trial purposes (NOTE: Elatus Era can only be applied once per crop); leaves one, Skyfall 3* two and three were assessed three weeks after T2 applied and %age infection totalled for Source: AHDB; Varieties with an * indicate susceptibility to yellow rust before the T2 timing. illustrative purposes.

28 crop production magazine february 2021 Disease delve rust area, growing any of these susceptible yellow rust epidemic generally takes off. varieties, it’s a very strong rust product, has That could render them more susceptible a position for those who have rust as a and at greater risk. problem and is good on septoria as well.” “With backward or later drilled crops it’s With a wide range of drilling dates, as well also imperative to maintain green leaf area as as a relatively mild autumn and early winter, much as possible to protect yield. yellow rust looks like being threat again “So it will be important to monitor both early this season. and late drilled crops for yellow rust,” he says. “There’s more wheat in the ground, and And growers should be on their guard a bigger proportion of that is in better for yellow rust, Bill stresses. “All of the old condition than last season,” Mike says. European races have all been pushed out “Crops haven’t sat in water, so have been by these new Warrior populations. They are taking up nutrition and have better root much more severe than we used to get, and The rapidly changing picture has created structures, and fewer have been under are very well adapted to the UK climate. challenges for the AHDB Recommended List stress. Don’t underestimate the threat they pose,” ratings, says Matt Bull. “It’s been mild so that will counter that to he concludes. I some degree, and you can find the disease in some crops, but I think the pressure will be less.” Disease delve – rusts Early drilled crops might be carrying Knowing your enemy is the first line of defence it’s much easier to manage a problem if you higher levels of disease, Matt points out. against disease –– stay a step ahead and you know more about it. “But the later drilled crops, sown at the end maintain better control. But when it comes to With its unpredictability, it’s clear yellow of last year after the wet October delayed key cereal diseases, it’s an evolving picture rust needs tackling decisively. Which is why drilling for some, will be in juvenile stages –– the pathogen itself is mutating, research Elatus Era fits so well. Its potent SDHI, for longer in the spring, which is when the moves on apace and our understanding of the solatenol (also called benzovindiflupyr), is well-recognised for dealing rust, as well as High risk factors for yellow rust dynamics changes with every season. To bring this picture into perspective, CPM Septoria tritici, a powerful blow. Optimum G Eastern regions of the UK has teamed up with Syngenta to take a deep timing in yellow rust situations is typically T1. G Green bridge from previous crop dive into the key cereal diseases. Looking at Against brown rust, it is typically T2. G Cool, damp weather septoria, rusts and the major pathogens in G Mild winter barley, these articles will explore the latest G Humid microclimate knowledge and deliver insight on cutting-edge Source: AHDB research to bring growers bang up to date ––

What about brown rust?

The brown rust population appears to be much Disease ratings are more reliable with brown more stable than yellow rust, with generally wheat rust, notes Mike. “The variety in my region in varieties behaving as you would expect from their the south to watch for is Crusoe, which is ratings on the AHDB Recommended List. well-known to be susceptible. But if you get Compared with yellow rust, where your timing right, it’s easily controlled.” temperatures of 10-15°C are ideal for spore He would usually rely on his SDHI choice at germination, infection and spread, brown rust T2 to provide control of brown rust, with azole prefers higher temperatures of 15-22°C. Not options, such as tebuconazole, metconazole as surprisingly, that means it tends to be a disease options for T3. of mid-to-late summer, and more prevalent in the Matt recommends using Elatus Era at T2 Brown rust prefers higher temperatures than south and east of England. where brown rust is likely to be a problem, yellow rust which means it tends to be a disease “It’s a big issue on a small number of varieties, noting it’s the most effective SDHI/azole product of mid-to-late summer. such as Crusoe, Firefly sometimes,” says Bill. for the disease. Only after very mild winters with warm springs do you see brown rust threaten much before flag Brown rust high risk factors leaf timing, he notes. “It’s very rare. A usual G Susceptible varieties winter with some frosts will mean any brown G Early drilling rust on crops in autumn will disappear and only G Mild winter reappear later in the season.” G Hot, humid weather, especially April to July Control is straightforward, he says. “It’s not G Southern regions of the UK a difficult disease to control. SDHIs, azoles, G Volunteers of same crop that provide a green strobilurins –– there are a lot of options to control bridge brown rust, and it will normally be taken care of Source: AHDB The brown rust life cycle; Source: AHDB by your standard programme.”

crop production magazine february 2021 29

The reality is,“ if we’re not careful with products, we’ll break them.”

Emerging from the Technical Research Briefing shadows

Though it’s spent many years Though folpet has been available to (mefentrifluconazole), offers effective in the shadows, the loss of growers for a number of years, CTL had curative action against septoria. traditionally dominated the market, meaning “However, as this is a single site active, chlorothalonil has arguably it’s likely that many will have never it too is at potential risk of resistance and thrust folpet into the experienced the benefits of products such therefore needs to be protected to ensure as Adama’s folpet-based product Arizona. its long-term efficacy. AHDB fungicide spotlight as an alternative performance trials have shown that between solution and new research Key drivers 2001-2019, there’s been a continued And it’s this notion which has been one of reduction in triazole efficacy and shows it may be more the key drivers behind some new ADAS Rothamsted Research studies have also effective than previously research into the efficacy and usage of the showed a decreasing population sensitivity multi-site fungicide. “Folpet has perhaps to azole and SDHI fungicides (for septoria given credit for. CPM finds been unfairly dismissed in recent years, control) –– so it’s a real challenge.” out more. largely because it was a little more In barley, the position is slightly more expensive and a little less effective than favourable although the erosion in efficacy of By Charlotte Cunningham CTL,” explains ADAS’ Jonathan Blake, who azoles, along with SDHI sensitivity shifts and has headed up some of the most recent trial work. “CTL provided growers with a six to eight-fold return on investment, so it was an As resistance to single-site fungicides easy choice. Now it’s gone, the comparison continues to wreak havoc with curative is null and void, and actually folpet can be a strategies and diminish the protectant very cost-effective addition to a programme activity of existing chemistry, formulating –– in trials last year, it provided around a a crop protection programme that two-fold return on investment, despite 2020 encompasses a diverse range of active being a low pressure season.” ingredients has become a fundamental But before delving into the detail and part of ensuring disease control results from the trials, it’s essential to programmes offer effective, long-term understand the current outlook that UK protectant activity on septoria. growers face, points out Andy Bailey, One of the main elements in such technical specialist at Adama. “In wheat, programmes are multi-site fungicides, and the continued reduction in the efficacy of as the UK begins to emerge from its period triazoles against septoria is further of mourning following the loss of complicated by the decreasing sensitivity CTL was a multi-site that provided good efficacy, chlorothalonil (CTL), it’s time for many to of an increasing number of septoria strains but Andy Bailey is confident that folpet can seek a new tool to help battle key cereal to azoles and SDHIs: only BASF’s new provide similarly good control. diseases. isopropanol-azole fungicide, Revysol

30 crop production magazine february 2021 some resistance to strobilurin resistance management. chemistry, means diseases such Previous modelling studies as ramularia and net blotch are carried out by Rothamsted becoming increasingly difficult to looked at the time taken for control, he adds. septoria to build resistance As 2021 will be the first full to high-risk fungicide, year cereal growers have had to epoxiconazole. This showed protect their crops without the that folpet doubled the life protectant benefit of CTL, it’s expectancy of the azole important to build a robust (from eight to 16 years), so programme on a field-by-field the new research looked and variety-by-variety basis, specifically at prothioconazole Andy continues. “In my opinion, and fluxapyroxad. there are three main elements “The objective was to track the of future-proofing control. These number of seasons a fungicide are an integrated approach gives effective control,” explains to disease management, Jonathan. “The effective control keeping ahead of disease, threshold was set as ‘no more and maximising the use of than 5% loss of a healthy green multi-site chemistry.” leaf area duration of the upper And to prove just how leaf canopy’.” beneficial these multi-sites can The studies looked at the be, in 2019 ADAS conducted a relative impact on effective life series of trials which looked at and assumed that full rate modelling the value of folpet in fluxapyroxad alone remained L

Hope for ramularia-stricken barley growers

It’s not just on wheat and for septoria control where multi-sites can make a difference –– they also play a huge role in controlling ramularia in barley. “CTL was the most effective option for barley growers, and so we now have a huge gap to fill –– which makes things somewhat more difficult for growers,” explains Andy. “I appreciate that products such as fully understand ramularia and its Revysol have activity, but ramularia interactions with both the crop is an extremely aggressive disease and climatic conditions, and the and has a habit of breaking effects on disease expression, but chemistry almost quicker than I think it’s really interesting to see septoria.” that a programmed approach That said, control and efficacy really does boost efficacy. from wherever growers can get it “Of course, we don’t yet fully will be essential this year, he adds. understand why the earlier “Folpet certainly has an effect and application is helping –– perhaps we’ve been able to prove that it’s stopping earlier breakouts adding folpet partner products –– but this is something we’ll at T2 can provide ramularia definitely be doing more work on. protection. We’ve also seen an “If we don’t do something now, improvement in control from a and we aren’t careful with programmed approach –– adding products, the reality is that we’ll folpet to partner at a dose rate of break them. While there’s much 0.75 l/ha at T1, and at least 1 l/ha to be uncovered, what we can be at T2.” certain of now is that extending Going forward, Andy says the chemistry mixes as part of team are keen to explore the resistance management is going disease further. “I think even l to help prevent this for as long eading experts would say we don’t as possible.” Research Briefing

“So we did some research, looking at whether it would be more effective to split applications between T1/T2 –– which is the traditional recommendation –– or would it be better to go at a lower dose for each timing?” The trials focused specifically on high-risk situations – applying 1 l/ha at all three timings – and compared it with application at just T1/T2. “The results were really encouraging, and we found a great response with highly susceptible varieties –– which subsequently performed the best after three equal applications,” says Andy. “I think this really all comes down to getting in earlier with that control element, so these results could be a good justification for Folpet has perhaps been unfairly dismissed in going in with a T0 –– though there are other recent years, believes Jonathan Blake. factors to consider such as variety, drilling date, location, disease levels, the weather L effective for an average of seven years, and which partner product it’s used with. In a three-spray programme, the inclusion of however, mixing with a full rate of folpet “Obviously, we know the T1 application Arizona also proved to deliver the best yield on doubled that effective life, he adds. “The is most effective, but this could give some high-risk varieties. duration of that effective life is related flexibility and additional protection for those directly to the rate of folpet. in high-risk settings.” “It’s important to remember that CTL was a “In general, the higher the folpet dose, very good product and it largely dominated the greater the extension to effective life Counter arguments the multi-site market, so we had to compete and the delay in resistance development.” According to Jonathan, one of the main with its efficacy and were able to do so by As well as investigating what to use folpet counter arguments he sees is increasing the recommending higher rates,” adds Andy. with, recent work has also looked at how rate of an SDHI, rather than including a more “But chlorothalonil is gone, and we have best to use it in programmes, explains Andy. expensive multi-site, however, the trials to move on from that and realise there’s still “Looking at the basics, folpet can only be showed just how much difference products a very high level of control that can be used at a maximum of 3 l/ha per crop –– like Arizona can make. “One of the trials realised with folpet and products like and at a maximum single dose rate of was carried out in a low disease season Arizona. This is why we’ve invested in the 1.5 l/ha. on a crop of KWS Kerrin in Hereford, and research to show that actually there is some “We know from historical work that folpet looked at dose responses using leading flexibility in usage, and we wanted to provide also works best at T1, however, we wanted products Ascra (bixafen+ fluopyram+ some clear guidance on how it can compete to see if there was a difference in protection prothioconazole) or Revystar XE and still give growers the good level of when wheat crops were covered at all key (fluxapyroxad+ mefentrifluconazole) alone, control that they’d become accustomed to.” timings –– T0, T1 and T2. compared with the same products used in Jonathan says that the trials have combination with 1.5 l/ha of Arizona. shown there are clear economic and risk “Even though the conditions weren’t management benefits of using folpet. “From particularly conducive for septoria, we still an economic point of view, there appears to saw that it was more cost effective to include be a clear return on investment, but for me the Arizona rather than just increase the rate it’s the risk and resistance management that of SDHI/azole. In a nutshell, we were able to is the real advantage. While we don’t know reach a level of control above what an SDHI how much protection SDHIs and azoles will could achieve on its own.” continue to give in the future, we do know In a three-spray programme, the inclusion that folpet is unlikely to change, so it adds of Arizona also proved to deliver the best an extra element of security to what we do. yield on high-risk varieties. “This was “And from a resistance management point proven in a trial using LG Skyscraper, of view, the basic principle is that if you alongside a programme comprising apply a multi-site, you’ll extend the life of Proline (prothioconazole), Elatus Era effective, newer chemistry –– but there has (benzovindiflupyr + prothioconazole) to be an economic case for their usage. /Aviator (bixafen + prothioconazole) and However, I believe folpet ticks all the boxes.” Revystar/Ascra –– with the highest MOFC So as growers feel their way into control coming in at £60 where 3x 1 l/ha of Arizona without CTL –– and in light of the new was applied,” explains Andy. evidence that’s emerged regarding folpet –– One of the trials compared the effects of leading When CTL was on the scene, the use of what’s the advice for the season ahead? “In products Ascra and Revystar XE alone, and when Arizona was only really recommended at my view, the most important thing this year is used with Arizona. 1.5 l/ha at T1 and T2, so what’s changed? ensuring you keep a multi-site within your

32 crop production magazine february 2021 Research Briefing programme,” says Andy. “CTL was a and a return, but I think we’ve been able multi-site that provided good efficacy, but to show in these trials that Arizona/folpet we can be confident that folpet can provide can do just that.” similarly good control. “It’s also important to remember that it’s Food for thought not a curative product and has to be applied While this new research will no doubt give before disease is present, so timing is key.” growers some food for thought, what can When formulating programmes, Andy we expect to see next from folpet? “On says it’s also crucial to keep resistance the wheat front, we’re certainly planning management in mind. “One of the main on doing more work looking at varietal The studies predict that full rate fluxapyroxad things that concerns me is that while there interaction –– specifically using folpet in alone remains effective for an average of seven are new products coming onto the market, partner programmes and observing varietal years, however, mixing with a full rate of folpet almost all of them are single site modes of interactions on the same site. can double that effective life. action. While there’s no doubt they’re going “We’ve seen some really positive results to be highly effective, the issue is that as so far, particularly on the more susceptible soon as you start using them, the resistance varieties, which indicates that folpet really so I think it’s really important that we explore clock starts ticking. can contribute to that increased control. the role that chemistry –– and cultural “While diversity in any programme is “When it comes to preventing against controls –– can play when it comes to essential, multi-site products are much lower disease on farm, varietal resistance is clearly supporting the end goal of reduced risk, and including them can help prolong part of the solution, but it isn’t a silver bullet, disease levels.” I the life span of other chemistry. “The key bonus of multi-sites is that their efficacy won’t erode over time –– unlike many of the single site products –– and while resistance is a difficult thing to sell, if you’re achieving efficacy, you’re also helping to promote better product protection which can only be a good thing for the industry as a whole. “Multi-sites have to deliver efficacy Sponsors message

To help growers get the best out of technology used in the field, manufacturers continue to invest in R&D at every level, from the lab to extensive field trials. CPM Research Briefings provide not only the findings of recent research, but also an insight into the technology, to ensure a full understanding of how to optimise its use. CPM would like to thank Adama for sponsoring this Research Briefing and for providing privileged access to staff and material used to help bring it together. Adama employs more than 100 researchers and chemists at its state-of-the-art research and development complex in the Israeli town of Neot Hovav. The cutting-edge work carried out at this ultra-modern facility enables Adama’s global network of in-field crop protection specialists to work collaboratively with academic institutions and other independent research organisations to develop new fungicide, herbicide and pesticide solutions which help farmers and agronomists meet the ongoing challenge of sustainable food production. Keeping the“ solar panels clean ensures the crop is Real working efficiently to convert sunlight into Results biomass. Pioneers ”

Dig down to preserve potential

Following a good result from they were in the Real Results field, which in an arable rotation in reasonably good turned out be the highest yielding field on shape, while a field that was in sugar beet her in-field fungicide trial, the farm last year.” followed by spring wheat was known to have one Cambs grower resolved An enthusiast for on-farm trials, Hannah’s a few issues with compaction. referring to a field that was one of 50 in While the full analysis still hasn’t come to get a better understanding BASF’s Real Results Circle. Now in its fifth back from the lab, Mike has a number of of the part played by the soil. year, the growers involved have been observations drawn from what was found on carrying out tramline trials with the latest the day. “Unsurprisingly the soil in the best CPM checks in to find out. fungicide chemistry, putting the results state was in the undisturbed treeline. This through a fair degree of scientific scrutiny just came up like a bag of peat. In the By Tom Allen-Stevens to ensure a result that’s ‘real’ (see panel Real Results field there was more body and opposite). the soil was at 30% moisture in September. The peaty soil has mixed with the underlying Hannah Darby took a slightly different Soil core samples approach with her on-farm trial last year. Determined to get more from the soils she’s It wasn’t just the biomass above ground farming, Hannah took up an offer from BASF she was looking to build and then sustainability manager Mike Green to come monitor closely. She’s also done some to the farm with Soil Health Expert Prof Jenni exploring beneath the surface to find Dungait to take some soil core samples. This out what the roots were up to. took place at three points in Hannah’s fields With 360ha of combinable crops, based last autumn. at Sawtry, Cambs, Hannah farms with her “The idea is to find three contrasting uncle, Tony. The farm lies in a basin, at points on the farm and assess the physical around sea level, but what’s unusual about structure, as well as the carbon the soil the soils is that they have organic matter contains,” explains Mike. “We take cores in levels of between 30-50%. 15cm sections through the profile to around “What surprised me was what we found 1m depth and these can be assessed for deep beneath the surface,” says Hannah. root content, bulk density and carbon.” “I’ve always been very aware of the heavy Hannah chose an area at a wooded field clay subsoil that lies under the organic silty edge that hadn’t been disturbed for many Jenni Dungait (left) and Mike Green came to the topsoil and thought it was impossible for any decades to provide the baseline –– the farm to take some soil core samples at three roots to penetrate it. But we found the roots natural level of carbon the soil will store. The points in Hannah’s fields last autumn. are actually getting down there, or at least Real Results field was chosen as one that’s

34 crop production magazine february 2021 Real Results Pioneers subsoil that we hit at about 85cm. We found a different story, however. “We nearly broke poor permeability. Crop roots would have roots in that subsoil showing they grow to the tool trying to get through the compacted found it very difficult to get through that depth –– it’s cultivated land in a good state.” layer –– it was a very different aggregate, compacted soil.”

The field coming out of spring wheat was and the soil was dry underneath, showing Hannah keeps cultivations to a minimum L The right rate keeps crop at full potential

Historically the BASF fungicide treatment is pitched against the farm standard in the Real Results trials. In Hannah’s field last year, two different rates were also compared, explains BASF’s Andrew Smooker. “It was the first commercial year for Revystar XE, and we’re keen to pull apart the differences you get from adjusting rates, especially in a high performing crop like this one.” 06 May 25 June No CTL was applied across the programme to compare fungicide A xarvio Powerzone map (left) and NDVI images show up the high yielding silty ridge. options available in 2021 and beyond, while the trial’s also been of the field, while in the middle leaf layers. variation, for example. a chance to compare options for there’s a silty ridge and nice high On the flag leaf, septoria was With fewer tools to tackle keeping rust in check. “Revystar has yielding area,” she says. significantly lower in the BASF disease this year, Andrew a particular strength on septoria. While all parts of the trial area treatments than the competitor. At recommends a holistic approach But with epoxiconazole losing its received the same T1 spray, the the second assessment, septoria to both yellow rust and septoria, approval for use this year, that’ll comparison treatment at the T2 severity on leaf two was significantly keeping both in check from the put an emphasis on early control of timing was 1.2 l/ha Ascra, which higher in the BASF low rate than the start of the season, with Revystar yellow rust and then maintaining this Rob reckons is the best alternative other two treatments. Yellow rust was used at the standard rate. “In a low through the season.” treatment available. “In the end you also present at low levels, but with disease year, you get the benefit The standard rate of Revystar at couldn’t really pick out any differences no differences in severity between from green leaf area retention, T2 is 1 l/ha, he explains. “We get a in how the different treatments. while higher rates can be lot of enquiries about dropping treatments came through the season Calibrated yield data taken from considered if conditions are wetter. rates, especially given some recent –– it shows the importance of a the combine was analysed using “Comet (pyraclostrobin) can be dry springs. There may be occasions proper scientific analysis,” he notes. ADAS’ Agronomics tool, which added for enhanced protection if where this is tempting, but it’s In a year with very low septoria delivers statistical confidence to rust is likely to become a problem,” important to consider the overall risk levels, rust appeared in susceptible tramline or field-wide treatment com- he adds. –– in most situations and seasons varieties across the region, although parisons. The effect of this was to The results of the trial are “food there’ll be a period of weather that well timed spray programmes kept show a yield increase of 0.25t/ha for for thought”, says Hannah’s. “It’s will tease out the difference. the disease in check, he reports. the Revystar standard rate over the reassuring to know that, despite the Likewise maximising the potential of Disease was assessed in the Real competitor programme with a small loss of CTL and epoxiconazole, we’ll a crop is the aim of using Revystar, Results crop in mid June and then yield penalty where the Revystar rate be able to keep the crop at full as reflected in Hannah’s results.” again in mid July, with septoria the was reduced. The differences were potential, and useful to get a further A Powerzone map, created in the only disease observed in the first not statistically different, however, insight on Revystar.” xarvio digital platform, brings in data assessment, at low levels on all and could have been caused by soil over 15 years to show areas of greatest potential, which tallies with TE Darby and Sons 2020 Real Results trials – Willows Hannah’s experience. “There’s BASF standard BASF low Competitor notably lighter soil towards the east T0 (26 March Tebuconazole (0.42 l/ha) + CTL (0.65 l/ha) T1 (19 April) Pexan (0.94 l/ha) + CTL (0.7 l/ha) Two different rates of Revystar were T2 (19 May) Revystar XE (1 l/ha) Revystar XE (0.8 l/ha) Ascra (1.2 l/ha) compared to pull apart the + folpet (1 l/ha) differences. T3 (02 June) Amistar (0.57 l/ha) + tebuconazole (0.38 l/ha) T3.5 (24 June) Tebuconazole (0.35 l/ha) Calculated yield (t/ha) 12.17 11.86 11.92 Thousand grain weight (g) 43.9 44.5 44.2 Specific weight (kg/hl) 76.0 77.0 74.0 Variety – LG Skyscraper @192kg/ha drilled on 24 Oct; Previous crop – peas; the yield shown is for the treatment strips only, excluding wheelings and calculated using ADAS Agronomics. In this trial a yield difference of 0.5t/ha was needed for statistical significance at the 90% confidence level. Pexan contains fluxapyroxad+ epoxiconazole; CTL – chlorothalonil; Ascra – bixafen+ fluopyram+ prothioconazole; Revystar XE – fluxapyroxad+ mefentrifluconazole; Amistar – azoxystrobin.

crop production magazine february 2021 35 Real Results Pioneers

to convert sunlight into biomass.” Hannah’s joined by agronomist Rob Wilkinson of Strutt and Parker and BASF’s Andrew Smooker in a Zoom call to discuss the season and the results of the trial in particular.

