In this issue... Online Rural Payments page 48 LAMMA line-up page 62 What RPA’s learned and growers can expect Highlights from top UK machinery event

Nutrition focus page 32 Disease decisions page 14

4 Talking Tilth A word from the editor. 6 Smith’s Soapbox Views and opinions from an Essex peasant….. Volume 17 Number 1 8 Challenges and chances ahead for UK growers February 2015 Farm subsidies and membership of the EU were the political footballs at the Oxford Farming Conference. 14 Fungicide spend comes DISEASE CONTROL under scrutiny Margins on winter wheat are tight for the 2015 season, so what will that mean for spend on SDHI’s?

20 A friend in need INNOVATION INSIGHT The introduction of Ally 30 years ago has ushered in a complete change of mindset in the manufacture and on-farm use of pesticides.

28 Barley begins to bare its potential Newer barley varieties bring the promise of sizeable yields. Recent and current research is shedding new light on how input strategies can be adapted.

32 Measurement a ‘must’ to fine-tune nitrogen needs Nitrogen recommendations based on expected yield only tell half Editor the story. Tom Allen-Stevens Sub editor 40 Liquid lure TECHTALK Charlotte Lord Efficiency savings and improved Writers application are the claimed plus points of a switch from solid to liquid fertiliser. Tom Allen-Stevens Emily Padfield Andrew Blake Martin Rickatson 44 Are you meeting end-user needs? Ted Fleetwood Mick Roberts Sulphur is frequently undervalued for milling wheat, while maltsters Rob Jones suggest growers look to dual-purpose varieties.

48 Get ready for BPS The RPA has launched its new online service for applying for Design and Production the Basic Payment, but has the agency learned from its previous Brooks Design mistakes? Advertisement co-ordinator Peter Walker 56 A solid performer? INSIDERS VIEW Publisher A consistently high seed yield Angus McKirdy is Arazzo’s key strength and earliness will appeal. To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to [email protected], quoting reference CP/37178/1415/g. 60 Has the shine come off solar? Reductions in the renewable energy incentives and competition *the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based for suitable sites have changed the landscape for solar farms. on independent reader research, conducted by the National Farm Research Unit 2014 62 LAMMA takes its place on international stage Editorial & advertising sales The LAMMA show, held in mid-Jan continues to grow and White House Barn, Hanwood, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 8LP strengthen its position. Tel: (01743) 861122 E-mail: [email protected] Reader registration hotline 01728 622521 70 Consistency, not cutbacks, brings variable-rate value Advertising copy From light reflection technology to satellite imaging, there are Brooks Design, various possibilities on which to base variable-rate applications. 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: [email protected] 76 Putting the app in ON FARM OPINION CPM Volume 17 No 1. Editorial, advertising and sales offices are at application White House Barn, Hanwood, Shrewsbury SY5 8LP. For Lincs grower Andrew Ward, there’s more to precision fertiliser Tel: (01743) 861122. CPM is published ten times a year by CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers application than maps and variable rates. and farm managers in the United Kingdom. In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the advice, 80 Wheels keep farm on the right route recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine. Opting for a wheeled tractor over a tracked machine has helped one If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely. Suffolk farm progress its arable business. CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited material, including photographs. crop production magazine february 2015 3 script. It was bunkum, but it was payment –– branded a “master variety that was challenged to word-perfect, eloquent, and class in bad decision-making” justify its place on the HGCA impassioned bunkum. You –– the same government Recommended List (p56), while could line up a string of valid agency has been asked to it’s 30 years since sulfonylurea counter-arguments against bring in a whole new system. As chemistry made the challenge him, but they’d be pointless CPM goes to press, more than a of broadleaf weeds a whole lot –– a bit like facing up to a quarter of farmers have already easier –– Innovation Insight tells canon with a daisy chain. registered, but will it work? the story (p20). The fact is, it didn’t Judge for yourself (p48). But perhaps the biggest actually matter that his Falling grain prices are a challenge farming faces is one science was flawed and his reason to challenge fungicide of perception –– the fact you arguments half-researched. His spend, so we’ve joined a care for your soils doesn’t polemic was delivered so well, discussion looking at the matter if people believe you’re Does sound you’d absorb it, believe it and priorities this season (p14). smashing them to pieces. accept it as gospel. And With nutrition, shouldn’t you Your wildflower margins will science matter? that’s why, despite Liz Truss’ challenge the supposed be ignored by those who can assurance that Government wisdom of RB209? That’s only see your monocrop, laced decisions will be made on the exactly what some researchers with harmful neonicotinoids. It was one of those times basis of sound scientific have been doing on barley Your investment in the latest when your toes curl and your evidence alone, that’s worthless (p28), while we’ve also taken technology and precision stomach churns. Listening in a Europe where decisions are a detailed look at measuring agriculture is damned by a to George Monbiot lambast made by hearts and minds, N supply (p32). nation that judges you on the farming and its subsidy while logic and reason are left Perhaps it’s time to challenge size of your subsidy. system at the Oxford Farming to languish. how you apply fertiliser –– Tech You can sit there and let the Conference (page 8) laid bare The second reason it was Talk looks at the lure of liquid misperceptions curl your toes how deeply damaging it is right for George Monbiot to over the solid prill (p40). Then, and churn your stomach. Or when those with a poor address farmers was that it are you applying it at the right you can invite people onto your understanding of agriculture challenged us –– we’d spent so rate? We’ve assessed the farm on Open Farm Sunday on are given the opportunity to long thinking about greening technology that may help do 7 June, and show them what craft arguments against it measures, EFAs and active it better (p70), and gleaned good value you’re delivering. using twisted truths and farmer rules, it hadn’t occurred the experience of a Lincs misperceptions. to us there are 500 million grower (p76). There are those who feel European taxpayers wondering Resisting the gleam of he shouldn’t have been invited what value we’re actually impressive new kit can be a Tom Allen-Stevens has a 170ha to address a major farming delivering for our basic challenge in itself –– we’ve arable farm in Oxon and conference, but I disagree. payment. rounded up the highlights wonders whether it was actually Firstly, if you saw it, you’ll agree So it’s good to be challenged, from LAMMA (p62), and visited the insect hors-d’oeuvre served it was a masterpiece (and if you and that’s a theme that runs a Suffolk farm to find out how up at the Oxford conference didn’t, you can download the through this month’s CPM. its mighty Xerion tractor is that made his toes curl and video from the conference We’ve challenged the RPA, delivering business benefits stomach churn. website). He spoke for 26 for example. Ten years after it (p80). [email protected] minutes with neither notes nor implemented the single farm Insiders View has an oilseed