High carbon soils “The high carbon soils can pose a challenge at establishment,” notes Rob. “The crop roots need encouragement to go exploring for nutrients, and residual herbicides are easily bound up. But the benefits are workability and plenty of available N. This is land that likes to be farmed.” The soil in the best state was in the undisturbed treeline (left), while there were roots in the subsoil of Hannah reports the Real Results field Willows showing they grow to depth (right). recorded available N of 253 kgN/ha when sampled last Feb, which formed the basis

L with a 6m Weaving drill cutting the crop more biomass you generate as the crop is for nutrition through the season. The variety into the surface and providing only a light growing, the more carbon, as well as natural chosen was LG Skyscraper, grown on touch in terms of pre-coulter cultivations. structure, you build into the soil. That means contract for seed, drilled following peas. “The aim is for only as much disturbance as it’s also important to have a healthy green “Skyscraper’s one of the better varieties,” you need on the surface to help keep the leaf area above ground to capture as much notes Rob. “It grows a little tall but it’s robust carbon cycle going and generate biological of the available sunlight as possible.” with a good disease package, so there’s activity,” she says. That’s where Real Results comes in. not much there to worry about.” Mike believes that’s the secret to Mike points out that fungicides have a Although early sown, relative to othe crops sequestering carbon and ensuring a healthy very low carbon footprint compared to the on the farm, it was fairly free of disease as soil. “It’s important to keep that activity going biomass they can add to the crop through the T0 timing approached, recalls Rob. “But –– the roots and straw will add to the carbon improved yield. “Keeping the solar panels some yellow rust crept in, so we added some that’s left once the crop has gone and the clean ensures the crop is working efficiently tebuconazole to the CTL. Real Results Pioneers

The Real Results Circle

BASF’s Real Results Circle farmer-led trials are and conduct on-farm trials. By coming together now in their fifth year. The initiative is focused on to face challenges as one, we can find out working with 50 farmers to conduct field-scale what really works and shape the future of trials on their own farms using their own kit and UK agriculture. management systems. The trials are all assessed To keep in touch with the progress using ADAS’ Agronomics tool which delivers of these growers and the trials, go to statistical confidence to tramline, or field-wide www.basfrealresults.co.uk treatment comparisons –– an important part of Real Results. In this series we follow the journey, thinking and results from farmers involved in the programme. The features also look at some in-depth related topics, such as fungicide performance and data capture and use. Revystar has a particular strength on septoria, We want farmers to share their knowledge notes Andrew Smooker, who advises early control of yellow rust and then maintaining this through “Despite the hot and dry March, April improve overall plant health and resilience the season. and May, the crop was clearly showing against disease. “We’ve been keeping a potential in its plant stand and tillers, and close eye on manganese, that can go short the field, both in terms of the crop it yielded that informed a fairly robust T1 application on these soils, making applications of foliar and the state of the soil. “Of course we want of Pexan with CTL. One disease we didn’t Mn through the season so the crop doesn’t to maximise profitability, but we also want to see was mildew –– a common problem come under stress,” he adds. be sure the way we’re farming is sustainable, on these high organic soils –– which “We were about to shut the gate on the especially on these high carbon soils and meant we could leave out the Talius field when brown rust came in late in the with so much pressure to restore peatlands. (proquinazid).” season, so a late dose of tebuconazole With the right management we can cultivate Hannah and Rob have been careful to was applied.” a high yielding crop and feed the carbon keep the crop’s nutrition in balance to Hannah’s pleased with the results from cycle,” she concludes. I BioScience insider

“Potassium-deficiency has been shown to induce changes in gene expression (epigenetic modification), enzyme Like most activities, metabolites and “things in nature, signalling within the plant. Because potassium modulates optimal metabolic the metabolic and hormonal function is all about pathways involved in plant defence, insufficient supply balance. makes plants more susceptible ” to pathogen attack. Primed for “But potassium doesn’t just activate metabolic host responses, it has a key role in the plant’s physical defences –– promoting thicker outer walls in the epidermis which defence decreases the susceptibility of leaf tissues to penetration by pathogens.” Potassium isn’t alone in helping plants Technical fight disease, other elements including sulphur, zinc and manganese also perform BioScience insider vital roles in defence, he adds. The three main defence mechanisms in plants are the Hypersensitive Response (HR); Innate defences against plant nutrition whilst plant nutrition can Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) and disease come at a hefty price alter disease severity.’ In other words, by Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), which understanding what happens nutritionally is a delayed long-term specific response. to the plants themselves. in a plant when it’s under attack from So how do these relate to each other? CPM finds out how a novel disease, it’s possible to give the plant the “In normal conditions the ISR system is nutritional help it needs to defend itself,” ticking along at a low level and when an biostimulant mitigates this suggests John. infection occurs there’s a hormone cascade cost using plant metabolites The relationship between nitrogen and which initiates the HR. This then triggers the disease is well established, with excess SAR system to fire up, shutting down the to prime plant defences and nitrogen known to produce lush growth that’s ISR pathway. nutrients to sustain them. more susceptible to fungal attack. The role “In both SAR and ISR responses the of potassium (K) perhaps isn’t as well outcome of the cascade is similar, resulting By Lucy de la Pasture recognised. in increased production of phytoalexins and Nutrients fall under two categories in pathogenesis-related proteins. The main plants, structural and regulatory. Some can difference is in response time, magnitude a The link between plant health and function as both (such as calcium) whereas nd duration,” he explains. nutrition is well known, but the detail potassium is primarily a regulatory element, “SAR induction in plants causes a is often overlooked. There’s a complex he explains. down-regulation of biological processes, relationship between disease susceptibility, “Potassium is intricately linked with such as growth and seed/fruit production, the metabolic processes involved in plant plant metabolic functions and growth. Its and most of the plants energy resources are defences and individual nutrients, explains interrelationship with the various other directed towards the defence response.” John Haywood, director of Unium nutrients within both the plant and soil, BioScience. provides ample opportunity for potassium “At a time when crop protection products use to modify disease resistance or are disappearing at a faster rate than new susceptibility.” ones can gain approval and resistance in One of the functions of potassium is to some important fungal pathogens is affect plant host defence mechanisms, with compromising fungicide performance, the accumulation of inhibitory amino acids, understanding the factors that affect the phytoalexins, phenols, and auxins around crop’s own metabolic priorities is becoming infection sites all dependent on the mineral, increasingly important. explains John. “Armed with this knowledge, it’s possible “Like most things in nature, optimal to support plant physiology in ways that metabolic function in plants is all about don’t rely solely on fungicide chemistry,” balance. Nitrogen needs to be balanced with he says. potassium – disease susceptibility generally increases with higher nitrogen-to-potassium John Haywood explains that as plants become ratios. Some diseases that are made worse What does the science say? nutritionally unbalanced, their ability to coordinate “According to the award-winning US by too much nitrogen may at least be partially a rapid defence response is impaired. scientist, Dr Don Huber, ‘disease can alter reduced by increasing potassium nutrition.

38 crop production magazine february 2021 BioScience insider

Plant defence response table six plant metabolites plus metabolites used to fight supporting nutrients –– diseases,” explains Nigel. PLANT DEFENCE RESPONSE potassium, manganese, zinc, So that’s the theory but when 0 HOURS Bacteria/fungi come into contact with the plant an unusual foliar-acting form it’s put to the test, does the

10-14 HOURS Penetration resistance of sulphur (which supports a concept actually work? defence pathway known as sulphur-induced resistance), 10-24 HOURS Pathogen recognition and local gene activation Proving the concept and finally a carefully balanced Once the formulation was finally amount of nitrogen. perfected the coded product 24 HOURS HR response develops Nigel explains that USB007 (later to be named 24 + HOURS Signals initiate the SAR response which can last from the concept behind the Scyon), was tested in glasshouse weeks to months biostimulant-nutrient complex is experiments at University of

Source: Unium, 2021 to upregulate the plant’s defence Nottingham by Dr Steve Rossall. systems so that it can better He has carried out six pot Duration of SAR defence response withstand disease. experiments over a four-year “The six metabolites support period to assess its performance 14 different metabolic pathways on plants infected with yellow –– all with key roles to play rust and septoria (using azole in nutrient balance, plant insensitive isolates to represent defence mechanisms or stress field conditions). management. As plants become “The best effects were seen nutritionally unbalanced, their where Scyon was applied before ability to coordinate a rapid the plant was inoculated with defence response is impaired disease, where it appears to Source: Unium, 2021 and they become more susceptible enhance the activity of fungicides to biotic and abiotic stress. applied with it,” he comments. It’s the intense energy was achievable so began to “This illustrates that In the trials Steve looked at resource required to maintain the investigate how to support the maintaining nutritional both old and modern chemistry SAR that is a problem for crop metabolic pathways involved in stoichiometry (balance) is critical and found responses from the plants. “A plant will tolerate a defence mechanisms without for plant health. Many factors addition of Scyon across the certain degree of damage as robbing the plant of the crucial contribute to this, such as a board. long as it isn’t detrimental to energy it needed to continue healthy endomicrobiome Further work has been carried its reproductive survival. But to grow. (analogous to a healthy gut flora out by Dr Tom McCabe of growing crops is about more “Plant metabolism has a in humans) which plays a University College Dublin, where than plant survival and achieving multi-layered approach to huge role in mediating nutrient the trials have moved out into the seed production, crop plants defence. Both primary and acquisition, delivery and field for the past two years. Tom have to sustain growth for as secondary metabolism are remobilisation,” he says. runs the trials programme for long as possible so that the crop involved to different degrees. “The complex works by Prime Crop Research in East achieves optimum yield and the Supporting both of these will help enabling plants to optimise their Anglia and he’s looked at the desired quality.” to manage overall crop health nutrient-use efficiency and effects of Scyon in fungicide and reduce disease infection carbon:nitrogen metabolic ratio, programmes at four sites in From Science and severity,” he says. creating a stronger healthier Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. to BioScience Taking the research and plant. The combination of plant “We’ve seen interesting trends What if it were possible to turning it into a product that had metabolites and nutrients also in the results, with the biggest support crop plants to help them a consistent effect didn’t happen stimulates and supports the overall response from adding maintain an enhanced and overnight, it took ten years to find plants natural SAR pathway, Scyon to fungicides in 2019, prolonged innate response to the optimum formulation. resulting in increased which was a moderately high disease attack? Unium director, Eventually Nigel developed a concentrations of innate immune disease season in East Anglia Dr Nigel Grech, believed this unique complex which contains compounds and the secondary after heavy June rainfall,” he says. Metabolic pathways affected by Scyon Tom highlights that disease Pathway/ Glutamine GOGAT Nitrate/ Shikimic Systemic Systemic Asparagine Inhibition of Auxin Bio Aromatic Chlorophyll Salicylic PEP RuBisco Metabolite Synthetase Nitrite Acid Acquired Induces Synthetase Ethylene Synthesis Amino Biosynthesis Acid Carboxylase control from programmes using Reductase Pathway Resistance Resistance Biosynthesis Acid Bio Pathway Synthesis SDHI chemistry was very Metabolite variable that season, which he 1 *** *** ** ** *** *** * *** *** Metabolite puts down to the presence of 2 *** * Metabolite resistant strains of septoria. 3 ** *** ** ** Fungicide performance held up Metabolite 4 *** *** better where a multisite was Metabolite included, with good efficacy from 5 *** Metabolite chlorothalonil and folpet also 6 ** putting in a good performance. Source: Unium, 2021 “There was a consistent trend L

crop production magazine february 2021 39 Fungicide performance with/without Scyon

The Effects of Different Fungicide `Programmes on Wheat Yield Essex 2019 Isd 0.95, sd 0.662, cv 5.57% a 13 12.61 h

/ 12.5 12.22 t 12

d 11.42

l 11.5 11.3 11.06

e 11 i

Y 10.5 10 9.47 9.5 9 Untreated Stnd Fungicid Prog SFP + CTL SFP + Folpet SFP + Scyon SFP + CTL + Scyon

Standard fungicide programme (SFP) at T1 – tebuconazole plus Ascara (fluopyram+ bixafen); T2 – Elatus Era (benzovindiflupyr+ prothioconazole) plus prothioconazole; T3 – tebuconazole. Source: Tom McCabe, University of Dublin

L for improved fungicide efficacy David also believes Scyon where Scyon was included, could form a useful part of particularly when a multisite anti-resistance strategies. wasn’t used within the “It works to reduce disease in programme.” a completely different way to Even though fungicide a fungicide, providing an performance made up for the alternative means to help omission of folpet in the mix in manage disease. Fungicides trials, Tom doesn’t advocate are active on the disease dropping the multisite. He sees pathogen whereas Scyon has Scyon as a useful add-on which no fungicidal activity and works can help the performance of on the plant to strengthen its fungicides, especially when they defences, not the disease itself. come under pressure. “Where a multisite can help protect a single-site fungicide’s Pioneers in the field mode of action, Scyon can Scyon is one of the support the plant’s own biostimulants that has been defences,” he explains. through the Hutchinsons’ “We advise using Scyon with a screening process which fungicide for optimum activity takes place at University of because plant defences Nottingham. David Howard, can’t offer complete control, head of Integrated Crop particularly if disease builds up Management at the agronomy on a leaf and plant resistance company explains the breaks then infection can rush glasshouse trials provide some through the crop pretty quickly.” insight into the inherent activity Improved disease of biostimulants, which is much management from using more difficult to assess in Scyon has been seen the field. consistently in Hutchinsons’ Hutchinsons’ agronomy trials and has been particularly teams have had access to beneficial where the fungicide Sycon for the past two seasons program has been reduced, and David used it on some adds David. Even though crops in hisLincolnshire septoria has been the focus /Nottinghamshire region in in most of the work, good 2020. He describes it as ‘ information is now coming interesting.’ through on both yellow and “Scyon basically turns on brown rusts, where trials show plant disease resistance ahead that Scyon seems to help of the disease attack. This improve control. means its innate defence Hutchinsons’ have found response is at its peak when the the benefits of Scyon to be pathogen arrives and therefore repeatable in the field and is able to fight disease before it positive results are now gets a foot-hold in the crop.” emerging in other crops including light leaf spot in biostimulants products. oilseed rape and ramularia “In the lab testing we found (when used in conjunction with that once the host plant folpet) in barley. defences were switched on, The nutrients in the Scyon they remained active for the formulation deliver a minimal remainder of the experiment. quantity but tissue testing has In the field other stress factors shown a big increase in some may come into play, possibly elements, explains David. reducing its longevity which “The Scyon seems to uprate is why a fungicide partner is nutrient uptake and we’ve seen recommended.” increases in elements such as David sums up by saying manganese and zinc, which the thinking behind the product could be particularly useful is very clever. “Plant defences in early spring when growth are very costly in terms of is rapid.” energy to the plant –– if these are The current thinking is that active 24/7 then the plant would most benefit can be gained by exhaust itself. While Scyon applying Scyon early in the upregulates plant defences, it season at the T0 timing, before also turns on the plant’s stress the onset of most disease, says reduction mechanisms and David. He also believes the provides key nutrients so the pricing of Scyon won’t be plant can keep defences a barrier to its use, as it activated for longer without can be with some other cost.” I

Tissue analysis with/without Scyon

Analysis Guideline Farm Standard Farm Standard Difference + UBS007 Nitrogen (%) 3 3.46 4.16 0.7 20% Phosphorus (%) 0.3 0.34 0.41 0.07 21% Potassium (%) 3.5 2.96 3.07 0.11 4% Calcium (%) 0.4 0.31 0.41 0.1 32% Magnesium (%) 0.12 0.09 0.1 0.01 11% Sulphur (%) 0.25 0.12 0.15 0.03 25% Boron (ppm) 6 2.5 2.8 0.3 12% Copper (ppm) 7 8.2 9.7 1.5 18% Iron (ppm) 50 87 109 22 25% Manganese (ppm) 35 21 29.1 8.1 39% Molybdenum (ppm) 0.10 0.27 0.26 -0.01 -4% Zinc (ppm) 25 18.6 26.8 8.2 44%

Source: Hutchinsons, 2020 Bioscience insider

As the chemistry toolbox continues of the exciting opportunities to shrink, a mesmerising array of biosolutions offer in the field. new bio-solutions are coming to Unium’s view is that optimising market, offering a range of benefits genetics and chemistry are and complementary additions. essential but to produce healthy Evaluating just how effective they crop plants, strategies should are, and where they’re best placed include judicious use of balanced can be tricky, however. nutrition and biostimulants. This series of articles opens a Scyon is backed by over 10 years window on the science behind these of trials experience and provides innovations. CPM has teamed up a robust and reliable support with Unium BioScience to explore for crop health the background, unravel the which can physiological processes and provide take some of analysis on the results of trials. the pressure Above all, these articles give the off genetics grower an inside view on some and fungicides. Keep the faith address the crops need, adds Mark. He highlights trials at Rothamsted Research’s Woburn site which have shown OSR yields from untreated plots were half that of crops which received sulphur. “The trials revealed a yield of just 2.5t/ha without sulphur and 5.0t/ha where appropriate It’s always fertiliser applications were “easier to manage made. Further trials went on to show an average yield benefit a big crop on responsive sites of 27%. backwards. “AHDB work, carried out by ” ADAS and in conjunction with industry partners including CF Fertilisers, has also shown the benefit of sulphur application. A lift in OSR yields from 1.0t/ha (untreated) to 5.0t/ha was recorded at one site and to a similarly high level from about 1.5t/ha at another. Technical “In addition, the sulphur was also found to significantly improve oil content –– with a lift Fertiliser advice from 39% to 45% at one site and from 42% to 45% at the other,” he adds. Good oilseed rape Yield responses to sulphur will vary from the crop’s full genetic potential. The first depending on existing deficiency levels, soil establishment and a strong step is to understand the nitrogen likely to type and crop, explains Mark. “Deposition of market could mean things be supplied to the crop by the soil, sulphur to the soil from the atmosphere has he suggests. fallen by over 90% in the last few decades, are looking up for growers with lighter soils in areas of high rainfall who kept their faith in the Accurate picture especially susceptible to deficiency. “Knowing the soil nitrogen supply (SNS) “Sulphate, the form of sulphur taken up by crop. CPM gets advice on enables you to calculate how much crops, is soluble in water just like nitrate and matching fertiliser inputs to nitrogen fertiliser to apply and the most can leach out of soils. Deep silty or clay soils accurate way of doing this is to use the are less vulnerable but, in most cases, these crop potential this spring. CF N-Min test. This will give a much more still require additional sulphur to protect OSR accurate picture than simply looking at soil yields and seed quality. It’s now widely By Rob Jones mineral nitrogen (SMN) which doesn’t take accepted that where deficiency is evident, and Lucy de la Pasture nitrogen that’ll become available from the the effects of sulphur applications are soil as the season develops into account, considerable.” I and this is key to getting application rates In spite of its performance last season, right,” he explains. many growers stuck with oilseed rape last “It’s also important to manage the size of autumn. According to the AHDB Early Bird the crop to build the most efficient canopy Survey, 312kha went into the ground –– a possible. The amount of nitrogen applied per reduction in area of around 18%. But with application depends on the canopy size many crops well established, those that after winter. Applying smaller, more frequent have stuck with OSR have reason to be applications can be helpful in building up confident they made the right decision, the canopy of a backward crop but you says Mark Garrett of CF Fertilisers. don’t want a canopy that’s too big,” he says. “Prices are at a high level and most “A larger crop is prone to more people will have strong proven OSR varieties agronomic problems and is generally less in the ground. Genetic development hasn’t efficient at intercepting light needed to slowed down despite the problems many produce the higher yields. That said, it’s growers have had with cabbage stem flea always easier to manage a big crop beetle, so it’s still a high potential crop. It’s backwards than a smaller one forwards.” likely the lower volumes now being grown CF’s N-Calc system helps calculate the will mean output demand will remain strong,” fertiliser nitrogen required to deliver as close he says. to the target yield as possible. The total Mark Garrett explains that knowing soil nitrogen Once crops have got through the winter, nitrogen recommendation is usually best supply is necessary to determine just how much nutrition is one of the main areas where split into up to three fertiliser applications, nitrogen to apply to OSR crops. growers can really make sure they benefit with at least the first containing sulphur, to

42 crop production magazine february 2021 Fertiliser advice

A grower’s perspective

Monitoring soil nitrogen resources, together with Cambridge-rolled. optimising fertiliser application rates and timings, “A pre-emergence herbicide was applied, has helped a Cheshire producer save £65/ha followed by fungicide in November. A further on fertiliser costs last year without sacrificing fungicide, PGR and foliar nutrition tank-mix was OSR yield. applied in March, followed by another fungicide Rob Briscoe’s crop performed to its ten-year and foliar nutrition application in May.” yield average (4.2t/ha) with an oil content of The N-Min sample was taken on 13 February 44%, despite cutting back the usual application and this concluded that there was 83kgN/ha of over 200kgN/ha to just 112kgN/ha –– available from the soil. The Green Area Index resulting in a margin over fertiliser costs of was estimated at 2.0, which suggested over £1400/ha. 100kgN/ha had already been taken up by the “It was sometimes a bit nerve-racking to think plant, giving a total SNS of 183kgN/ha.” Rob Briscoe has used N-Calc to cut back the we had cut back so much, and at times we were CF’s N-Calc system was then used to nitrogen inputs on his farm in Cheshire. tempted to put a bit more on, but in truth the calculate the nitrogen fertilizer required to crop looked good all the way through,” he says. deliver as close to a 5.0t/ha crop as possible, had the N-Min result. “So we decided to put our faith in science, base he says. “The carryover of N from that last winter was our applications on what the soil testing and “The recommendation was for 100kgN/ha sizeable and all our N-Mins were high, as none crop growth was telling us and follow the and this was divided into three splits, with of the previous wheat crops had done particularly canopy management application approach DoubleTop being used first.” well and the winter was dry so the nitrogen recommended.” The final yield achieved was close to the remained in the soil. His 20ha of Django was grown with a min-till crop average for the farm but with less “At the end of the day we saved around approach using discs to prepare the land, and nitrogen applied, he points out. “You have to £65/ha in fertiliser costs, achieved the same then sown on 19 August at 3.5kg/ha using an be realistic –– we have very light soils here. yield results as previous years and now Amazone combination drill. He applied 123kg/ha The big point for me is we would have applied understand a lot more about how we approach DAP to the seedbed, which was then the same 200kgN/ha as usual had we not our nutrient needs moving forward.”

Innovative soil tests launched

Eurofins Agro has launched a new approach to soil has now been comprehensively validated, adds testing which utilises some innovative analytical Dan. It means that with just two tests, growers can technologies which mean physical, chemical and obtain a holistic overview of soil health and fertility. biological information can be obtained from just Fertilisation Manager measures soil fertility. two techniques. The tests will help farmers and “This includes the chemical values of macro and agronomists understand soil in a more detailed micronutrients. Soil pH and the overall structure way than ever before, explains Dan Robinson, of the soil are also analysed in conjunction managing director at Eurofins Agro UK. with biological components such as fungi and “Three new products are now available bacteria,” he adds. –– Fertilisation Manager, Soil Crop Monitor Soil Crop Monitor will provide the most and Soil Life Monitor –– which offer the most accurate means of testing soil during a growing comprehensive way to analyse and improve soil season. “Unlike some tests, Soil Crop Monitor Eurofins has taken the concept of nutrient health,” he says. analyses both the soil and the plant, measuring intensity and nutrient quantity to develop new Eurofins has taken the concept of nutrient the plant available nutrients and the nutrients physical, chemical and biology tests for soils, intensity and nutrient quantity, which is well absorbed by the crop.” says Dan Robinson. recognised in academic literature. Using the Soil Life Monitor determines the total microbial 0.01M calcium chloride as the extraction agent biomass, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. “The method (1:10 W/V dried soil), it’s possible to microbial biomass from the sample will help “PLFA (phospholipid fatty acids) found in soil can determine the plant available nutrients (or nutrient farmers to understand the sensitivity of the soil to be measured to provide a fingerprint of the soil intensity). conventional farming methods, such as ploughing content. PLFAs are degraded quickly in the soil, so Near Infra-Red (NIR) technology is then used which is thought to disturb soil microbial the analysis gives an indication of the amount of to determine soil fertility by measuring the soil communities. The number and nature of the living biomass,” explains Dan. nutrient supply capacity (quantity and buffering) bacteria present in a soil sample will also facilitate “NIR also enables the measurement of soil in dried soil –– this reflects the soils ability to the accurate calculation of nutrients which should organic carbon (SOC) which gives an insight into maintain nutrient intensity as the nutrient is be added to the soil to optimise plant health and soil quality –– the more SOC, the more stable the |depleted. growth,” he says. soil. When SOC is low, then nitrogen, phosphate These new techniques have undergone a novel It also identifies some physical characteristics and sulphur are higher giving a more dynamic soil calibration process using machine learning, which such as pH and the quality of organic matter. due to the mineralisation taking place.

crop production magazine february 2021 43 Achieving “high yields should be seen as an environmental good, rather than indicative of environmental harm. ”

The productive plus of a Technical Grow the future carbon conscience A focus on emissions and climate change won’t just quarter of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from wind farms and is totally carbon-free. of which crop production makes up another Another important route to reduce GHG help the planet, it could quarter (see chart on p45). “From the food emissions, and one with a clear financial actually add to your chain perspective, about a quarter of the benefit on farm, is to improve nitrogen use GHG emissions of bread comes from efficiency (NUE), continues Anke. “Using productivity. CPM explores farming, for example, of which 30-40% are precision application techniques, the NUE how fertiliser fares in the emitted from the soil and around 25-30% are can be increased from around 60% current related to the production of fertiliser. So both average in Europe to 80% –– this has been carbon calculations. emissions from the soil and fertiliser must be demonstrated in trials.” addressed to decarbonise the food chain,” In the UK, many such trials have been By Tom Allen-Stevens notes Anke. carried out by ADAS, and in more recent years ADAS has amassed datasets on the Nitrogn abatement yields and inputs of growers in the Yield Agriculture gets a bum rap when it comes But the size of that slice depends on where Enhancement Network (YEN). With funding to climate change and as far as crop your fertiliser comes from. Yara, along with from The Morley Agricultural Foundation, production is concerned, fertiliser use is other European fertiliser manufacturers, has researchers have explored the evidence and often singled out as the bad boy. But is the already introduced abatement technology assumptions with respect to GHG and found burden of responsibility being unfairly that has reduced the nitrous oxide (N2O) all is not as it seems. laden onto growers’ nitrogen practice? emissions associated with its manufacture “Most people, even farmers, believe For Anke Kwast, vice president of Yara’s by more than 90%. These emissions are that high crop yields need lots of fertiliser climate-neutral roadmap, it goes far wider around 300 times more impactful than and other inputs which worsen the than the farm. “Fighting climate change carbon dioxide (CO2), Anke points out. environmental impacts of farming,” says is crucial for all of us. We’re seeing “That means that fertiliser from Europe has Dr Daniel Kindred, head of Agronomics increasingly extreme weather conditions, around half the carbon footprint as fertiliser at ADAS. “Our analysis shows that a and there are many steps we must take to from other origins.” chieving high yields should be seen as an combat this. But one important step we The next step for Yara is a green environmental good, rather than indicative must all make as consumers is a positive ammonia programme that uses renewable of environmental harm.” commitment towards Net Zero, as this will be energy technologies to produce hydrogen The reason for this, Daniel explains, is a strong drive for transformation,” she says. by electrolysis from water, capture nitrogen that agriculture is the only industry that “For Yara climate change is a real from the air and combine these to form removes CO2 from the atmosphere, through concern. We have an aim to be climate ammonia. It’s a new take on the Haber photosynthesis, to produce energy rich neutral by 2050 in our own production and Bosch process used for over a century and products. we also actively contribute towards the currently fuelled by natural gas, or in some “A typical crop growing say 10t/ha grain transformation of the whole food chain countries coal, which is responsible for produces 18t/ha of biomass above ground towards climate neutrality.” releasing vast quantities of CO2. The green and an estimated 1.8t/ha in roots below Agriculture accounts for around a ammonia process uses spare electricity ground. That means a typical grain crop

44 crop production magazine february 2021 Grow the future

The basis of nitrogen fertiliser production Carbon footprint of AN production in different world regions

Source: Brentrup et al., 2018. Source: Brentrup et al., 2018.

Contribution of agriculture and land use change to fixes around 34t CO2/ha. emissions related to manures, global GHG emission However, this carbon is released fertilisers, crop residues and back into the atmosphere when composts applied to the soil.

the grain is consumed and when “Emissions of N2O typically its residues decompose in the account for less than 5kg N/ha, soil. Unless some of this carbon so are unimportant agronomically. is retained, for example But their global-warming e within stable soil organic matter potential is huge –– typically (SOM), there’s no net reduction 0.6-1.5t CO2e/ha (t of CO2 of atmospheric CO2. So carbon equivalence) for grain crops.” fixation by crops is not normally Another source to consider considered in GHG calculations.” are the emissions associated But it’s not the carbon release with manufacture of fertilisers, Source: FAOSTAT, 2010; * based on IFA, 2009; ** emissions only, no sinks through afforestation from the soil that’s the concern. and again N2O has been the

considered. L Far more damaging are the N2O culprit. “There’s good news here Grow the future

Estimated GHG intensities for YEN cereal crops GHG intensity from a typical wheat crop

Source: ADAS YEN, 2013-2019; constituent parts of GHG shown in columns and on left axis, Source: ADAS, 2020; Vertical dashed lines show rates that are economically optimal for yield yields achieved are yellow dots on right axis. (right), that minimise grain GHG intensity without indirect land use change (ILUC) (left) and that minimise GHG intensity including ILUC (middle).

L –– the fertiliser industry in the Purchase wisely and the associ- Daniel argues, and this was intensity of cereal grains –– UK and Europe has invested ated GHG are around 0.7t calculated for the YEN dataset together these account for more very heavily over the past CO2e/ha but this can be much where sufficient information than 70% of the total. It can also 10 years in technologies to abate higher.” on inputs was available be seen that the lowest GHG these N2O emissions. Many While the total emissions from (see chart above left). intensities per t are often fertiliser manufacturers can a typical cereal crop are around “This clearly shows the achieved where the yields are now provide accredited GHG 3t CO2e/ha, what matters is the dominance of N fertiliser and high, and vice versa. However, intensities for their products. GHG intensity per t of grain, N2O emissions on the carbon the biggest drivers of variation in GHG intensities are the Greater precision on farm aids efficiency and reduces emissions emissions from N fertiliser use

and associated N2O emissions.” Fertiliser can present a conundrum for farmers, notes N2O emissions from the soil Natalie Wood, Yara arable agronomist for UK and Ireland. result from the nitrification of “Nitrogen fertiliser plays a key role in enhancing food ammonium to nitrate and, in production to feed a growing global population. But anaerobic conditions, from overuse leads to soil, air and water pollution, not to denitrification of nitrate to mention leaving a dent in your bank balance. There’s ammonium, he explains. From a balance to be struck. The key to greater efficiency is a GHG calculation perspective, precision agronomy.” for any N you add to the soil, a There are simple things growers can do, standard 1% is assumed to be she explains: emitted as N2O, as defined by IPCC. Know your soil This was explored in the Taking regular soil analysis over the years helps to build cross-industry MINNO project up a picture of your land and how fertile it is. This will that ADAS led from 2009 to 2015. What researchers found allow you to be more accurate with your choice of The key to greater efficiency is precision agronomy, was that typical emissions from fertiliser, applying only those nutrients that your soil says Natalie Wood. is deficient in and your crop needs. fertiliser applications in the drier 1. Choose the right fertiliser – A compound rather than arable regions of the UK were Focus on the growing crop a blend ensures an even application of all nutrients. substantially less than the 1% In spring, leaf analysis comes into play, detailing exactly 2. Vary the application – Field nitrogen requirements are standard, but higher from wetter what developing deficiencies crops have, so you can act never constant, yet often the application of nitrogen soils. This means that applying quickly to avoid issues that will affect yield. Using tools fertiliser is. Tools such as Yara’s N-Sensor and Atfarm 200kgN/ha in dry regions with such as Yara’s N-Tester BT, that measures leaf nitrogen software can be used to make variable nitrogen 600mm annual rainfall gives in a growing crop, gives an accurate field-specific application that meet crop requirements, rather than N2O emissions of 0.66t CO2e/ha, nitrogen requirement, reducing wastage. wasteful blanket applications. while the same application in 3. Spread at the right time – different types of fertiliser a wetter region with 1200mm Increase nitrogen use release their nitrogen in the plant-available nitrate rainfall would give emissions efficiency form at different rates. A good understanding of the of 1.7t CO2e/ha. Natalie believes there are three elements here that make differences ensure you get the timing of nitrogen So how should N rates be a difference: availability right. adjusted to optimise crop GHG intensities? “Previous work has

46 crop production magazine february 2021 Grow the future shown that the minimum GHG Factoring in this indirect land 12t/ha, where national average and simplifying it, we can work intensity is achieved at only use change (ILUC), shows yields are 8t/ha. It could be with growers towards strategies 30kgN/ha, while the economic there’s little difference in overall argued that these farms are that can mitigate emissions.” optimum for yield is around emissions between N rates of contributing 7t CO2e/ha simply As well as maximising the use 200kgN/ha,” notes Daniel 100 and 200kgN/ha. through reducing ILUC.” of the land, ensuring it’s yielding (see chart left). The net effect of ILUC is Keen to take this research its best potential, applying “However, this calculation significant, he says –– every forward, ADAS has recently appropriate rates of fertiliser to ignores the consideration that 1t less wheat grain produced launched YEN-Zero, highlights meet crop demand is key, she any grain not produced here due in the UK can result in an crop research consultant says, and growers should aim to to lower yields will likely have Dr Christina Baxter. “The plan is emissions burden of 1.8t CO2e apply rates that differ no more to be produced by increased elsewhere in the world where to bring together a community of than 50kgN/ha from the optimum production somewhere else. That land is converted to meet the interested farmers, advisors, to avoid waste. increases pressure for land use shortfall. industry, researchers and policy “Compaction will affect the change and the consequent “This also suggests there’s a makers. We want to develop efficiency of crop nutrient uptake huge carbon losses from large under-recognised benefit shared understanding, to share as well as creating anaerobic vegetation and soil that result from enhancing yields. Many ideas and data, to enable conditions which exacerbate from the conversion of natural farms in the YEN consistently comparisons and benchmarking, N2O emissions,” she notes. grassland or forest to crop land.” achieve yields higher than and to derive insights. These will “Most of all, our work with form hypotheses that can be YEN has shown it’s the ‘Farm Webinar way to achieve Net Zero tested on-farm that can help Factor’, the attention to detail us achieve Net Zero crop in management of the crop and Achieving Net Zero by 2040 – how the industry is helping production.” soil that pays, not the amount growers The aim is for more clarity spent on inputs. That tends to A Yara technical webinar presented in association with CPM and transparency behind what deliver higher yields which will Thursday 18 February 2021 at 2:00pm and she calls “the black box” of have a lower GHG intensity 7:00pm how emissions are currently per tonne of grain,” Christina Matt Culley, NFU combinable crops board chairman calculated. “By breaking it down concludes. I Matt will provide an update on the NFU campaign, successes to date and priorities for 2021. Mark Tucker, Yara agronomy development manager Grow the future Steps manufacturers are taking and how growers Climate change, societal demands, of the innovations coming into this can increase nitrogen use efficiency. changing consumer trends and area and the practical steps needed not least the weather –– one thing to ensure your farming system is that’s certain about farming is that set to grow the future. Chaired by: it’s anything but predictable. So With decades of evidence-based Tom Allen-Stevens, CPM editor the best farms must be efficient knowledge, Yara continues to be at What will be the impact of increased regulation? enough to grow crops both the forefront of crop macro and Just how much N is lost from the field? What are sustainably and profitably now micronutrient advice. Investment the carbon credentials of the product you buy? and in the future. in technology has resulted in Scan the QR code to go to the webinar registration Few aspects of crop production world-leading products that page and to pre-submit questions, or visit are more critical in this than a support in-field https://www.yara.co.uk/crop-nutrition/agronomy- plant’s nutrition, which is why decision-making and advice/agronomy-webinars/achieving-net-zero- CPM has teamed up with Yara. precision nitrogen webinar/ This series of articles looks at some application. Technical survey

Inhibiting climate If signs point“ towards a ban on solid urea, perhaps change? inhibitors are a halfway house.”

Technical Technical survey

The environmental impact of According to John Williams, principal soil comes to their inputs. “NUE is a fairly simple scientist at ADAS, the challenge comes with benchmarking tool that can help growers fertiliser is a hot topic, with trying to balance environmental protection simply evaluate how much of the both the industry and the and optimum crop production. “It’s difficult input is actually being used,” explains David. because clearly fertiliser –– and nitrogen in “Though it can be a fairly straightforward government looking to particular –– is the main determinant in yield thing to calculate, there’s been a bit of reduce emissions as much and quality. There’s no escaping from the confusion due to multiple methods of doing fact that we need fertiliser to grow crops, but so. To boost farmer uptake, I think it would as possible. CPM explores there’s an environmental consequence of be really helpful to have a single, accepted some of the key challenges this, unfortunately. equation. “However, it’s reassuring that the industry “However, at its simplest level, growers and solutions. is now really taking this into consideration can consider grain output against fertiliser and being more innovative about how we input.” By Charlotte Cunningham make best use of our inputs.” Most recently, the Net Zero campaign has been a huge driver in the uptake of NUE on Environmentally friendly farm, believes John. “Barely a conversation The impact of nitrogen fertiliser on the So while the general consensus is that more goes by in farming now without talking about wider environment is something that’s needs to be done, 50% of growers revealed the environmental impact of what we do. come under a great deal of scrutiny lately. that they believe the buck stops with “Using equations like NUE will be key in Most recently, the government announced manufacturers who should do more to make driving this forward. And it’s not just about a consultation on the use of fertilisers –– their products environmentally friendly. “Of the environment –– efficient crop production seeking views on reducing ammonia course, manufacturers have a responsibility, is more likely to result in reduced costs. emissions from solid urea fertilisers –– as and I think –– as a general rule –– most “However, growers have a lot on their part of its commitment to reduce ammonia are making a conscious effort to ensure plates and it’s important that accessing emissions by 2030. products meet adequate environmental this information is easy and simple to But ahead of the consultation, what standards,” says David. “However, much like implement.”

exactly are growers’ views? a seatbelt in a car doesn’t make someone And with nitrogen losses being as high as L In a recent survey carried out by CPM drive safer, there’s a responsibility for and Omex, 75% of growers accepted that growers to ensure they’re using products they ought to do more to reduce their farms’ as efficiently and responsibly as possible.” impact on the environment, while 59% also In contrast, John says for the move recognised that nitrate leaching can lead to towards better environmental protection to financial losses on farm. “There’s no getting be successful, there’s a responsibility for away from the conversation about climate products to be as clean as possible –– change and environmental protection at the and this of course, comes down to the moment and I think it’s reassuring to know so manufacturing process. “Ensuring that many growers have a vested interest in good quality products are at the core is doing more, as well as recognising where crucial. However, application techniques some of the key issues arise,” explains and machinery have an important role to David Booty, technical development place too.” manager at Omex. “Changing the way, When it comes to calculating just how we do things not only has the potential to efficient farms are, Nitrogen Use Efficiency There’s no getting away from the conversation benefit the environment but can also help (NUE) calculations have become common about climate change and environmental reduce the bottom line and in turn, boost practice, with 61% of growers saying this is protection, says David Booty. profitability.” something they actively consider when it

48 crop production magazine february 2021 Technical survey

Do you actively consider the Nitrogen Use Efficiency of your inputs?

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0 Yes No Somewhat Planning to Don’t know

What reasons are important factors when using a nitrification inhibitor?

Reduced number of top-dressing applications Reduced nitrate leaching

Reduced nitrous oxide emissions Increased efficiency of organic nitrogen applications Don’t know

Spoilt for choice

At present, there’s no official standard for ranking inhibitor products, however, there are a great number of options on the market –– all offering slightly different things. And when it came to the most well-known, it was Omex’s product, Didin, that topped the leader board, with 65% of growers being familiar with the inhibitor. Didin is the most well known “Didin has been around for inhibitor product. 30 years, so it’s no doubt a well-known product. However, the David says what is key is noting difficulty we and our customers that not all inhibitors are alike, have is that there’s no set standard and this should be taken into for these inhibitors in the UK,” consideration when deciding on the explains David. most appropriate product. “Urease “Consequently, this means that inhibitors will only stop ammonia there’s no standard or benchmark loss, where nitrification inhibitors to measure them against and prevent losses from nitrate and I think that’s unacceptable –– it’s nitrous oxide –– some products will not fair on growers and potential do just one of these jobs and some customers as there’s no way of will do both. comparing one product against “Didin is one that does both, so another.” it has the potential to have benefits So while the water is still murky where both of these issues are in terms of the “best” products, concerned.”

crop production magazine february 2021 49 Technical survey

nitrous oxide emissions as a key lot of time researching lately. questioning the longevity of urea. reason to use a nitrification “Particularly in the case of spring According to the survey, inhibitor, while 62% highlighted crops, two thirds of the nitrogen if future legislation meant that reduced nitrate leaching. is on the seedbed and the rest growers could only make use “In a nutshell, using a is applied when the crop is of solid urea by using it in nitrification inhibitor means planted. Potato growers, for conjunction with an inhibitor, 34% nitrogen stays available for example, may be putting two or said they’d be prepared to do longer. This means it’s more three top dressings on, but the this –– providing the cost available to the crop and can key concern is that what’s on the involved wasn’t greater than lead to reduced wastage and seedbed might not last in years alternative products. In a better return on investment,” of heavy rain. However, an contrast, 8% said they’d stop he adds. inhibitor keeps it in place and using urea, and a further 8% According to John Williams, the can reduce the workload later felt that growers should be free challenge comes with trying to Reduced emissions in the season,” He explains. to use which fertiliser product balance environmental protection And the benefits go beyond just “Arguably in cereal crops, they choose. and optimum crop production. reducing wastage and reduced there might not be a huge yield But what do the experts think? emissions. “Because inhibitors advantage, but it’s all about “Our viewpoint is that we L 40%, the benefits of using slow down the nitrogen thinking ahead to later in the agree with the position adopted nitrification inhibitors have started conversion, it gives growers season.” by the AIC in that banning to gain traction, albeit perhaps the flexibility to put more on Though reducing nitrogen urea is too much of a blunt rather slowly –– with only 22% earlier in the season –– rather losses is something that instrument,” notes David. “We’d of growers noting that they’d than multiple loads over multiple growers are familiar with, prefer to see a more holistic used them in the past. “It’s passes –– which reduces the ammonia doesn’t appear to be approach implemented –– disappointing to see such a low impact on soil health.” as big of a concern, with 18% looking at fertiliser usage in total uptake when in fact there can A significant number of saying that ammonia losses and bringing in equations to help be some real benefits of using growers (34%) said that a from urea are overstated. calculate just efficiently it’s being inhibitors,” explains David. reduced number of top Nonetheless, these losses used.” So, what exactly are these dressings is also a key benefit of are certainly in vogue for “That said, at the moment we benefits? Nearly three quarters of using a nitrification inhibitor, and the government and policy don’t know if and how solid urea growers (69%) noted reduced this is an area David has spent a makers, leaving many perhaps will be restricted as a result of Carbon conundrums

While being more efficient with fertiliser can help much money they can save by being more reduce costs, another key priority across the efficient with their inputs.” industry at the moment is the role in which fertiliser Becky says a good place to start is with some usage plays in agriculture’s carbon footprint. kind of carbon footprint audit, however, the survey The survey revealed that 50% of growers are revealed just 14% of growers are using this type already taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of software right now –– though 69% said that of their farming operation, while 49% say this is this is something they’d consider in the future. something to consider in the future. “There’s a lot “By calculating exactly what’s happening on of political influence and pressure on agriculture to farm, it gives you a starting place, and if nothing Becky Willson notes the political influence and reduce its environmental impact and hold more else, allows you to benchmark against yourself in pressure on agriculture to reduce its carbon where we can,” says Becky Willson, Farm the future. environmental impact. Carbon Toolkit. “It’s important to think about the key places And though the subject is no doubt attracting a emissions may be coming from, and where nutrients that are there to use them to work to lot of attention at the moment, knowing where to you might start to investigate further. It can be your advantage.” start –– on an individual grower basis –– can be really helpful to look at the business through Using inhibited products can also be really a real challenge, she adds. “For those who just a different lens.” beneficial in the drive against climate change, she don’t know how to take the first step, Carbon For those growers who’ve identified that says. “These types of products give growers the Toolkit works to turn the advice into practical, fertiliser usage is a key priority on the climate option to select for different types of fertilisers, feasible steps on farm.” change front, Becky recommends firstly looking at without as much of a risk to the environment. Carbon Toolkit was founded as a result of the the existing nutrient management plan. “The main “It’s estimated that between 10-40% of all absence of a farmer-led organisation to provide thing here is considering whether what’s being nitrogen applied as fertiliser isn’t utilised by crops support for growers when it comes to climate applied is actually needed. –– so it’s clear that from an environmental point change, and Becky says there’s a whole host of “There are also opportunities to look at of view that we have to do more and make the factors that can be looked at for those who are potentially cover cropping –– when the main crop most of options such as inhibitors to ensure that seeking to reduce their impact. “I think one of the isn’t in the ground –– to capture some of the is reduced to a minimum. most important things is highlighting the link nitrogen, which will have an additional positive “In turn, better utilisation results can result in between environmental benefits and economic effect on soil health. It’s all about focusing on more cost-effective inputs, and ultimately –– a reward –– many people don’t realise just how what’s going on in the soils and releasing the better bottom line.”

50 crop production magazine february 2021 Technical survey the consultation, and so good beneficial,” says David. “At practice –– such as using an Omex, we’ve done a lot of trials 180Have you used a nitrification inhibitor? inhibitor –– is encouraged. It’s work, and the information is there. 160 always more favourable to take “When individual growers try 140 a voluntary approach rather to measure these effects on a than enforcing things through farm-scale, unless you monitor 120 legislation.” and manage incredibly 100

In this scenario, it would make precisely –– alongside a proper 80 sense to use inhibited products, comparison –– it’s hard to know 60 adds John. “It’s all about the if the value is there. But it’s responsibility of making sure important to remember that there 40 products are environmentally has to be a difference to be 20 friendly. If signs point towards something you can see from the 0 a ban on solid urea, perhaps farmgate, but it doesn’t have to Yes No Not sure inhibitors are a halfway house.” be big to be worthwhile.” Out of those who don’t John says that expecting Are you looking to reduce the carbon footprint of currently use urease and/or growers to spend out on a your farming operation? nitrification inhibitors, a lack of product that they’re not sure 120 understanding of the benefits works is a challenge, so it’s was the most prominent reason important to make sure there are 100 for not doing so (32%), followed good, workable options on the 80 by concerns over the cost –– market. “However, above all which was an issue for 31%. else, having a decent nutrient 60 “With no ‘official’ standard for management plan right across testing the effects of inhibitors, the programme is really 40 I can understand the concerns, important. If you don’t get that but I definitely recommend right, then anything else you do 20 speaking with your agronomist will be irrelevant –– an inhibitor 0 and suppliers to gain a better would then be the cherry on top Yes, I am currently No, this is not necessary This is something to taking steps consider in the future insight into how they could be of the cake.” I The way climate“ change will manifest itself in the UK is in wetter winters and hotter summers.” When yield gives Technical Fit for the future way to shield

As growing conditions when considering resilience in the face of ahead with increasing likelihood that it will be become less reliable, that climate change.” typified by periods of extreme weather with John’s picked out five areas he believes the result that we will experience more years puts greater emphasis on are key when choosing a wheat variety like the last one.” sowing a seed you can that’s fit for a future with a changing Using inputs in a more targeted way that and increasingly unpredictable climate gets the most out of them will be a key part depend on over one that may (see panel on p54). But is climate change of any sustainable production system in the simply fill the barn. CPM something to actually factor in, and is there future, he says. any science behind these weather woes? “Such thinking not only makes economic analyses the impact of According to the UK Centre for Ecology sense. It’s also likely to benefit the climate change on and Hydrology (UKCEH), an independent, environment and help to reduce the causal not-for-profit research institute, harvest 2020 effects of climate change in the first place.” variety choice. was the country’s worst for at least 25 years. John Redhead believes it’s not just a By Tom Allen-Stevens question of taking a fresh look at how crops Satellite data are grown but also the composition of future Crop maps produced annually by UKCEH farmed landscapes. Most growers will want to put the and Remote Sensing Applications “Given an increasingly extreme and nightmare of the 2020 growing season, Consultants use satellite data to show the unpredictable climate, it’s important to begin and the autumn that preceded it, behind type of crop grown in all two million fields to diversify our cropping systems to spread them. But after another challenging across Great Britain. Last year’s map the risk. It’s also important to understand drilling period and further unprecedented revealed the area of winter wheat grown how non-cropped land might impart rainfall over winter, John Miles of KWS UK was down across the whole country by 44%, resilience to such extreme events. is getting a horrible sense of déjà vu. winter barley by 37% and the OSR area “An emphasis on a greater diversity of “You’d expect to get the odd rubbish dropped by 38%, compared with the approaches would be of benefit and this is season, and we have had a few kind average for the previous five years. certainly borne out by our results suggesting autumns before 2019,” he points out. “But Autumn-sown crop coverage in the East that some degree of ‘land sharing’ rather you can’t ignore that the weather really is Midlands was worst hit at around 70% down. than total ‘land sparing’ is a more resilient changing with extreme events becoming Separate UKCEH analysis of detailed model for the future.” more frequent. It highlights how farming is data on yields collected during harvest from Going all out for yield might not be the

on a tightrope.” more than 500 fields across 100 farms in best option for the future, John Redhead L John believes resilience will become England has shown an average fall in an increasingly vocal part of the farming yield across these crops of around 15%, language. “It starts with the crop type you compared to the five-year mean, with the choose, and most growers these days aim yield in some places down by as much as for a healthy diversity across the rotation. two thirds. But whether it’s winter wheat, oilseed rape, It’s a direct result of the weather, says barley, spring wheat, rye or sugar beet, UKCEH’s Dr John Redhead, but this cannot when you sow you should expect peak be seen as a one-off. “Climate researchers performance from the variety you choose.” generally agree that the way climate change The attributes that influence this are will manifest itself in the UK is in wetter The wet autumns that caused such misery in largely locked in at the point of sowing, he winters and hotter summers with less rainfall. 2019 and 2020 are likely to become more argues. “But peak performance isn’t just “The UK is unlikely to see a smooth frequent. about yield, and this is especially the case transition to a warmer climate in the years

52 crop production magazine february 2021

Fit for the future

Sowing for peak performance: climate resilience

These are the five key impacts of climate 3. Disease resistance and making best use change on cereals production and examples of of reduced windows of opportunity for crop and variety decisions that mitigate against fieldwork. these: 4. Importance of standing power and lodgin 1. Need for resilient varieties that establish well gresistance. despite adverse conditions. 5. Summer management, especially drought 2. Balancing early and late varieties and resistance and early harvest. importance of variety scheduling through Source: KWS UK drilling, spraying and harvest periods.

Some degree of ‘land sharing’ rather than total “Yields were most stable in landscapes new variety to market,” he notes. ‘land sparing’ is a more resilient model for the with high coverage of both arable land and “So we’re bringing the traits in now that future, says John Redhead. semi-natural habitats, which can include will make wheat fit for the future. We’re also grasslands with some degree of agricultural identifying any gaps there may be in the

L suggests, and the UKCEH analysis management, evenly distributed throughout gene pool and looking at exotic material to of landscapes backs this up. What the the landscape,” he says. see whether we can breed in characteristics scientists found was that landscapes which “This suggests that there are potential that will ensure even greater resilience.” delivered the highest relative yields did trade-offs to be made in managing So how is Jacob addressing the five not necessarily maximise yield stability landscapes for resilience over shorter key impacts of climate change John Miles nor resistance to extreme events in the versus longer timescales and this will has picked out? “When it comes to long-term. be an important challenge to address in establishment, we’re now on the verge of developing sustainable agricultural systems making routine use of drones in the breeding in the future,” concludes John Redhead. plots,” he reveals. “The key is to spot the differences as Breeding for the future soon as the plant emerges. With drones you For the grower, this may feel like a dim and can survey thousands of plots and compile distant future, but it’s one KWS head of very accurate datasets. That’s giving us wheat pre-breeding Jacob Lage is dealing the metrics to understand how individual with today. crosses will perform across a whole range “It could take 20 years for noticeably of scenarios.” Last year’s dry spring is unlikely to be a one-off warmer, drier summers and wetter winters While the breeding system ensures event, while summers will get hotter with less to come to the UK, but it takes at least nothing with poor germination ever gets rainfall. 10 years from the first cross to bring a through, there are differences, notes John. Variety plots help growing for the future

There are two main factors that drive variety their relative performance.” choice for Philip Bradshaw, who farms at Flegcroft All KWS varieties, Zyatt, Siskin, Firefly Extase Farm, Whittlesey near Peterborough on the edge of and Parkin are in the ground and were also taken the Fens: establishment and agronomics. to yield last year. Kerrin and Kinetic were in the “We’re all no-till and have been for five years, trial for 2020, but dropped this year in favour of and while we farm a total of 230ha, a third of Cranium. Drilling for 2021 harvest took place in this is a block 20 miles away, so scheduling and late October following peas. “We have problems disease management are also important,” he says. with blackgrass, so we’re looking for varieties that So is the market for his wheats, and with a establish well in no-till late in the season. We put Whitworth biscuit mill nearby, that makes KWS in catch crops, so want wheats we can drill into Firefly a good fit. “It’s biscuit quality with a green cover,” adds Philip. reasonably sound agronomic package. It also has With yields from the plots ranging from orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance, 10.1-13.3t/ha, Zyatt is the star performer in which is a useful trait for risk management.” Philip’s view, and makes up the rest of his wheat Informing Philip’s variety decisions is a series area. “The Zyatt plot was slightly chewed by Philip Bradshaw has a series of on-farm of on-farm trials he’s carried out for the past rabbits at one end, and actually Parkin and Kinetic trials to inform his variety decisions. 10 years. One field is given over to 6-7 wheats yielded better. But they’re feed types and we pay Photo: Chris Brudenell direct drilled in 1ha plots that are carefully for off-farm storage, so reckon we should aim for managed and monitored, with a summer open the quality markets,” he explains. inputs, and I believe it’s ultimately through having day (usually) for other growers in the area. With reasonable disease scores, Philip feels healthier soils we can achieve healthier crops. “They’re not replicated trials, but it’s a good Zyatt is a good fit alongside the Firefly. “We’re So we’re looking for varieties that will complement opportunity to see them growing and gauge aiming to reduce crop protection and fertiliser our system to ensure we’re fit for the future.”

54 crop production magazine february 2021 Fit for the future

“The most interesting material comes out to the UK. We’re also working closely with of challenging conditions. KWS Cranium the academic community on public-funded powers through from a late sowing in Dec pre-breeding programmes such as or Jan, for example.” Designing Future Wheat, identifying traits Jacob notes that increasingly wheats and resistant genes in exotic and landrace are drilled in no-till situations. “We have to varieties.” respond to that and select varieties Standing power is a trait UK breeders with early vigour without the benefit of have always selected for, however. “The UK mineralised N from disturbed soils. We’re is relatively high-yielding with top-heavy always looking to associate the genetics with varieties that have always needed some of what we see in the field, but with these traits the stiffest straw in Europe, so UK wheats that’s super complex as there’s a whole are in a good position,” says Jacob. range of genes interacting to give the But again it’s not a trait with a close characteristic you’re after.” genetic association and relies on robust Growers are also looking for a broad screening to ensure a new variety Jacob Lage is looking to associate the genetics portfolio of wheats, notes John Miles, to introduction doesn’t literally flop. John Miles with what he sees in the field, but the traits he’s spread the workload when suitable windows adds that growers in the Fens are often the chasing are super complex. seem to be getting increasingly narrow. first to call out a wheat that slips through the “It’s where varieties like KWS Parkin fit in lodging net. “You rarely get weak-strawed a wheat to withstand high summer –– early to drill and early to combine, too.” varieties, but KWS Siskin was one where temperatures are again characteristics A changing climate will inevitably result some growers found its credentials didn’t that come through from the pan-European in a shift in pest and disease pressures. stand up in the field. Parkin does particularly programme. French wheats in particular “It’s where the advantage of having a well, though, being shorter and notably tend to have a faster maturity than UK types, pan-European breeding programme comes stiffer than many others. and suitable crosses can be selected that in,” notes Jacob. “It’s also worth noting that standing power have a fit in drier UK situations. “We may see more issues with fusarium conflicts with early season vigour –– if you’ve “There’s a good range of maturity in UK in the UK, for instance, and there’s some selected for one, you’ll have to manage wheats, from Parkin that’s Grafton early to promising resistance we’re selecting for in the other.” Cranium that’s a +2 on the AHDB French and German lines that we can bring Drought tolerance and the ability of Recommended List. It’s important to have a range of all varietal qualities, taking a more Variety profile flags up hidden weaknesses holistic view. If you select simply on the basis of 0.5t/ha yield difference, that’s a Risk management has always been part of the job benefit you’re increasingly unlikely to see for Prime Agriculture agronomists Steve Baldock as the climate becomes more challenging,” and Philip Simons. But the matrix of decisions is John Miles concludes. I getting undeniably more complicated. “While once it was a question of choosing a variety with the best standing ability if drilling Fit for the Future early, now you’re looking for good disease scores, slow development, BYDV tolerance and In this series of articles, CPM has teamed up competitiveness against blackgrass, as well as for the fourth year with KWS to explore how standing ability,” notes Philip. the wheat market may evolve, and profile A farm that follows a regenerative agriculture- Advising for clients across Norfolk and Suffolk, growers set to deliver ongoing profitability. style policy is looking for good disease scores they aim to put together a variety profile for each The aim is to focus on the unique factors and reliable establishment in a no-till scenario. business, explains Steve. “Firstly you’re fitting affecting variety performance, to optimise varieties to the situation, but you also have this and maximise return on investment. helps plan the season.” scheduling throughout the season in mind. So a It highlights the value plant genetics can Absolute yield may become less important, farm that follows a regenerative agriculture-style now play in variety selection as many factors argues Philip. “We all want 12-13t/ha, but a policy, for example, is looking for good disease are heavily influenced and even fixed by reliable average of 10t/ha with appropriate scores and reliable establishment in a no-till variety choice. costs may be a better strategy –– it’s the 6t/ha scenario. And will a first wheat stand well where KWS is a leading breeder of cereals, disaster you want to avoid. manure is applied? oilseeds, sugar beet and maize. As a “A variety that establishes well after roots will “But then growth through the spring and family-owned business, it is truly independent likely skip through its growth stages quickly in harvesting dates must be borne in mind, especially and entirely focussed on promoting success spring. Make sure you’re not faced with a large on larger units, so spraying and combining can through the continual improvement of block of rust-susceptible wheat that needs be prioritised for optimum results.” varieties with higher yields, spraying all at the same time, and remember Steve feels the approach shouldn’t be seen as strong disease and pest that a septoria score of 7 can behave like a 5 too restrictive. “The varieties you choose must resistance, and excellent when wheat is drilled early. It’s about spreading meet the farm’s main objectives. The advantage grain quality. We’re risk as weather becomes less predictable and of a detailed profile is that you identify any slight committed to your future extremes more frequent,” he says. weaknesses that need to be managed, and that just as much as you are.

crop production magazine february 2021 55 Now that we“ have left the EU, we are free to make coherent policy decisions based on science and evidence.”

Technical Consultations Your views matter

Two consultations were EU (CJEU) two years ago classed as available to farm sustainably, he said. genetically modified organisms (GMOs) “New biotechnologies are also enabling launched in the New Year on new plant-breeding technologies (NPBTs) the development of foods with much more issues that have a significant such as cisgenesis and new forms of direct benefit to the public, such as mutagenesis including GE. “The healthier oils, higher vitamin content impact on crop production. CJEU judgement was based on legal and products with a longer shelf life.” CPM brings together views interpretation, not on science. The UK But GE products cannot be used in opposed the judgement,” said George. organic farming, noted Helen Browning, on gene-editing and farm “Now that we have left the EU, we are CEO of the Soil Association during a assurance. free to make coherent policy decisions Green Alliance webinar on the subject. based on science and evidence.” “The issues around co-existence and By Tom Allen-Stevens liability still haven’t been resolved,” Different view she said. But devolved parliaments in Scotland and The technology risked diverting attention Wales take a different view on NPBTs. from problems such as soil health that suffer The government has launched its Scottish rural economy secretary Fergus from lack of research, she added. “We long-awaited consultation on the Ewing said the consultation was a shouldn’t use gene-editing to find a fix to regulation of genetic technologies. But pre-emptive move when the EU is agricultural problems –– it should be the issue may have divided the nation currently reviewing the CJEU decision. regulated in such a way that it doesn’t and has raised questions over trade with “Rather than pick a fight it’s more prudent encourage poor agricultural practice.” the EU and co-existence. to work with them,” he said. But Alex Smith, chair of Food and Drink “Techniques such as gene-editing (GE) Welsh Assembly environment minister Federation organic committee and a vocal are really a natural evolution of conventional Lesley Griffiths said there were concerns anti-GM campaigner said the tide of opinion approaches to plant breeding,” stated over the technology and she was “not on GE had now changed and approval was Defra Secretary of State George Eustice reassured” these had been resolved. “inevitable”. Writing in The Grocer, he in his address at the Oxford Farming “But maybe the consultation will address warned: “if the organic sector overtly Conference last month. these.” “What we are now able to do through Northern Ireland Assembly agriculture these techniques is to more accurately minister Edwin Poots pointed out the UK Rural ministers from England (top centre), move traits within the same species in a and EU already import “vast quantities” of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales (bottom way that could happen naturally and which GM crops from places like South America L to R) take different views on gene-editing. therefore respects the rules of nature. for livestock feed. He said GE technology It gives us the power to evolve plant has the potential to “put farmers in the varieties with particular traits far faster driving seat” on delivering solutions to than was ever possible with conventional critical issues such as climate change. breeding and this opens up huge It’s a benefit picked up by NFU vice opportunities to change our approach president Tom Bradshaw, who welcomes and embrace sustainable farming.” the consultation. NFU members should A ruling by the Court of Justice for the have the choice to access the best tools

56 crop production magazine february 2021 Consultations

What is a GMO?

This lies at the heart of the debate on NPBTs. genome that confers a new trait. Such mutations Under EU law, any process that involves the occur naturally every day, when a plant comes introduction of foreign DNA or RNA classes the under stress, for example, or it can be induced resulting product as GMO. But there are a through human intervention. A small change in number of ways through which a plant can the genome may switch off the activity of a undergo a genetic change: particular gene which allows or inhibits a Transgenesis is where DNA from another property, and it’s these phenotypical changes species has successfully been combined into the breeders have sought out for generations to CRISPR-Cas9 is a more precise gene-editing genome of the host plant. This confers a new trait, progress their lines. technique. such as herbicide tolerance or longer shelf life. These organisms are universally classified as GM. Is it natural? The cell tries to repair the damage, and that’s Cisgenesis is a term used by some scientists For decades, scientists have induced mutagenesis when the mutation occurs. By using different who argue for light-touch regulation, where DNA is to bring about new traits, using chemicals or enzymes and techniques, researchers can artificially transferred between organisms of the radiation, and the Clearfield trait is an example. deactivate or alter –– edit –– specific parts of the same species, such as from a wild relative to an More recently, more precise gene-editing genome, thereby conferring traits. Scientists argue elite potato variety to confer blight resistance. In techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 have been the genetic edits are simply a precise and Europe at least this is still classified as GM as introduced. CRISPRs are short RNA sequences predictable way of inducing a change that could nucleic acid sequences must be isolated and introduced into the host plant that recognise a have occurred naturally. But under EU law, the introduced using the same technologies that are specific stretch of genetic code. Cas9 enzymes introduction of foreign RNA, even though the RNA used to produce transgenic organisms. partner these sequences and cut the host DNA at is not present in the final plant material, classes Mutagenesis is a change or edit in the plant specific locations. current forms of CRISPR as GMO. opposes GE it is likely to be demonised of the technology and the benefits it could over what is meant by “natural” have by the press and marginalised by bring. “But we do have concerns for what been raised by director of GM Freeze policymakers.” this will do for trade with the EU, not just Liz O’Neill. She pointed to evidence FDF’s chief scientific officer Kate Halliwell within the organic sector.” of “off-target effects” from techniques said the federation was generally supportive Concerns that no criteria had been set such as CRISPR which could have L Consultations

to result in unintended consequences and the criteria around what is natural is one of the issues the consultation addresses. “There are opportunities to accelerate the process of breeding in resistance of crops to important pests and diseases. In sugar beet for example, it can take ten years to breed in resistance to virus yellows conventionally, while as little as two years with GE.” Ian Munnery of plant breeder SESVanderHave UK said NPBTs would The tide of opinion of consumers on GE may add “flexibility and agility” to breeding now have changed, but concerns remain over programmes which would at least halve trade with the EU if standards diverge. timescales to bring new traits to market. Photo: Shutterstock nd3000 Gene-editing offers plant breeders the ability to GE would enable breeders to build more evolve plant varieties with particular traits far durable resistance into varieties without faster than was ever possible with conventional compromising traits such as yield and breeding. suitability to early sowing, he said. But he warned against introducing an

L extra tier of regulation. “We have systems “unintended consequences”. that already check for varietal integrity Unlike GM, GE material cannot be tested that work very well in the UK’s National to determine if it was GE, and intellectual List and the EU’s Common Catalogue. property issues have not been addressed, The risk of over-regulating is that you she added. “If GE mimics what happens add cost, which erodes all the benefits,” naturally, then surely the technology can’t he pointed out. be patented?” G The consultation closes on 17 March. Defra chief scientist Prof Gideon The risk of over-regulating is that it adds cost and To submit your views, go to Henderson said that conventional erodes the benefits, while it also makes it difficult consult.defra.gov.uk and search selective breeding is just as likely as GE to carry out field trials. for gene-editing. I

58 crop production magazine february 2021 Consultations

Red Tractor responds to combinable crop concerns

With a consultation underway for Red Tractor Food including farmers and our sector boards. We are Assurance, concerns over its direction have risen reaching out to the whole industry to hear their to the surface. Many farmers understandably views –– positive and negative –– on the question why protocols appear to be tightening for proposals and this is a vital process. home-grown produce with little requirement of the While there has been a lot of rhetoric about same on imports. CPM put this question and standards being driven up unnecessarily, many others to AFS CEO Jim Moseley. of the proposals are about simplification and CPM: What is your vision for Red Tractor? providing greater clarity of what is expected Jim Moseley: In 2000, when consumer with changes to the format, language and Incorporating standards into Red Tractor, confidence in British Food was at an all-time low, requirements. and one inspection, is a much more efficient the NFU and others in the food chain, created After reading the individual proposals for and cost-effective option for farmers, says Red Tractor with the core purpose of reassuring themselves, arable farmers will draw their own Jim Moseley. consumers that British food and drink was safe conclusions of what the changes would mean for and responsibly produced. them and their business. Because the Red Tractor scheme is Twenty years on, Red Tractor has become the CPM: There are many farmers who feel RT recognised as equivalent to SAI platforms, our most trusted assurance scheme in the country, unnecessarily ‘gold plates’ regulation that members can also supply customers like and British is now the number one choice for most has no place in a scheme designed to Coca-Cola and Heineken. One Red Tractor consumers. Today our purpose remains the same underpin food safety (eg environmental inspection means a farmer’s crops can supply any as it was then –– to ensure British food and drink regulation). Moreover, there is a view these of these huge customers and other end users. is produced safety and responsibly. environmental regulations bring no Without farm assurance, that market access Our standards need to achieve two key competitive advantage to UK produce in is closed. objectives: First, meet the needs of consumers world trade, indeed the US claims they are There is a desire from other major brands to who expect high standards but shop keenly on a political tool. So why include them? use the logo, but inconsistencies in supply caused price and second, provide farmers and the Jim: Red Tractor’s core purpose is to reassure by variable harvests and a lack of self-sufficiency in supply chain with manageable standards, that consumers that food and drink is produced some sectors means it simply isn’t possible. ensure good practice and positive returns. safely and responsibly. In consumers eyes ‘food The UK is only about 85% self-sufficient in wheat. Getting that balance right then satisfies the produced responsibly’ means that the supply If the brand isn’t using 100% Red Tractor product, needs of other critical stakeholders, namely retail, chain has cared for the produce, the animals, they can’t use the logo. foodservice and government. For retail the planet and the employees. We acknowledge the challenges the sector and foodservice, the standards provide a buying Consumers assume the brands they buy have faces with imports, and continue to challenge specification and due diligence which means done all of that, which is why Red Tractor has brands to have a consistent approach to market access and reduced inspections. incorporated environmental standards including standards for their sourcing of inputs to their Government will extend ‘earned recognition’ to the Sustainable Use Directive for many years. products. The important point remains that many Red Tractor farmers and use the standards to To drop environmental standards would not UK customers demand Red Tractor standards underpin export, again giving market access only weaken Red Tractor, it would also be and only buy from an assured chain. and reduced inspections. detrimental to farmers. The need for greater The consultation ends on 5 March. To have Red Tractor and its sector boards and environmental protection and sustainability is in your say on the Standards Review 2021, go to technical committees constantly strive to achieve the headlines all the time. Farming like all other https://assurance.redtractor.org.uk/ a balance that benefits all stakeholders. If the industries, has to do its bit to minimise its impact standard is too weak then retailers will add on the planet. Tractor trouble: many farmers question why bolt-ons and additional inspections, and we will If Red Tractor didn’t include environmental protocols appear to be tightening for home- lose our recognition with government and most standards, they would inevitably be picked up grown produce with little requirement of the importantly our relevance to British consumers. by another agency or stakeholder who would same on imports. Conversely if standards are too tough, it may not develop their own standards and inspection. be valued in the market. Incorporating them into Red Tractor, and But we cannot afford to be stagnant. We have therefore one inspection, is a much more a duty to our members to evolve. Brexit offers the efficient and cost-effective option for farmers. UK farming and food sector opportunities and CPM: Very few combinable crop products challenges in equal measure. I would encourage carry the RT logo, so what value does it farmers to have confidence that Red Tractor gets bring to the cereal and oilseed growers who the balance right. pay for it? CPM: What are the main changes you Jim: The Red Tractor logo is in fact used hope arable farmers will see as a result of and valued by high-profile brands which are the current consultation? household names. Weetabix, Shredded Wheat, Jim: I don’t want to pre-empt the consultation Silver Spoon, Carling lager, Marriage’s flour to which is open until March and will be further name a few. The UK’s largest retailer, Tesco, scrutinised by our technical advisory boards, proudly displays the logo on its flour, as do which include experts across the sector other large retailers with own-label products.

crop production magazine february 2021 59 impact that’s long-lasting for reduce inputs and wastage, to Though the 2020s hasn’t got generations to come? the fertiliser manufacturers off to the same ‘roaring’ start Climate change is the biggie creating ‘greener’ products, as per the previous century, for me, and I think, as an and machinery designers that doesn’t need to stem the industry, this is the single most and engineers making sure progression we can make over important area that we can have emission targets can be met, the next decade. a huge influence over, to reset we all have a role to play. In another hundred years’ the standards of practice and That said, I think we can be time, although I probably won’t carve out a better world and proud that a lot of growers are be around to see the results, it’s landscape for those who come already making great progress nice to think that we could have after us, who will sit back one in this area –– and CPM’s done our bit, and really made a day and think “those guys really Climate Change Champion difference for the generations made a difference.” initiative last year highlighted to come. 100 years later... In a survey in this month’s just that, which continues issue, 75% of growers we asked into 2021. said they felt they need to do In last Feb’s issue, I wrote In 1921, dentistry became a more to reduce their farms’ about the importance of those regulated profession for the impact on the environment, so who are doing something first time, postal services were in CPM, this is something we’re different, thinking outside the suspended on Sundays, and going to be focusing on a lot box and really leading the way the British Legion held the this year. in terms of progression, and it’s first ‘official’ Poppy Day. So within the machinery my belief that these are the At the time, the generation pages, we’ll be using this growers, makers and creators probably had no idea just opportunity to challenge the that ought to have a light how much of an impact these industry and manufacturers to shined on them. Originally hailing from Devon, things would have, yet some find out what they’re doing to So please, if you’ve invested Charlotte Cunningham is now 100 years later they still remain make our targets and goals more in something that’s helping based in Warwicks and when part of our annual calendar attainable –– and if they’re not you work to reduce your not busy filling the pages of and day-to-day lives. doing anything, why not? carbon footprint or just doing CPM, can be found in the The turn of a new year After a year of fear and things a little more efficiently, garden, or exploring the always marks a time for uncertainty, 2021 is not a year for then do get in touch as I’d countryside with two crazy reflection, which got me complacency. It’s time we stand love to hear from you –– who spaniels in tow. thinking this month and up and make a difference. knows, your story may be [email protected] wondering in 2021 what will we So from the farmer switching the one that spurs someone @charcunningham do, and how will we have an to variable rate application to else to make a difference…

100 years ago saw the first “official” Poppy Day.

60 crop production magazine february 2021

We’re “continuing to make great strides towards improving accuracy.”

Precision pushes Machinery Fertiliser spreaders progress

The capabilities of spreader accuracy –– both lateral and longitudinal, actually controlling the application rate,” technology have soared in says Simon Browne, the firm’s managing explains Simon. director. “With regard to longitudinal, we’ve ProfisPro includes the interaction of the recent years, with many new developed the Profis weigh cell system Profis weighing system with the new designs being able to push over the past 20 years which enables any FlowControl torque measuring system. In deviations of the actual application rate this respect, FlowControl is equipped with the boundaries when from the target rate to be accurately one sensor per spreading disc, so that the it comes to precision identified. torque on each individual disc can be application. CPM takes a look monitored, he adds. “The correlation Measures in real time between application rates and the torque at what’s new on the market. “The weigh cells on the current generated at the spreading disc at spreader programme measure the weight different working widths have been By Charlotte Cunningham changes 200 times/sec and automatically determined for all types of fertiliser on adjusts the shutter positions every 25kg. the basis of numerous spreading tests. The biggest advantage of the weighing “Put simply –– low application rates As with everything in agriculture at system is that it measures in real time, generate less torque on the disc than present, there’s a huge focus on and so the application rate is therefore higher rates. FlowControl reliably monitors precision when it comes to fertiliser kept at the optimum all the time –– even the torque on each spreading disc drive spreaders. In the case of fertiliser, this when side, border, water course or independently and can immediately precision is essential not only for wedge-shaped spreading.” adjust the position of the application rate improving profitability, but also for For 2021, Amazone has further shutters in the event of a deviation from minimising the environmental impact improved this accuracy with the the target rate.” these products have. introduction of ProfisPro, where the weigh This combination of weighing system And this notion has certainly been cells work in combination with a torque- and FlowControl enables the fertiliser reflected in spreader design over recent measuring disc-load monitoring system. spreader to use torque in order to regulate years, with manufacturers making a “ProfisPro means that any changes in flow its theoretical application rate over the conscious effort to ensure their product characteristics from either disc are sensed entire spreading process, explains Simon. applies fertiliser as accurately as possible. and the aperture size increased to equal “The Profis weighing system monitors the Amazone are among the manufacturers up the flow between the left and right discs actual spread rate every 25kg. This allows making great strides towards improving – although the weigh cell system is what is FlowControl to recalibrate itself at regular L

62 crop production magazine february 2021

Fertiliser spreaders

L intervals. This takes place without any The Amazone Connect system also now need to stop. allows smartphone connectivity with the “The ProfisPro intelligent weighing spreader, meaning any settings generated system means that the spread rate is from the app can be uploaded into the optimised from the very first second of the spreader without the need for manual spreading process. In addition, the driver input. has an overview of the actual quantity Amazone’s ArgusTwin system has 14 remaining in the hopper at all times as well radars constantly watching the fertiliser as the possibility to display the remaining leaving the disc and then automatically travelling distance until empty.” compensates for any change in spread This new system is available for both pattern caused by fertiliser quality, slope of the mechanical PTO-drive ZA-TS Profis field or operator driving style, says Simon. Tronic and the hydraulically driven ZA-TS “When used in conjunction with (or ZG-TS trailed) Profis Hydro models, WindControl, the real time wind speed, For 2021, Amazone has further improved he adds. strength and direction is given to the spreader accuracy with the introduction of spreader which then compensates for the ProfisPro. Simply set-up wind effect by changing disc speed or In terms of the accuracy of lateral drop point. distribution, the firm has also tried to “WindControl also has a new simplify set up with the introduction of the anemometer for more sensitivity and mySpreader App. “This rolls the existing reliability which has replaced the existing EasyCheck tray testing App and the sensors on the market –– and now comes FertiliserService database now into one as standard on 2021 spreaders.” so that you can find the settings for your Headland accuracy also continues to fertiliser by brand, granule size, chemical be a big talking point and one of the main analysis, country etc,” says Simon. drivers for some operators switching to “It’s then possible to verify those liquid fertiliser to get neater “ins and outs” settings using the EasyCheck purple on the headland, believes Simon. “In light mats, whereby you throw out the mats of this, Amazone’s AutoTS system gives in the field, spread over them and then us more fertiliser and so more yield in photograph the number of granules on that outer few metres, plus the new each mat. The app then tells you how to HeadlandControl improves the ins and outs Set up has been simplified with the introduction adjust the spreader –– if necessary –– to by swinging the spread pattern round into of the mySpreader App. improve the pattern.” the field to give more overlap when turning on the ends. App solutions “This coupled with the DynamicSpread 128 section shut-off on the ends means that maximum yield and minimum lodging A new mobile app from French-firm Sulky is can be achieved with the TS spreaders.” offering growers permanent access to the Looking at how much more yield can Fertitest helpdesk from wherever they are –– be achieved around the headland is without the need for internet connection. something that Amazone has been Sulky’s Fertitest has actually been around researching for quite some time, and as a for over 15 years, but this new application result, the firm has been able to develop format means growers can now personalise a Border Spreading Calculator. “Amazone and change their spreader settings from developed the border spreading disc in wherever they are. 1980, and even then, the yield potential The app contains a notepad for operators to of the field boundary area was apparent,” create a profile for each fertiliser product used A new mobile app from Sulky is offering growers says Simon. and each adjustment required. Further details permanent access to the Fertitest helpdesk Initially, the border spreading system can be added to note adjustments needed without the need for internet connection. provided an improved lateral distribution based on observations in real conditions, which of fertiliser from the headland tramline can be accessed each time that product profile If a product is not listed on the database, to the field boundary combined with a is used. adjustments for Sulky machines can still reduction in the amount of fertiliser spread A user can log in to their account to find be generated by manually inputting the beyond the field boundary. “Today, the their previous settings and adjustments, characteristics of the fertiliser. This functionality border spreading systems from Amazone without having to search for each product is also available in disconnect mode, without are both precise and flexible. For example, and configure the machine each time. the need for mobile internet. operators can not only decide between The database contains references of The new Fertitest app is available through normal and border spreading without more than 1500 granular and solid fertiliser Apple’s App Store, or Android’s Google Play having to stop or climb down from the products, with indicative adjustments for each store, and continues to be accessible on tractor but can also select the various Sulky fertiliser spreader. desktop, too. border spreading options from the cab too.”

64 crop production magazine february 2021 Fertiliser spreaders

The firm has tested its AutoTS border spreading system in trials over several years. “For this we created artificial field boundaries in the centre of fields in large-scale trials, in order to minimise the effect of the margins such as shading, under-fertilisation stretching over several years or competition for water resources from hedgerows and trees,” explains Simon. “We used the AutoTS system fitted to a ZA-TS and ZG-TS in the trials and compared these with conventional border spreading procedures, in accordance with current practice, and combined the crop from the trial plots.” The yields from the outermost metre, the outer 3m and the outer 5m of the field were EasyCheck purple mats can be used to verify spreader settings. measured and the reference yields of the test fields were also recorded, in order to compare the values. The yield results showed that there was a significant difference between the various border spreading systems in the trials on the outer 5m of the plots. “Using conventional border spreading procedures, average yields of approximately 68% of the reference yield of the field were obtained in the field boundary area,” says Simon. “In comparison, an average yield of approximately 85% of the reference yield was recorded in the field boundary area with AutoTS. “As a result, we were able to deduce that the average additional yield with AutoTS is around 17% higher than conventional systems.” For those looking for a cheap screen in the cab to monitor the GPS functions, but wanting to use the ISOBUS screen to do the spreader settings, then all 2021 spreaders can be linked from the AmaTron 4 control box to a tablet using the downloadable AmaTronTwin App. If you need something a little bigger, Amazone continues to offer high-performance spreaders such as the ZA-V 2600 ecoSuperior with its high output 6.5kg/sec, spreading up to 28m, points out Simon. “The normal ZA-V can also be fitted with the new EasySet 2 in-cab terminal which does away with the need for tractor hydraulics and operates the shutters and Limiter V+ via push buttons in the cab as well as offering speed-related spread rate control and half-side shut-off. The watercourse, eco or side spreading settings can be saved in the box as well for the Limiter V+ so that the headland spread can be changed on the move for when passing streams and ditches or roads around the headland. L Fertiliser spreaders

available in 30, 32 and 36m widths. automatic section control (Kuhn Multirate According to the firm, the Aero GT 6). When used in combination with a replaces the AGT 6036 in Kuhn’s current variable rate map, each individual unit can range, with upgrades on its predecessor also apply a different fertiliser rate. including a significant 25% increase in The possibility of applying a different the maximum application rate, greater application rate every 6m across the width precision in section control, and of the machine is ideally suited to those improvements in the control unit, farmers who are looking to maximize the calibration, and maintenance. control of their inputs, says the firm. Higher application rates are possible Other refinements include improved due to increased mass flow characteristics kinematics, with calibration claimed to be brought about by a bigger air intake and significantly simpler for the operator. In larger capacity pipes. For example, when addition, the fan units are fitted with The Border Spreading Calculator helps growers spreading urea to 36m, application rates of maintenance-free bearings and the material get more from the headlands. up to 320kg/ha are possible for the Aero thickness has been increased on the GT when travelling at 15kph, compared wearing elements, improving the machine’s L Kuhn with 250kg/ha from the AGT. durability, and reducing the running costs. Kuhn is also bringing something new to the A new metering system on the Aero GT market with the launch of the Aero GT 60.1, incorporates six individual units that can be KRM/Bredal a trailed pneumatic boom spreader that’s shut off independently when using North-Yorks distributor, KRM, are adding to the options for UK growers with Bredal’s new mounted fertiliser spreader –– capable of throwing up to 40m –– available for delivery from this spring. The ISBOBUS-ready F4W boasts more accurate section control, with a 12-section set up that can adjust spread independently to either side when working in irregular shaped fields. What’s unique about the F4W is that the fertiliser is metered by two individual 20cm wide feed belts from the hopper to each disc, explains Mike Britton, managing director. “This positive feed eliminates the need for agitation, which may cause damage to “softer” prilled materials and always ensures the same rate to each disc. A wide range of products can be metered including prilled and granular fertilisers, straights, blends and more difficult materials such as salts, which can’t be handled by conventional gravity-feed machines. “Consistent application rate is ensured irrespective of changes in humidity, weather conditions, slope or quality of material.” Looking to the nuts and bolts, two 80cm diameter discs are driven either from the tractor pto through the Bredal twin V-belt drive system, or by an individual hydraulic motor for each disc. The discs spin toward each other to provide a double, double overlap spread pattern with tolerance at working widths from 12m to 40m –– dependent on material, while carbide coated vanes give high wear resistance, up to three times longer than stainless steel, adds Mike. To meet the latest environmental standards for headland spreading, a novel reduction gear system has been fitted to one spinning disc drive. “Operating a single lever reduces the

66 crop production magazine february 2021 Fertiliser spreaders

Kuhn is also bringing an update to the market with the launch of the Aero GT 60.1 trailed pneumatic boom spreader. speed of the disc toward the position when approaching headland by half to produce or leaving the headland. In an adjustable, sharp cut-off addition, the spread can be at the field boundary, without adjusted to left or right to affecting the spread pattern match irregular shaped fields into the field. If hydraulic driven or angled headlands.” discs are chosen, then the left Hopper capacity ranges or right disc can be selected from 1500-4000 litres and from the tractor seat for standard specification includes headland spreading.” weigh cells to monitor the The Bredal ISO display also hopper contents –– with integral allows the operator to select tilt sensor for accurate weight any application rate, at any reading even on slopes, giving spread width and for any the operator a continuous material directly from the display of the actual weight of tractor cab. “It also enables fertiliser in the hopper. adjustment of rate on the move Also standard is a hopper and provides warning functions access ladder and LED rear for floorbelt drive, disc speed lighting. “Optional equipment etc,” says Mike. includes hopper extensions, To give an accurate spread manual or hydraulic opening over the total field area, hopper cover, hydraulically Headland Section Control is operated headland system and standard on the F4W. “This micro-dosing system for slug automatically switches on or pellets or cover crops,” off the spreading at the correct adds Mike. I

North-Yorks distributor, KRM, is adding to the options for UK growers with Bredal’s new mounted fertiliser spreader, available for delivery from this spring.

crop production magazine february 2021 67 As with every“ decision on the farm it had to be commercially viable, balancing costs against the potential benefits.”

Trials uncover secrets Machinery Innovation Delve to success

With cover crops becoming benefits, crop establishment specialist, which was partially successful. Then we a more frequent part of Claydon Drills, and Hutchinsons have been evaluated a commercial cover crop mix carrying out trials at Claydon’s 360ha farm containing a high proportion of black oats, rotations, Claydon Drills in Suffolk to assess the interaction between which established quickly, tillered readily, and Hutchinsons have different stubble management techniques, and generated an extensive root network. establishment methods and cover crop But that approach did not sit well in our been carrying out trials to mixes. cereals/OSR rotation and clearly if we assess the interaction “The initial findings are very encouraging were to continue with cover crops it and mark a significant step forward in our between different stubble understanding of how to get the best out management techniques, of cover crops,” explains Jeff Claydon. “We’ve tried cover crops in the past with establishment methods and mixed results and even a couple of years cover crop mixes. CPM ago were still very much in two minds explores the findings so far. about their potential usefulness. Commercially viable By Rob Jones “However, it was early days in the process of identifying what cover crop species As pressure mounts on growers to were best suited to this farm and we had protect soils and diversify –– in terms of not reached any firm conclusions, so what they’re putting in the ground –– the decided to work with Hutchinsons to benefits of cover cropping have gained identify the best approach going forward. significant momentum in recent years. As with every decision on the farm it had Cover crops can be relatively to be commercially viable, balancing costs inexpensive to grow and when used in against the potential benefits. combination with an effective stubble “Previously, on fields that were to be The initial findings are very encouraging and management programme can deliver spring drilled, we had simply left weeds mark a significant step forward in the farm’s significant agronomic, economic, and and volunteers to act as a no-cost cover understanding of how to get the best out of ecological benefits. crop in the autumn, taking care not to let cover crops, says Jeff Claydon. And to explore the full extent of these slug numbers build up, an approach

68 crop production magazine february 2021 Innovation Delve

considering cost and reliability. “Given this complex interaction, my advice is for growers to involve an agronomist with specialist knowledge of cover crops to help identify the best options for their specific situation.”

Optimum results Looking ahead –– and on the machinery side of things –– for the 2020/21 season the farm plans to grow just over 200ha of winter wheat, all feed varieties as there are several good homes for those locally, Claydon Drills and Hutchinsons have been explains Jeff. “The balance of our 326ha carrying out the trials at Claydon’s 360ha farm comprises 46ha of OSR, 25ha of winter in Suffolk. beans and 55ha of spring oats. Last year all autumn-drilled crops were established creates ideal conditions for this to occur,” using our 15m Straw Harrow followed by he says. a 6m Hybrid drill, nothing else, leaving “It’s important to adopt a ‘little and often’ enough spare capacity to take on 400ha approach and appreciate the different contract drilling. It couldn’t get much requirements in winter and spring cropping It’s crucial that cover crop mixes incorporate simpler than that, but achieving optimum situations, know how and when to use the multiple species, advises Dick Neale. results requires the right equipment to be Straw Harrow, then tailor operations to your used in the right way, at the right time.” own soils and conditions. would be necessary to identify more viable And key to this is effective stubble “It’s all about having the discipline to go alternatives.” management, which is an essential in with the Straw Harrow early, even though Black oats produce large amounts of component of any efficient, sustainable, few weeds are visible, and it might seem biomass and more mineral nitrogen than profitable crop production system, premature. other cover crops like rye, but though they according to Jeff, but operations must be “If you look closely though, you’ll see work well in a brassicas/vegetable rotation well-timed and carried out correctly to countless cotyledons just emerging, which they’re a difficult option where cereals are ensure that they are effective and produce is the best time to take them out. Using the grown, explains Hutchinsons’ technical maximum benefits. Straw Harrow when these cotyledons are manager, Dick Neale. “But just because “One of our primary tasks after harvest less than 20mm tall will kill 70% and something doesn’t work in one situation is to encourage weeds and volunteers to repeating the operation several times will it might be exactly right in another. germinate quickly and then take them out dramatically reduce weed populations. That’s why each of the species in our using a combination of mechanical and “When, eventually, we apply glyphosate cover crop mixes has been specifically chemical methods. The Straw Harrow it’s as a single, full-strength dose prior to selected on technical merit to offer provides the high-humidity conditions drilling, which maximises its effectiveness

as much diversity as possible, while necessary to kick-start the process and and reduces the risk of resistance. Multiple L Innovation Delve

L passes with the Straw Harrow will also knock out slugs and destroy their eggs, helping to create ideal conditions for drilling and crops that germinate evenly in seven to 10 days.” Effective stubble management has become particularly important following the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments and some products to control grassweeds as there is a fear that the aphid vectors of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) will increase significantly. However, Jeff believes that this can be Jeff believes that effective stubble management is an essential component of any efficient, sustainable, reduced considerably by managing profitable crop production system. stubbles and taking away the green bridge Choosing the right mix

Within their portfolio, Hutchinsons offer three The mix also contains legumes and brassicas over-winter cover crop mixes: which provides a varied food source for soil G MaxiCover, a general-purpose mix which is microbes, while its diversity and the low drilled at 12.5kg/ha, suits a wide variety of inclusion rate of each plant type reduces the risk situations and soil types. of exacerbating rotational pest or disease issues, G MaxiN, which is used at 15kg/ha maximises he adds. the fixation of nitrogen through its higher ratio “The buckwheat in MaxiCover is extremely of legumes, allowing rates of applied N to be reliable and will grow almost anywhere, but very reduced in the following crop, subject to susceptible to frost. The heavy calcareous clay correct management. soil on the Claydon farm has a high calcium G MaxiRooter, sown at 12.5kg/ha, uses species base and this attracts phosphate and locks it up, with larger rooting systems and is designed so plant roots can have difficulty in accessing to break up light soils or bust through shallow this vital nutrient. Buckwheat produces acids compaction. which help to release phosphate and therefore All incorporate the same eight species, the plays a valuable role in achieving a correct ratios of each being adjusted according to the nutrient balance in the soil. situation in which they are used. This enables “Fodder radish aids weed suppression, while them to work consistently, so growers can be its large taproot helps to improve soil structure Buckwheat is an extremely reliable crop, grows confident of good results, explains Dick. by breaking up compaction and scavenging almost anywhere and the acids it produces help “The diversity of species in these mixes nitrogen from the soil. This is stored in the to release phosphorus locked-up by calcium in means that, regardless of weather, soil tubers which rot away quite quickly once the the soil. conditions, field aspect and establishment crop is sprayed off, so the nitrogen is given back methods, you’ll end up with a viable cover crop, quite rapidly and benefits the following crop. 12.5kg/ha where the Claydon leading tine/twin tine because even if a couple don’t thrive because “However, where farms grow OSR it’s set-up was used.” conditions aren’t right for them in that particular important not to include too high a proportion of Though there are some obvious benefits, situation, others will grow. seeds from the brassica family, such as radish, cover crops are still a relatively new concept in “MaxiCover, which was used in this trial, as these encourage slugs. That’s the case on the UK, so most farmers and agronomists are should be drilled as soon as possible in the the Claydon farm, which is why we used a mix still evaluating what works and what doesn’t, summer after the previous crop has been containing higher levels of crimson clover, adds Dick. “This is an ongoing process, and we harvested, and certainly no later than mid-Sept. berseem clover and hairy vetch.” are continually reviewing results from trials then It contains linseed (28.5%), buckwheat (8%), Linseed can also be a helpful addition as it’s adjusting the formulation of our bespoke cover phacelia (11%), daikon radish (2.5%), fodder an excellent indicator of soil conditions, which crop mixes as additional information becomes radish (5.5%), brown mustard (13%), hairy have to be good for it to thrive, points out Dick. available. In each case it is important to use the vetch (7%) and crimson clover (24.5%). This “The occurrence of linseed was noticeably recommended amount of seed to achieve the provides a wide diversity in terms of crop cover higher in the plot which was drilled using the optimum plant density and avoid spending more and the rooting structures, which penetrate both Claydon leading tine followed by the twin tine on chemicals later. vertically and horizontally, help to structure the than in the no-till area. While the soil right “When choosing a cover crop always consider soil and create drainage channels. across the Claydon farm is in excellent which is best suited to your individual situation, “Having various plant canopy profiles condition, it was still noticeably more difficult to taking account of a range of factors, from how provides good soil armour and weather dig into the no-till plot and the structure of the soil much time it will have to grow to whether a protection which has a positive effect in terms was ‘blocky’. Under those conditions a higher seed cultivator-type drill will be available to cut of controlling grassweeds, as well as further rate would be needed to compensate and to through the mass of roots that will be created, improving soil condition.” achieve the best results, 14kg/ha compared with otherwise this approach might not be realistic.”

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specialist low-disturbance type. One area of the trial plot was established with the standard Claydon Opti-Till set-up, comprising the leading tine which relieves compaction and aerates the soil followed by a seeding tine fitted with a 20cm-wide A-share. In another area, the farm used the same leading tine followed by Claydon’s new lower-disturbance ‘LD’ twin-tine kit and finally double front-cutting discs ahead of the twin-tine kit to minimise soil disturbance. But of course, the question is –– how did these different establishment methods compare in the field? Where no cover crop was established the soil was much “tighter” and “blockier”. Tilthy soil “From what we have seen so far, the glyphosate at the end of Nov, taking out leading tine in combination with the A most of the blackgrass that was in there, One area of cover crop was established using the share or twin tine set-up seems to suit our by which time the buckwheat had been Claydon Twin Tine kit in combination with the conditions best, as the front tine creates killed off by the first frost. The field has standard leading tine. an area of tilthy soil with moisture retained been left over winter and another full into which the seed is sown so that it dose of glyphosate will be applied before effect. “It also enables drilling to be germinates reliably and quickly,” explains drilling just to take out any remaining delayed, but to do that with any degree of Jeff. “We’re finding this produces a better vegetation. The spring oats will be drilled certainty you must be able to get the crop plant take and more species survive where from the end of Feb onwards, depending in the ground quickly, which means not the cover crop is drilled, which maximises on conditions. having too many operations before sowing. the value and benefits derived from the “These trials have confirmed that cover “After harvesting oilseed rape during the seed. But, as with the choice of cover crops will provide a valuable management final week of July last year we immediately crops, other options may be more suitable tool for the future. Where they have been got to work with the Straw Harrow to in other situations. grown surplus moisture has been extracted distribute the chopped straw evenly and “What’s certain is that in all cases the from the soil, leaving it drier, warmer, and create a fine, level, 2cm-deep tilth. cover crop has produced a mass of fizzing with earthworms. That could buy us “It covers 20 ha/hr, and the operation roots, but the above-ground cover is not several additional weeks of drilling time in uses a little over 1 l/ha of diesel, so it’s fast, overly thick and will be easy to drill with the autumn, allowing greater latitude in low-cost and should be repeated every any of the Hybrid configurations. The terms of drilling dates and further reducing seven to 14 days when soil conditions are cover crop was sprayed off with weather risk.” I favourable. Little soil is moved, so if the weather does turn wet this mini tilth will Trial summary and findings dry out quickly, allowing another pass with the Straw Harrow or drilling with a G Trial using Hutchinsons’ MaxiCover mix Claydon Hybrid.” (containing linseed; buckwheat; phacelia; This season, on 55ha destined for spring daikon radish; fodder radish; brown oats, the farm has used Hutchinsons’ mustard; hairy vetch; and crimson clover). MaxiCover cover crop mix costing G 15cm Straw Harrow was used across approximately £35/ha. “This was drilled OSR stubble to kick-start the process of on 9 Aug, at 12.5kg/ha, using three germinating volunteers and weed seeds approaches, including the new low and as part of the stubble management no-disturbance LD options for Claydon programme. Hybrid drills, explains Jeff. G Establishment techniques included: “With a few simple, quick modifications - The standard Opti-Till set-up any new or existing Hybrid drill can now - The Claydon Twin Tine kit in combination be used for conventional sowing, lower with the standard leading tine disturbance establishment and zero-till G Where no cover crop was established, seeding, with or without fertiliser placement the soil was much ‘tighter’ and ‘blockier’. between or in the seeded rows, directly G The most successful method on into stubbles, chopped straw, cover Fodder radish aids weed suppression, while its Claydon’s farm was using a Claydon crops and grassland,” he notes. “This large taproot helps to improve soil structure by Hybrid equipped with the standard makes them a much more versatile, breaking up compaction and stores the nitrogen Claydon set-up of leading tine followed cost-effective solution compared with it scavenges from the soil. by a 7” A-share on the seeding tine. having to purchase a strip till drill and

crop production magazine february 2021 71 Going to great lengths

There seems to“ be a lot of demand for these machines at the moment and I can see why. Machinery ” On Farm Opinion

The value of low-disturbance have some initial apprehensions. “When than the Sprinter crop. I first received the machine, I was “However, by Dec things had completely kit is rapidly gaining traction concerned about the row spacing, so we changed and the Avatar crop had more in UK agriculture. CPM finds decided to run a trial comparing the 12m biomass and looked much healthier.” Avatar with our Sprinter (also 12m).” In terms of the numbers, in Dec, Harry out how trying something Row spacing is a big topic surrounding recorded average tillers of 3.1 on the Avatar new has provided some the use of the 12m Avatar at the moment crop and 2.6 on the Sprinter crop. And in as this model goes up to 25cm rows –– terms of root length, the Avatar-drilled wheat unexpected results for one compared with a 16.7cm coulter spacing averaged 15.1cm, compared with 14.4cm on the standard version. on the Sprinter crop. Notts grower. “From our initial observations, we noticed By Charlotte Cunningham Coulter spacing that that emergence percentage was without On the Sprinter 12 SW the coulters are a doubt better with the Avatar than the at 30cm spacing and place the seed in Sprinter.” a 15cm band, whereas the Avatar 12.25 SD So what’s the reason behind this? While As agriculture carefully approaches has a coulter spacing of 25cm row spacing again, it may be too early to tell, Harry has an era in which farming with the and places the seed in a single row –– an inkling as to why this improvement may environment in mind will be at the approximately 2cm wide. be so. “We’ve theorised a lot of things, forefront of priorities, there’s much The trial involved drilling a crop of wheat but I think the most likely driver behind discussion over the “best” way of into a field that was previously OSR –– one the improved rooting is that less soil doing things. plot with the trusted Sprinter, and another movement effectively means less This conversation is nothing new, and with the new unproven Avatar, he explains. mineralised nitrogen. This means that the when it comes to how “best” to care for “In terms of conditions, the field had plant needs to search more for nutrition the soil –– without hindering production volunteers left to green up and were then and therefore put a bigger root down. –– the pros and cons of traditional tillage vs terminated with a Horsch Joker. The land is “There seems to be a lot of demand minimum, or reduced, tillage have been the medium bodied and the wheat went in under for these drills at the moment and I can see L subject of a longstanding debate. good conditions at the end of Sept last year.” And as a result of the growing interest –– And while it’s too early to address the and scientific backing –– of the benefits of initial concerns over row spacing, Harry’s reduced movement, there’s been a surge in trials have actually uncovered some low disturbance kit on the market. unexpected results that highlight just how Notts grower, Harry Barton, has been beneficial this low-disturbance approach can running this type of machinery on farm for be. “What we’ve identified so far is that quite some time. “We’ve run Horsch’s there’s an interesting difference in root length Sprinter machines on and off for decades between the two establishment methods. but last year, we thought we’d try the Avatar Initially the Sprinter-drilled crop looked the The Avatar SD range is available in a number of –– also from Horsch –– after hearing so many stronger, better crop. In Oct last year, the working widths and can be equipped with up to good things about it.” Avatar-drilled wheat was showing less bio- three hoppers. Despite its good reputation, Harry did mass –– though it did have more root growth

72 crop production magazine february 2021

On Farm Opinion

Horsch’s Avatar – the spec

For those considering investing in the Avatar, there’s a number of different options available – all with slightly different specs: 3.16 SD 4.16 SD 6.16 SD 8.16 SD 12 SD Working width (m) 3 4 6 8 12 Transport width (m) 2.99 2.99 2.89 2.98 2.98 Transport height (m) 3.5 3.5 3.06 3.98 3.8 Length lower linkage (m) 6.96 6.96 7.82*** 7.82*** —- Length adjustable drawbar linkage (m) 7.80 7.80 —- —- —- Weight (kg) 3620* 4800* 5300*** 7000** 9000 Seed hopper capacity single hopper (litres) 2800 2800 3500 3500 5800 Feed opening single hopper (m) 1 x 2.4 1 x 2.4 1 x 2.4 1 x 2.4 0.66 x 0.94 Filling height single hopper (m) 2.85 2.85 2.52 2.92 2.8 Seed hopper capacity double hopper (litre) 3800 3800 5000 5000 5800 Feed opening double hopper (m) per per per per per 0.66 x 0.90 0.66 x 0.90 0.66 x 0.90 0.66 x 0.90 0.66 x 0.94 Filling height double hopper (m) 3.24 3.24 2.35 3.26 2.8 Feed opening triple hopper (m) 0.66 x 0.43 / 0.66 x 0.25 / 0.66 x 1.45 —- —- —- Seed hopper capacity triple hopper (litres) 3800 (30 : 10 : 60) —- — —- Filling height triple hopper (m) 2.95 2.95 —- —- —- Hopper capacity micro-granular unit (litres) 200 200 270 270 390 Number of seed coulters 18 24 36 48 48 (row spacing 25cm) Coulter pressure seed coulters (kg) 350 350 350 350 350 Seed coulter (cm) 48 48 48 48 48 Closing wheels (cm) 33 33 33 33 33 Depth control wheels (cm) 40 40 40 40 40 Row spacing (cm) 16.7 16.7 16.7 16.7 25 Working speed (km/h) 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15 6 – 15 Power demand (hp) from 125 140 210 270 300 *Weight of the machine with minimum equipment without additional weights at the front and at the rear (1000kg). ** Weights of the machines with minimum equipment without additional weights at the front and at the rear (1400kg). *** Length of the machine with lower link linkage without filling auger.

74 crop production magazine february 2021 On Farm Opinion

L why. It’s a fantastic machine, very simple The chassis system is slim for safe, to use and remarkably good in the wet. narrow transport along with a weight transfer It’s definitely something I’ll be carrying system during operation which takes the on with.” weight off the cart and distributes it to the With weed control being a large part of tool bar to eliminate compaction risk and the reason that some growers choose to wheel tracks. A single rank tool bar gives switch to a lower disturbance system, Harry easy access for adjustments, he adds. plans to test the Avatar’s capabilities in this “The Avatar SD takes a common-sense area too. “Going forward, we plan to assess approach in design to incorporate basic blackgrass tiller numbers in the trial too. So agronomic principles for securing maximum The Avatar boasts a stable depth control wheel far, things are looking rather interesting with yield potentials.” for precise positioning of the coulter in changing noticeably less blackgrass where the Avatar The Avatar SD range is available in a or difficult soil conditions. has been used directly into stubble/catch number of working widths and can be crops, compared with where both the equipped with up to three hoppers, making help reduce soil compaction, even if the Sprinter and the Avatar were used into it a versatile choice for growers, he adds. hopper is full, and there’s also the possibility cultivated ground. Again, we believe this The two-bar design, with a row spacing of to mount additional weights to guarantee a is due to the Avatar’s very low disturbance 16.7cm and a clearance of 33.4cm per row, safe forming of the furrow and firming of the drilling style.” means reliability even with a lot of harvest seed with the SingleDisc coulter even in the residues or intensive catch crop population, most difficult conditions.” Growing market explains Stephen. “Large transport wheels In terms of precision, the Avatar SD L Though the Avatar fills a gap in a growing market, this style of drill is nothing new to Horsch, explains Stephen Burcham, director at Horsch UK. “Direct drills aren’t a new concept to us. If you go back to the beginning of the company, Michael Horsch at that time built a machine that was suitable for no-till farming and that design has remained an integral part of what we do here.” However, what has changed is the pressures on both costs and environmental protection, and so the Avatar SD is very much the next chapter in the no-till farming story for the firm. The Avatar is branded by Horsch as versatile, precise, and simple, but how exactly does it operate? “The Avatar SD combines a two-tank design, a precise volumetric metering system, an agronomic based platform, and one of the lowest maintenance opener systems on the market,” says Stephen. “Two individual tanks with a metering system on each create an agile unit when multiple products are needed.”

In terms of root length in Dec, the Avatar drilled wheat averaged 15.1cm, compared with 14.4cm on the Sprinter crop.

crop production magazine february 2021 75 On Farm Opinion

L boasts a stable depth control wheel for system. “We’ve found that users are mainly precise positioning of the coulter in either drilling into cover crops or using the changing or difficult soil conditions, he adds. Avatar for low-disturbance drilling, rather than “In combination with a coulter pressure of simply just direct drilling. 350kg (maximum) this guarantees an exact “It’s suitable for all sowing conditions, placement of the seed in all sowing including direct drilling, conventional tillage or conditions –– meaning optimum seed-to-soil drilling into standing catch crop, as well as on contact for quick and safe emergence.” a variety of soil types –– from stone to heavy Stephen says the Avatar’s closest clay. competition is the John Deere 750A, “With the possibility of metering up to three however, he believes it does have a few individual components, and customisable advantages over its competitor, including closing wheels to adapt to the soil conditions, bigger diameter discs, more coulter we’re confident that the Avatar SD can be used pressure, and less maintenance as a pretty universally.” I result of no grease nipples. The Avatar SD takes a common-sense approach What’s particularly interesting about the in design to incorporate basic agronomic Avatar is its versatility, and Stephen says that principals for securing maximum yield potentials, although it’s been designed with the no-till says Stephen Burcham. movement in mind, there are very few users who operate a completely direct-drilled

Initially the Sprinter-drilled crop looked the stronger, better crop.

Harry plans to also study blackgrass tillers within the trials as the Avatar crop currently has a lot less blackgrass than the Sprinter-drilled crop.

Farm facts

Barton Farms, Gainsborough, Notts G Arable area: 1800ha G Cropping: Barley, wheat, peas, beans, linseed and oats G Soil type: Mixed soils – predominantly heavy clay loams, but including everything, right up to light sands. G Mainline tractors: Case Quadtrac 620; Case Puma 240 cvx; Versatile 405; JCB Fastrac 4220 G Combine: Claas Lexion 8800 G Cultivation equipment: Farmet Fantom; Horsch Joker; Sumo Strake; Horsch Avatar; Horsch Sprinter.

76 crop production magazine february 2021 Regenerative route Innovation Climate to Net Zero Change Champions

With productive soils that shaped over 17 years. Ever since Charles We’re already capture carbon, the Southill Whitbread became the custodian of the “carbon negative on 4500ha Southill Estate, near Biggleswade Estate in Beds has turned its in Beds, he’s led a revolution that has seen land on which we’re focus to reducing N inputs. Whitbread Farms and the enterprises the also growing business fosters pursue a decidedly food. CPM visits to gauge the sustainable path on the in-hand driving force behind the 1500ha farm. ” changes. Cover and catch crops The building blocks were firstly to open up shown the carbon footprint has reversed By Tom Allen-Stevens the rotation from oilseed rape and winter from 430 kg CO2e per tonne emitted in wheat that were causing a grassweed 2014 to 64 kg captured in 2019. headache. Straw was incorporated and “To be truly sustainable it’s important the There are two aspects that stand out then cover and catch crops introduced. arable operation stands alone as carbon about Mike Purnell’s rye crop as you step Cultivations had been gradually wound neutral, with no offsetting elsewhere on the

into it: the first is that the crop rows are L down by Charles’ father until the whole estate,” notes Mike. I ask for the inherited interspersed with clover. The second is estate went no-till in 2016. These steps that there’s not a puddle to be seen, after have gone hand-in-hand with a drive for a night of heavy rain in mid Jan. Littered biodiversity, both with cropping and wildlife with wormcasts, the ground feels habitats above ground and in encouraging strangely firm underfoot for the time life in the estate’s soils. of year. A close eye has been kept on soil organic “What we’ve focused on is soil health,” matter, which has risen on average by 1% Mike explains. “We don’t cultivate, have over the last five years, across soils that vary plenty of different crops in the rotation and from gravel, through greensand to heavy aim to keep living roots in the soil for as Denchworth clay. This steady rise is the main much of the year as possible. The result is reason there’s now a healthy measure of that we’re already carbon negative on land carbon sequestered every year to offset the The idea with the clover is that it remains as a on which we’re also growing food.” emissions across the 1000ha of arable permanent crop, providing N for the cash crop, His enthusiasm is for a regenerative cropping. An analysis of the winter wheat and also helps suppress weeds. agriculture system that’s been carefully enterprise using the Cool Farm Tool has

crop production magazine february 2021 77 Climate Change Champions

results in nitrogen release to the –– Liqui-safe, which combines peas stitched in between the seedbed. The difficulty with the nitrification with urease inhibitor, rows in April. system is knowing how you can is being tried this year. Molasses “The crop got off to an reduce N applications.” are also added, believed to act exceptional start but unfortunately Mike’s already made an as a chelating agent, while the C fizzled out in the dry spring. It’s impressive start, even before in the sugars feeds the microbes a system with great potential, this new practice is taken into that help convert the urea into however, although we’ve a lot to account. He applies just available N improving the NUE. learn about how much N the 200kgN/ha for a 9t/ha milling “Since using molasses, we peas feed to the wheat,” wheat crop, while historically it haven’t seen any scorch,” notes Steve. would have needed 280kgN/ha. adds Mike. He’s been working with Neil This year, however, he’s Intercrop of peas Fuller of Atlas Biosystems, who’s conducting a trial in which no Undeterred, Mike’s mid-Oct helped the estate transform its synthetic N at all will be applied drilled KWS Zyatt will get an soils over the past 20 years and to the soil. “We’re going to rely on intercrop of peas this April. make the most of the living foliar-applied N to give the crop “Although the peas failed last The Dale MTD drill is one of three on mulches. what it needs on top of the year, the yield of Siskin was no the farm that ensure the right no-till “There’s no doubt the chicken muck and living worse where they’d been sown drill is used on the right day, says leguminous cover crops and mulches. It’s more efficient than than in the rest of the crop, and Mike Purnell. especially the companion clovers soil-applied N, although the the peas didn’t suffer any pigeon put N as well as life into the soil limitation is how much the leaf damage as the wheat disguised

L footprint of all the inputs we –– red clover captures about can absorb, so we may have to them,” he notes.Once the peas buy, although few can give me twice as much as white clover make 3-4 applications.” Other are drilled, the aim is that no a response.” and can release up to 160kgN/ha trials this year involve Tiros further applications of any kind A quick turnaround of crops, over 18 months. But the way this seed dressing to try to utilise are made to the crop. That puts a direct drilled after harvest, lie is released is veryunpredictable,” atmospheric N in place of slant on variety choice, but it’s behind the estate’s low carbon Neil explains. synthetic. one that Mike aims to follow in arable system. “Within 48 hours While chicken muck and Another practice, still at the every crop with every variety. of the combine leaving the field biosolids add to the organic-N trial stage, is intercropping with “The AHDB Recommended List we’ve drilled the catch or cover mix, applications of synthetic peas. Here Mike’s working with is all very well, but it puts crop. We’ve three drills, which fertiliser are applied as liquid Steve Baker from Agrii to select varieties through a fungicide and may sound excessive, but that’s with individual nozzle control to varieties that will complement fertiliser regime that isn’t relevant all the cultivation kit we have and reduce overlaps. Nitrification each other through the spring to what I’m doing.” means we can match whatever inhibitors are used to reduce and summer. Last year, a 20ha So instead, he’s guided by conditions our wide range soils emissions and improve field of KWS Siskin was drilled in Agrii’s Advisory Lists, as Steve present.” nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) Oct and 4ha of this had Mankato explains. “This is information L With the estate already in good shape when Mike arrived in What makes Mike Purnell a Climate Change Champion? 2018, he set about addressing one of its biggest carbon, as well Innovative ideas Whitbread Farms carbon footprint, 2020 as financial, costs –– fertiliser. Practices such as companion Emissions Sequestration Carbon balance “We’d already tackled fuel use 4000 cropping, intercropping, and drilling 3000 with the move to no-till. This and into a white clover understorey 2000 the cover cropping mean the soil 1000 demonstrate that Mike is keen to r y is in good health –– it feels and / 0 O e try new ideas to improve the 2 C smells right. That’s a sound basis -1000 sustainability of the Southill Estate’s t for reducing the N input –– 60% -2000 arable enterprise. The strategy of our carbon footprint is synthetic -3000 is followed through to every aspect fertiliser yet for every 100kg you -4000 of the farm with a conviction that -5000 apply the industry accepts that Fuels Materials Inventory Crops would inspire others. Inputs Livestock Distribution Hedgerows only about 50-60kg is used by Solar panels Field margins Soil organic matter Carbon balance the crops.” Productivity push Source: Whitbread Farms, June 2020, calculated using Farm Carbon Calculator. Figures That’s the driver behind the shown are indicative. Yields have been maintained white clover into which the rye while synthetic nitrogen inputs Cultivation care Bio-based boldness has been drilled. “We’re trying to have significantly reduced Soil health lies at the heart of the move The way the estate’s environmental grow our own N. The idea with through the novel approaches that to zero tillage and has resulted in a assets are managed not only the clover is that it remains as a continually evolve. A focus on steady improvement in soil organic bring improvements in its permanent crop, and also helps quality markets, with opportunities matter, responsible for the majority of biodiversity but have given rise suppress weeds. Before drilling a sought for low carbon produce, the estate’s carbon sequestration. to offsetting opportunities. Three cash crop, you can knock it back underpin a truly sustainable food Mike’s set a course to continue this solar sites supply 1.2M kWh/yr with glyphosate –– that doesn’t offering. impressive progress. of green energy. kill the clover but the shock

78 crop production magazine february 2021

Climate Change Champions

Climate Change Champions

UK Farming has set itself the challenging target bring them into the top-level of Net Zero emissions by 2040. Although led by discussion about how farming can the NFU, it will take the entire industry, working position itself as the solution to together in a partnership approach to meet this climate change. ambitious goal. CPM would like to thank But there are individual growers, thought our sponsors: leaders who have already started on this journey. They have the ideas, the progressive outlook and the determination to shape positive change. The careful attention to cover, catch and CPM has teamed up with leading agricultural companion cropping has allowed soil organic suppliers who have a credible Net Zero matter to rise by 1% over the past five years. aspiration to identify these individuals and

L we’ve compiled from our extensive where Agrii has experience. “The Explorer higher-level or mid-tier stewardship, and in-house trials programme that gives spring barley contract we have is in its here the emphasis is on biodiversity, nature varieties a sustainability score, which sits seventh year. This gives growers a premium conservation and improvement –– a policy alongside the AHDB ratings. It gives you for high-N barley supplying Budweiser.” that’s followed in the woodland, too. a true picture of disease resistance, and “Although originally planted with mainly additional measures such as ability to Mob-grazed beef Scots pine, that’s being replaced with native compete against blackgrass and early The approach to sustainability follows through deciduous hardwoods as areas are felled season vigour. For growers like Mike, the into other farm enterprises, too –– there’s and replanted,” he notes. The timber is information is essential to inform how 100ha of permanent grassland supporting a processed through a biomass boiler which varieties will perform in a regenerative small beef suckler herd of British White cattle. heats the main house and estate offices. agriculture system.” These are mob-grazed, given 0.5ha of fresh It’s clear Mike’s enthusiasm lies in the Mike takes a similar approach to the pasture every day and moved daily, Mike arable enterprise and in exploring more markets he chooses for the crops he grows. explains. “This encourages the roots to grow how regenerative agriculture can further “We’ve made a conscious decision as a to depth on our relatively light grassland soils. improve the soils. “We’re looking into how farming business that we want to grow food The result is better drought tolerance of the we can get carbon accreditation so we for quality markets. We’re actively looking for pasture and carbon captured in the soil, can trade the carbon we sequester. As with low-carbon markets –– there aren’t many making it a very sustainable way to produce other markets, I feel the opportunity lies opportunities for a single farm acting alone, beef. The cattle emissions are reduced in like-minded farmers coming together, but I hope we can join with other farms because they’re eating what they have pooling ideas and providing a combined making progress in this area,” he notes. evolved to eat –– no hard grains or resource, not only to get arable farming Steve adds that bringing growers togeth- concentrate are fed” towards its Net Zero target, but deliver this er to supply a market opportunity is an area There’s around 200ha of the estate in for the nation, too.” I Joined-up action for food and farming sustainability

Climate change is a challenge the best of done,” she stressed at this month’s launch of scheme; fast-track bio-solutions screening British food and farming is well-placed to Agrii’s industry-wide sustainability improvement programme; advanced soil health assessment address, believes Agrii head of technical, Clare initiative. regime; Net Zero Carbon iFarms; reduced Bend. It sits alongside the loss of the Basic “Green Horizons is our recipe for replacing input R&D challenge projects; accredited Payment and introduction of Environmental the clamour of conflicting sustainability environmental training and extended enterprise Land Management, growing legislative and messages with well-researched, planned and benchmarking. environmental pressures and a diminishing focussed action. Through its package of practical “Underpinning everything we do moving crop protection armoury. measures, we intend to make sustainability really forward, our initiative is also geared to making However, she insists it can only do these work for British food and farming. the voice of practical farming sustainability together by applying the best scientific “It’s all about actions rather than words heard, understood and increasingly appreciated intelligence and practical experience in a from everyone in our business; progressive beyond the industry,” Clare added. “We are thoroughly joined-up way; a way which makes across-the-board improvement based on already working closely with a broad range of the most of the synergies among different sound science; and harnessing the sort of food industry, environmental and other partners economic, environmental and social forward-thinking so evident at businesses like to bring this about, and look forward to extending sustainability aims while balancing what can be Whitbread Farms to develop better practice for this engagement to all those who share our seriously competing pressures between them. consistent gains.” ambition for a truly sustainable countryside –– “The one thing that seems to be stacking up These businesses will form part of the economically, environmentally and socially.” faster than the challenges farming faces these thought-leading Green Horizons farmer network days is the often-impractical advice we’re being developed as part of the initiative which getting from all sides on what needs to be also includes an annual innovation awards

80 crop production magazine february 2021 It’s really “about putting farmers and growers into the driving Field opens for seat.” Innovation On-farm R&D agri-tech explorers

On-farm innovation is set to “While we have some fantastic academic shops and events due to take place over the get the co-design treatment institutes there’s always a danger that if coming months. funding is channelled through universities, So if getting involved in this new way of currently being applied to and they recruit farmers to participate in working appeals to you, what does it the ELM Scheme and other research, you can end up with research that involve? Head of strategy in Defra’s future is very interesting but that’s too far from the farming programme, Jonathan Baker and aspects of Defra’s dealings market to be of much use to agriculture,” Neville Cavendish, head of co-design, with agriculture. CPM finds he says. provided an insight at a fringe event of the Oxford Farming Conference with an update out what’s in store and how Groups of farmers on the Test and Trials (T&T), that have put to get involved. It’s this he blames for knowledge transfer co-design through its paces. CPM caught not happening as well as he feels it should. up with them afterwards to get further detail. By Tom Allen-Stevens “What we envisage is that groups of farmers “We’ve undertaken 72 T&T to date, with in a particular sector –– let’s say maybe the over 3500 farmers involved in the live tests. sugar beet industry –– would come together 14 of the T&T have been in the arable On-farm science could be on the threshold and decide that they were going to really sector,” reports Jonathan. “We are about to of an exciting new era, and it’s one in work on an approach to virus yellows, for launch a further round of T&T, looking at which farmers, rather than academic example, and how they’re going to tackle long-term landscape recovery projects.” institutions, will be taking the driving seat. that challenge. T&T have addressed priority themes, Not only that, farmers will be co-designing “They might put some of their own money such as land management plans, the role of how the new plan will come together, and into that and could qualify for a grant from advice and guidance, and payments. The there’s government cash pledged to see it government as well to support R&D that their feedback from those involved has informed to fruition. own agronomists would then commission how the ELM National Pilot will take shape,

Defra’s new R&D Innovation package is from universities, that they thought had due to start later this year and set to bring L due to launch next year. It forms one of the something to add. measures to improve farm prosperity in its “So it’s really about putting farmers and Agricultural Transition Plan, unveiled in Nov. growers through syndicates or joint ventures More detail was revealed at the Oxford into the driving seat of R&D and allowing Farming Conference last month on how the them to use funds to actually do things like government sees its Path to Sustainable plant breeding that have got a much better Farming pave its course, and one thing was application closer to the market.” made very clear – this is not a plan that’s Defra’s also provided CPM with more coming together behind closed doors. From information on how it sees the R&D Environmental Land Management (ELM) to Innovation package coming together and new entrants, research to regulation, farmers the roles specifically it envisages farmers are part of a co-design process. will take within this (see panel on p82). But what does this actually mean when The process of its co-design is already it comes to on-farm R&D, and what can underway, and government is keen to George Eustice is keen to see research carried farmers expect? CPM asked Defra Secretary involve a wider group of farmers, advisors, out on farm that’s of more use to agriculture. of State George Eustice for clarification: scientists and agri-food specialists in work-

crop production magazine february 2021 81 On-farm R&D

completely new and there’s a whole new direct subsidies reduce. 9-10% of the approach in SFI. budget will be allocated towards Improving “One of the things we’ve learnt is that on Farm Prosperity. This includes the Farming farm, different activities work better if done Investment Fund, slurry investment, farm alongside some other activities. SFI will resilience, new entrant support, the new encourage farmers to follow standards Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture which combine a range of complementary and the R&D Innovation package. The government want farmers to be involved activities we know go well together and are “Government is looking to significantly in the iterative co-design process, a radical effective. We’re looking to support positive increase investment in agricultural R&D and departure from its previous top-down approach activity in a different way. More information innovation over the transition. This will start to designing schemes. about SFI will be set out in June.” relatively small and build as the offer Work is underway with Defra’s digital develops. The Secretary of State is very

L in 5500 farmers. section on a new interface, based on keen to make it accessible to farmers,” “The approach in T&T has been very feedback from T&T, and there’s a new notes Jonathan. much ‘bottom-up’, developed in collaboration approach to payment. “Those on the pilot The process starts this spring, and Neville with farmers. The pilot will be introduced in will receive a learning fee, so they’re fairly encourages those interested in co-designing the form we see the ELM Scheme being rewarded for getting involved. We’ve had the package to put themselves forward. delivered –– a bit like a beta version.” strong feedback from T&T that rates within “It’s one of a number of themes of work we Those familiar with Countryside ELM should reflect better the time and effort have, which include new entrant support, Stewardship (CS) will recognise some put in,” notes Jonathan. regulation and enforcement, animal welfare, elements in how you apply, the guidance, Overall, the spending from Defra for slurry investment and tree health. We advice and restrictions, particularly on the England has been set for the current typically have mixed groups of between Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) side. government, with ELM receiving a larger 20 to 120 people working on each theme But Jonathan says some elements will be proportion of the annual £2.4bn budget as and these tend to break into working groups

Defra’s agricultural R&D roadmap

There are three elements to the new package, What’s on offer? that launches in 2022: New models of support and partnerships G Industry-led R&D syndicates will lead that would allow for farm and other agri-food large-scale projects over a maximum of four Digitalbusinesses toDirection engage more fully in research. years. These syndicates of farming and Farmers will receive a greater incentive to agri-food organisations will work in collaborate on, and invest in, R&D and innovation. partnership with scientists on innovative Support for rapid testing of proof-of-concept The accelerating adoption strand offers the best solutions to shared productivity challenges. ideas, to create entrepreneurial space for opportunity for individual farmers and growers to G Themed collaborative R&D will deliver pre-competitive research and accelerate the take the lead. projects over 3-4 years, where farming and delivery to market of farmer-led innovations. agri-food businesses work with scientists on A knowledge exchange and How to get involved more fundamental R&D. These will focus on dissemination mechanism to showcase G Email the co-design team directly on high priority strategic challenges, such as innovation and best practice from across the [email protected] achieving Net Zero. programme, designed to help drive the uptake G Sign-up for Defra e-alerts: G Accelerating adoption involves smaller of innovation by farmers and other end users. https://preferences.defra-gov.uk/ agile projects up to two years, to test the G Follow the blog on Gov.UK: feasibility of new technology and demonstrate What’s the timeline? https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/ new methods to the farming community. From summer 2021, there’ll be pre-launch Information and comment provided by Defra These projects will be farmer-led and focused workshops and events to provide more on finding practical solutions to immediate information on the schemes and how farmers on-farm productivity challenges. and growers can get involved, and also to bring Farmer and grower involvement in them together with scientists and researchers to industry-led R&D syndicates and themed form project teams. collaborative R&D is likely to be either as a In early 2022, R&D competitions are partner in a syndicate, or via the involvement of expected to open, with communication to larger industrial representatives of farmers in farmers and growers in advance, and projects project teams. are expected to begin later that year. The accelerating adoption strand offers the best opportunity for individual farmers and What sort of projects? growers to take the lead in projects to test the Farmers and growers are participating in field On-farm proof-of-concept testing will receive feasibility of new technology and demonstrate trials to test robotic weeders, to find effective funding, such as robotic weeding to find effective new methods, to find practical solutions to and sustainable alternatives to herbicides for the and sustainable alternatives to herbicides. on-farm productivity challenges. control of grassweeds such as blackgrass.

82 crop production magazine february 2021 On-farm R&D

RNA technology gets funding to tackle beet virus

A leading John Innes Centre researcher and Centre. This could be a big breakthrough in how colleagues have been awarded European funding we tackle all plant viruses. But we haven’t yet to develop innovative molecular solutions to passed the proof-of-concept stage.” combat beet yellows virus (BYV). That’s the aim of this project, and Yiliang Dr Yiliang Ding received the European believes her team will know whether the Research Council Proof of Concept grant worth technology will deliver on its promises within a £150,000 to carry forward the RNA-based year.Consult “If all goes well, we will then develop field approach. assays and there’ll be 2-3 years of trials before If it passes the proof-of-concept stage, the It’s hoped this could be used to help tackle the we’ll look to commercial partners to take it through ultra-RNA approach could be a bigbreak through virus that can cause yield losses of over 50% and approvals –– the regulatory process for these in tackling plant viruses like beet yellow virus. poses a significant threat to the European sugar structure-guided artificial small interfering RNAs beet industry, worth 3.6bn. Growers currently has still not been decided,” she points out. € have few alternative measures to tackle the The technology is not GMO, however. What the So why was BYV chosen? “During a growing problem, following the withdrawal of neonicotinoid researchers develop are small interfering RNAs season, plants are often infected by multiple pesticides from the crop across the EU in 2018. with a design based on the shape of their targeted viruses at the same time. For instance, beet mild The ultra-RNA approach developed by Yiliang’s viral RNAs, that recognise and clean the virus. yellowing virus (BMYV) is frequently found along group captures the shape of the viral RNAs inside The research team believe they can provide a with BYV in the same sugar beet plant. Our plants and uses this knowledge to design specific high-efficiency and environmentally friendly method is capable of targeting multiple viruses at artificial small interfering RNAs to target and method for controlling BYV. the same time, enhancing the effectiveness of this degrade the virus. “The process is very specific so completely safe approach,” explains Yiliang. “We are applying our recent fundamental to non-target organisms. Small interfering RNAs Multiple application methods are being discoveries into the specific type of RNAs –– viral will not affect the sugar beet genome and are assessed. Small interfering RNAs could potentially RNAs,” says Yiliang. “RNA science is one that is gone in 24-48 hours. So we’re not changing be applied into the field by delivery techniques just emerging, but it is gathering momentum and anything in the plant genome –– it’s more like such as within the seed coating or via there’s a lot of expertise here at John Innes an RNA-based therapy for plants.” nanoparticles within a spray.

Defra spending profile during transition

Source: Defra, 2021. and other forums who specialise introduce a lot more feedback on particular areas.” loops,” he says. Neville’s keen that each group And this is a continual, is truly representative of those iterative process, he points who apply for Defra schemes or out. “We will tweak and delivery services and stresses develop the schemes that we the collaborative nature of the deliver until the end of the process. “We want people to transition period in 2028, bring their lived experience of based on what we’re learning accessing services that Defra through co-design and delivery. delivers. One of the benefits for We’re working with those people people involved in co-design is who will be delivering on farm that we are designing the and the farmers we’ll be schemes with them, rather than delivering to on a way of for them. Participants enjoy working that suits all and having their views heard at an works en masse. Those who early stage and being involved in have specific R&D projects how things then take shape. It’s a in mind should get ready to key benefit of co-design that you put them forward.” I

crop production magazine february 2021 83 The vast “majority of soil nematodes are beneficial.”

Understanding dynamics Roots Potatoes aids control

Nematodes and late blight population. That equates to more than indicate that nematodes may be a factor in are two of the big problems 57 billion per human being on the planet. increased blackleg infection, but the big “So great are the number of soil nematodes question is which species are implicated? facing potato growers. that the quantity of carbon they respire This is precisely what the new study is CPM catches up on the is roughly equivalent to 15% of carbon setting out to determine and looks for the emissions from fossil fuels. potential facilitators of blackleg. The project latest research seeking to “While agriculture is concerned with the got underway last September and will understand their dynamics species that cause harm to crop plants, comprise a series of interlinked work the vast majority of soil nematodes are packages which will take place in the and the regulatory changes beneficial,” he explained. Of the herbivorous glasshouse, field and employ both modelling that may affect agronomy free-living nematode (FLN) species, there and machine-learning technologies. are some species that have been implicated Because nematode species occur in L decisions in 2021. in a number of disease complexes. By Lucy de la Pasture Feeding damage “US researchers found that feeding damage caused by root lesion nematodes During December, AHDB hosted Agronomy (Pratylenchus spp) led to a greater Week, a virtual platform put in place of the incidence of potato early dying (PED) usual annual Agronomists Conference. disease, which is primarily caused by the Highlights included a session by Dr Roy fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae which Neilson, rhizosphere ecologist and a key enters the wound from nematode feeding. member of the team leading Integrated “In Norway, Pratylenchus has been Pest and Disease Management research implicated in the development of common at James Hutton Institute (JHI). scab. We have investigated this at JHI and Roy presented details of a new three-year found it in the lesions on tubers and while BBSRC-funded research project being this is not evidence per se, it suggests there carried out at JHI which aims to establish is a potential relationship between the link between plant parasitic nematodes Pratylenchus and common scab.” and blackleg, one of the most economically After receiving several anecdotal reports Roy Nielson is working to determine the significant potato diseases in the UK. indicating an increase in the incidence relationship of nematode species and plant He pointed out that nematodes form an of black leg in the presence of large disease so that new control strategies can important part of soil biology, with a biomass FLN populations, the connection was be developed. equivalent to 80% of the global human investigated in pot studies at JHI. The results

84 crop production magazine february 2021

Potatoes

different species, explained Roy. proximity to potato plants at key times in the He has suspicions that Pratylenchus, growing season. We need to understand the Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus species interaction to determine whether there’s may be involved but will be keeping an open a simple intervention that could mitigate mind as there are many possible blackleg progression.” candidates. The study isn’t just limited to Roy also explained that cover crops and which FLN species may be involved in bacterial communities within the rhizosphere blackleg transmission, the role of aerial will also be looked at to discover whether factors and insects will also be considered. beneficial communities could also help “We’ll be using unique real-time imaging mitigate the disease. Other questions the facilities to visualise feeding of the study hope to answer are whether there’s Nematodes form an important part of soil biology nematodes and any interaction with an impact on root architecture and if root with the vast majority having a beneficial blackleg,” added Roy. exudates are a driver of the system as well. function. Irrigation is known to enhance blackleg “All the information generated in the trials infections so the project will go into the field will feed into modelling work, with the aim of

L mixed populations in the field, pot to study the interaction in work led by constructing UK risk mapping for blackleg. studies will take place with whole soil independent consultant Dr Mark Stalham. Ultimately machine-learning techniques will communities so as not to distort the “As the water table moves up and down it be used to develop decision support tools relationships that occur between the brings nematodes with it and into close for growers,” he concluded. L Reprieves and losses as Britain exits EU regs

The potato industry has probably suffered roots, which allows the entry of diseases, including more than most when it comes to pesticide rhizoctonia, blackleg and black dot. withdrawals but the sudden loss of Vydate “I believe that FLN are also implicated in potato (oxamyl), announced late on Christmas Eve, early dying (PED) complex, which is becoming of caught everyone by surprise, including its increasing concern particularly for UK growers on manufacturer Corteva Agriscience who released light land where plenty of potato crops have been a statement saying, “Vydate10G has not grown in the past. A number of varieties are been re-authorised for use in the UK beyond failing to achieve their maximum potential where 31 Dec 2020. The decision means that Vydate nematicides haven’t been used due to PED.” 10G must not be applied to crops from 1 Jan John points out that growers still have access 2021. “Stakeholder groups have submitted four to Velum Prime, which although it doesn’t mention applications for Emergency Authorisation spraing specifically on its label, it does claim approvals for use in key sectors where there suppression of plant parasitic nematodes which are no alternative solutions. These applications encompasses FLN. Free-living nematodes are as much of a are currently being evaluated.” “To control spraing we need to manage the problem as PCN, says John Sarup. As things stand, CRD have granted an nematode and Velum will help reduce feeding from amendment to allow the disposal and storage FLN and has no harvest interval, which is really review on 01 Jan were automatically granted an of Vydate 10G until 28 Feb 2021. Corteva is useful for earlies. The downside is that it’s more extension of up to three years so that CRD can currently seeking clarification from CRD with expensive per ha than Vydate. Nemathorin review the data and make its own decision. regards to the implementation of the return (fosthiazate) also has a label approval for the Where the CRD made the decision not to and disposal plans. reduction of spraing transmitted by FLN but does renew Vydate on 24 Dec, just prior to its expiry Following the notification AHDB quickly have a 17-week harvest interval.” date on 31 Dec, ironically mancozeb effectively announced it had submitted requests for Field history and variety also play an important slipped through the gap where the regulatory emergency authorisations (EA) for Vydate where part in managing spraing, he highlights. “Soil authority changed. Even though the EU decision growers lack alternative pest control options. moisture at tuber initiation influences the feeding to withdraw mancozeb was made in October, the These are for FLN in carrots and parsnips; stem of FLN. When it’s wet at tuber initiation, more withdrawal of authorisation notice didn’t come and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) in bulb spraing is likely because FLN are more mobile into effect until 04 Jan, meaning that technically onions, garlic and shallots; FLN in potatoes; and and are feeding at a key time for TRV infection Great Britain doesn’t recognise the EU decision PCN in short-season set-skin potatoes. It’s hoped to take place. to withdraw it until CRD reviews the data. The these applications will go to the UK Expert “The continued loss of chemistry means situation in Northern Ireland is different as it has Committee on Pesticides meeting in Jan. moving with the times and seeking other to follow EU rules even though it comes under the So if AHDB’s application for an EA for solutions,” believes John. “Optimising nutrition and UK regulatory authority. Vydate isn’t granted in potatoes, what will the good soil management, reducing compaction, can “Most manufacturers have already decided consequences be for growers? help mitigate the damage caused by FLN feeding not to manufacture blight products which have Potato specialist John Sarup explains that FLN on the roots of potato plants.” mancozeb as a partner product, these include are becoming as much of a problem as PCN in One of the regulatory peculiarities which BASF’s Invader (dimethomorph+ mancozeb); some parts of the country. “FLN are the vector for occurred at the end of the Brexit transition Certis’ Valbon (benthiavalicarb+ mancozeb) and tabaco rattle virus (TRV) which causes spraing period has given mancozeb a temporary stay of Corteva’s Curzate M (metalaxyl+ mancozeb),” but they also cause direct feeding damage to execution. Any products with an approval under adds John.

86 crop production magazine february 2021

Potatoes

The fluazinam resistant strain 37_A2 also reduces pathogen growth by 50% relative gained a bit of ground, increasing from 6 to to an untreated control) in any of the three 10%. A significant proportion of the blight clonal lineages in detached leaf tests population remains as 6_A1, which has against cyazofamid, amisulbrom, remained at 36%. The once prolific 13_A2 mandipropamid, propamocarb, decreased further in 2020, representing oxathiapiprolin and mancozeb. just 1% of the population in the samples Fluopicolide exhibited a slightly lower received, down from 9% in 2019 and David impact on zoospore motility against 36_A2 believes it is possibly “on the way out.” than the other lineages tested but it is unclear whether this would translate into a New blight clone change in field performance as the tested Another new blight clone was named last doses were well below field rates. year as 42_A2. Since its first detection in David also flagged the potential of North Wales in 2017 it has spread to infect variety resistance in late blight IPM and crops in Shropshire, Cheshire and presented data on virulence testing that David Cooke believes that for effective use of Lancashire, he adds. Fortunately, it’s not highlighted some difference in the clonal varietal resistance in the field, a better one that David feels concerned about as it lineages. “13_A2 overcomes more major understanding of pathogen virulence has been sampled in relatively few crops. resistance genes than 6_A1 and it’s also evolution is needed. The fungicide sensitivity testing more aggressive. For effective use of continued last year led by Dr Alison Lees. varietal resistance in the field, we need a

L Giving his annual update on late blight These look at the ability of seven different better understanding of pathogen virulence population dynamics, JHI’s Dr David Cooke active ingredients to inhibit pathogen evolution. described 2020 as “an unusual season to infection and growth in the laboratory “37_A2 and 36_A2 aren’t as virulent top all unusual seasons.” using isolates of 6_A1, 36_A2 and 37_A2, as 13_A2 – they are about the same as Blight was recorded as early as February, explained David. 6_A1 (which doesn’t overcome the R2 which was just one of many months that saw The results showed no shifts in gene). This doesn’t mean that these new both rainfall and temperature anomalies. sensitivity or EC50 (an objective measure clones can’t be as aggressive as 13_A2,” A dry period during March, April and May of the concentration of fungicide that he clarified. I put the brakes on blight development before more normal rainfall patterns returned during Yellow rust: 2020 fungicide comparison June, July and August. September was wetter than normal for many, particularly in the East, but it wasn’t a uniform picture across the country, he commented. “The first samples of blight were received on 26 June from the Highlands and 07 July from Shropshire. In all we recorded 94 outbreaks in 43 varieties –– the top three of which were Rooster, Melody and Bambino and surprisingly didn’t feature Maris Piper. We received 681 samples at JHI of which 432 successfully genotyped.” The trends in population change were seen again in 2020 with 36_A2 increasing Source: James Hutton Institute, 2020 slightly to 29% from 27% of the population.

88 crop production magazine february 2021 Should neonics It takes “time to develop alternative return? solutions.”

Roots Sugar beet

reliance on neonics is a step in the wrong a changing climate on pest numbers and The granting of an emergency direction. It was the subject of a Wild LIVE take that solution away and it was clear authorisation for use of a debate hosted by The Wildlife Trusts and virus control has failed. chaired by its chief executive, Craig Bennett. “The ban in 2018 in sugar beet came as a neonicotinoid seed treatment The case for farmers was ably put forward bit of a surprise so there was no plan. We’re in sugar beet has attracted by Tom Clarke, who farms just over 400ha of only in our second season without neonics, fen near Ely in Cambridgeshire and sits on which means it’s only the second chance a lot of criticism, even within the NFU’s Sugar Board. Farming was also we’ve had to look at new approaches, the farming community. well represented in the live chat, with a and then this has happened (high aphid number of agronomists and farmers numbers). If we’d had more time, then we CPM tunes into the debate providing answers to many of the questions could have put a plan in place but now about whether this marks a posed by viewers as the debate took shape. we’re having to make it up as we go along.” “If that’s the case, what’s to stop the forward or backward step Virus yellows problem derogation becoming an annual event?” for the industry. Tom opened the debate by explaining the challenges Craig. “That’s a fair question,” value sugar beet adds to his rotation and to answers Tom. “The reaction since the By Lucy de la Pasture the biodiversity on the farm while showing announcement (of the derogation) shows the livestream viewers the virus yellows people really care about bees and I’m really problem farmers are currently facing in glad they do. So it can’t become the new a video created on his own farm. normal, this is a special case –– we won’t go There’s no doubt the threat from virus “The sugar industry will be gone if the back to the old ways,” he said. yellows has been very real during same thing happens next year, which is Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology at L the current sugar beet campaign. why the NFU asked for a derogation. We Unprecedented numbers of aphids recognise the concerns about using neonics descended on crops, even as some so asked for this emergency authorisation to were struggling to emerge during dry have much tighter restrictions than those weather in spring. The result was virus already granted in France and Germany.” transmission that proved impossible to Tom adds that he doesn’t relish the stem, even with the insecticides growers prospect of using a neonic seed treatment could apply under the handful of EAMUs but views it as a necessary stepping-stone granted for the season. while other strategies are developed. “We By autumn yield losses of up to 80% have to go through a growing cycle to try were being reported in the worst hit areas, anything new in farming which means it a situation that even with the compensatory takes time to develop alternative solutions. scheme hastily put together by British Sugar I’ve trialled releasing lacewings and parasitic meant many sugar beet growers were wasps on my farm this year to help control reducing their planned acreage for 2021 or aphids, but this was the first time this had considering giving the crop up all together. been done in an open field.” Tom Clarke says he doesn’t relish the prospect of The industry was on the ropes. One of the problems highlighted in the using a neonic seed treatment but views it as a While many regard the neonic derogation debate was that the farming industry had necessary stepping-stone while other strategies as a lifeline for the UK’s sugar industry, become reliant on just one solution to are developed. others are concerned that falling back to control virus yellows. Add in the effects of

crop production magazine february 2021 89 Sugar beet

where a treated crop hasn’t been grown. “Any plant or hedgerow with roots into that soil (with neonic residues) will take it up and deliver neurotoxins to bees. But it’s not just about bees, it’s also about other pollinators and all insects.” Dave added that farmers had been sold neonic seed treatments as a very targeted way of delivering pesticide to the crop by chemical manufacturers, but the body of research now shows that this isn’t the case.

Dave Goulson explains that the body of research Slow down research now shows neonics are not as targeted as they Caroline Corsie works as an agronomist and The biggest concern Caroline Corsie has about they were originally thought to be, with only 5% senior land advisor at Worcestershire Wildlife the derogation is that it will take the pressure off taken up by plants. Trust, where she has worked since 2005 managing its 85ha of mixed arable farmland. developing other ways of controlling virus She voiced her concern that the derogation transmission. L Sussex University, has been studying the for neonics will slow down the research for an effects of neonics for the past 12 years and alternative, particularly into resistant varieties Associate director for farming and land outlined the case against their use. “Neonics which are widely believed to be the most use at the Soil Association, Liz Bowles are very toxic to all insect life –– more toxic likely solution to the virus yellows problem. echoed Caroline’s view that the pressure than DDT. They have an LD50, that’s the She also suggested government should could now come off looking for an dose needed to kill 50% of the population, of be focusing more on regenerative farming alternative solution as there is no longer four billionths of a gram per honeybee or put practices and supporting growers through the ‘commercial necessity’ now a derogation another way, one 5g teaspoonful is enough change. is in place. to kill 1.25 billion bees.” “Reducing reliance on pesticides is one Referencing the Defra Pesticide Usage of the key things farmers want to do and Survey Statistics, he explained that UK Innovative Farmers is one of the ways we’re growers were using 110 tonnes of neonics helping them do this. Unless we can reverse each year before the ban in an attempt to the global decline in biodiversity, there’s no illustrate the scale of the threat to insects. chance of dealing with climate change,” “In 2013 neonics were banned in she said. flowering crops but it didn’t solve the “Nature likes complexity but over the problem which led scientists to find out why past 30-40 years we’ve been reducing this was. They found that although neonics that complexity. Going forward we have to are intended to go into the plant, only about look more at nature-based IPM and not 5% is sucked up by the crop. 95% goes into chemical-based IPM.” the soil where it’s persistent, builds up and One of the conditions of the derogation is can leach into water.” Liz Bowles believes that the focus now needs to that flowering weeds are controlled in and That helped explain why neonics have be on developing nature-based IPM systems. around the crop to reduce the risk of harm to been detected in plants growing in land pollinators. The wording has raised concerns that farmers will be having to spray of Key points in Emergency Authorisation of thiomethoxam flowering margins, but Tom clarified that the intention is to ensure weeds are controlled in G Seed can only be treated once the outcome of to assess any residue levels. The survey and the crop itself. the Rothamsted model is known in February. sampling programme will be risk- based Dave suggested that farmers would be BBRO have confirmed the threshold trigger (following expert advice) and final details are unwise to plant sugar beet adjacent to a will be 9% on 14 February 2021. Previous to be confirmed. flowering strip and pointed out that even modelling has indicated that in the last 20 G Only cereal crops may be sown in the same a sub-lethal effect can have a long-term years this would have triggered over 90% of field for the 22 months following sowing of effect on colonies, causing confusion and the time. Cruiser SB (thiomethoxam)-treated sugar beet susceptibility to bacterial infections. G The application rate of the product will be seed. There seemed little doubt on both sides below the normal commercial rate, BBRO G Any crop, excluding oilseed rape, may be of the debate that a return to using neonics advise that this will offer up to 10 weeks sown from the 23rd month onwards. OSR isn’t a win for the environment. Tom summed protection rather than 12 weeks. must not be sown for 32 months following up that farmers care about their farms, which G Industry-recommended herbicide sowing of Cruiser SB treated seed. depend on the environment and this unites programmes will be followed to limit flowering G Fodder, energy and red beet are not included farmers and environmentalists in a common weeds in and around sugar beet crops. as part of the derogation to ensure ‘controlled cause. He added that the world is a G The industry (BBRO, BS & NFU) will and limited’ element of the Emergency complicated place and at the moment implement a soil and plant testing programme Authorisation. there is no simple solution to the problem of virus yellows. I

90 crop production magazine february 2021 following cropping this spring are already looking rethink how we grow sugar and weed control, at companion and intercrop beet –– from seed production designed to options for the crop. to the farmer’s field –– with an mitigate the risk Agroecological research emphasis on helping the plant of soil residues in the US by John Kempf help itself. Current practices being taken up by demonstrates that it’s possible put plants under stress from an flowering plants where to grow sugar beet crops that early stage, before they have they may have sub-lethal are inherently resistant to aphid much root to sustain them, effects on pollinators. feeding, with no need to which coincides with early There are very mixed recourse to genetics. By using herbicide application. Is this feelings even within the industry a complete systems approach practice affecting the plant’s on the return of the neonics, –– looking at soil chemistry and attractiveness to aphids? Too though many sugar beet biology, water quality and SAP much nitrogen affects the farmers are understandably analysis of plant tissues –– he constituents of plant sap, relieved that help is at hand says it’s possible to manage providing another reason Blue-sky thinking should the unprecedented virus nutrition in such a way that aphids can syphon off nutrients threat seen last season be plants are unattractive to and in sugar beet, the timing of for virus yellows repeated. The handful of aphids. A further consideration nitrogen application coincides insecticides (mostly EAMUs) is that seedling health depends with peak aphid threat. Is pressed into filling the hole left on the nutrition received by the this something that could be Twitter has been all of a flutter after the neonic ban have been mother plant that produced the looked at? since the announcement of a woefully inadequate. All the seed it’s growing from. There’s a real opportunity derogation for thiamethoxam same, it’s surprising the bar to In a Zoom meeting well to embrace some blue-sky seed treatment for sugar beet. activate the derogation has attended by UK growers, he thinking when it comes to The newspapers have carried been set so low, the trigger offered to work with them to controlling pests and avoid emotive headlines and people being a predicted virus forecast implement his approach, which falling back into a system have rushed to sign online of just 9%. is founded on the premise that that relies on just one way of petitions to ask the There’s no denying that aphids are only capable of controlling the virus problem. government to change its neonic seed treatments made feeding on unhealthy plants. That isn’t a good position to mind. People care about bees. aphid control very easy –– A belief backed up by research be in. When it comes to the providing a one-stop shop to from US entomologist, Dr Tom science that surrounds the keep virus levels at a low or Dykstra, who describes aphids neonic debate, the waters have non-existent level. They were so as ‘the lowest of the low’, being been very murky. With vested good that the industry became equipped to only feed on Based in Ludlow, Shrops, interests on both sides, it’s completely reliant on just one (unhealthy) plants which have a Lucy de la Pasture has been hard to know what to tool, and very little thought Brix of below 6. Above that and worked as an agronomist, believe but a substantial body went into looking at alternative the sugar levels in the healthier while among the Twitterati, of research seems to be methods of control. plant will kill aphids because she’s @Lucy_delaP. shedding light on what actually Hopes are set on breeding they can’t digest the sugar. [email protected] happens to these chemicals sugar beet varieties with So perhaps it’s time to and their metabolites once resistance to the yellowing treated seed has been planted. viruses but that shouldn’t mean The evidence put forward research should rest on its shows one of the problems laurels, comfortable in the with neonics is they’re very knowledge that (this year persistent in the soil and are at least) a neonic may be highly soluble, so residues can available to take the strain. move both downwards and This seems to be one of the laterally in the soil profile. wider concerns around the Those facts suggest that using derogation. them in non-flowering crops still My bet is that farmers poses a risk to invertebrates, themselves will be the countering one of the innovators and kick along the arguments often put forward research, as seen last season to support use in sugar beet. where some growers looked at It’s for these reasons that the under-sown barley, released derogation has restrictions on aphid predators into fields and

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