a bit of scorch nowadays we don’t realise how lucky we are. Then there was the matching of the ten foot bout widths without tramlines to think about. I suppose old Dobbin’s nostrils might have acted as an in-field sensor, given that early day pesticides Who’s doing tended to stink to high heaven. The next time Angled spray nozzles are nothing new, nor is the in-field sensor the driving? I have a good old moan (Dobbin’s nostrils). to myself about having to That guru of all things retune the cab radio I’ll try is turning full circle –– our is how far we are away blackgrass, Steve Moss, to remember the trials of grandfathers were never from scary stories of sent me this photo the my horse-driving forbears quite fully in charge of run-away tractors that other day as proof that and count my blessings. the horses they relied drivers no longer have the idea of angled spray It was interesting to hear on to power their field control over because the nozzles was nothing new. the other day Stephen Looking at the picture operations. If the horse software developed a life Hawking warning of decided not to cooperate of its own. Anyway that’s you do wonder how the dangers of artificial accurately the forward then chaos could result. quite enough paranoia intelligence developing its A century later the question for one day. speed was maintained own anti-human agenda. but maybe I underestimate As I find myself more and the skill of the driver and more often in tractor cabs the reliability of the engine. prodding away at buttons Seeing as the early on screens trying to make herbicides were acids that the machine do what had to be put on at a rate I want it to do, I wonder that killed broadleaf weeds if Hawking is right –– but at the same time didn’t perhaps tractors are quite burn the crop to starting to fight back death, then you appreciate through their in-cab that when we worry about computers. We’re getting close to Email your comments and the point now that tractor ideas to [email protected] drivers will merely drive Guy Smith grows 500ha of the machine to the field at combinable crops on the which point they turn into north east Essex coast, computer programmers so namely St. Osyth Marsh –– that the tractor drives itself. And yet another old photo, this time of Colchester Corn officially the driest spot in Slowly, it seems, the human Exchange, where 70 years ago my grandfather would the British Isles. Despite becomes more redundant have taken his samples of malting barley and milling wheat spurious claims from others when it comes to field in the hope of finding a good buyer. He would have gone that their farms are actually operations and increasingly round each desk to let different merchants have a sniff and drier, he points out that his when the tractor won’t a rub of what he had in his small bags of grain. It makes farm is in the Guinness work, we’re powerless you realise how different grain trading is today. Have Book of Records, whereas things improved for the better? Now there’s a subject to try to fix it. others aren’t. End of. for another day. You wonder if the wheel

6 crop production magazine february 2015

Challenges and chances ahead for UK growers

I want farmers“ growing what people want to buy, not what Europe tells them to.”

While farm subsidies and Furthermore, the poorest 10% end up Liz Truss insisted that decisions on issues like paying 45% of their total income in tax, pesticides and GM cultivation must be made on membership of the EU were while the richest 10% pay 33%, he argued. scientific evidence alone. the political footballs at the Adding to the injustice, he said, was a cap on benefits of £26,000 per household, Europe became the battleground for Oxford Farming Conference, imposed by the Government in July 2013 the politicians at the conference. Defra opportunities in new –– the same month in which it successfully secretary of state, Liz Truss, said she was argued UK farmers shouldn’t be subjected determined to see change at the European technologies also grabbed to a proposed EU subsidy cap of £260,000. level, that’s responsible for 80% of the delegates’ attention. environmental regulations farmers face. Powerful justification “I want farmers growing what people want CPM reports. “Faced with this astonishingly regressive, to buy, not what Europe tells them grossly unjust distribution of funds from the By Tom Allen-Stevens to. I’ve called for decisions on issues like poor to the exceedingly rich, there would pesticides and GM cultivation to be made on have to be some extremely powerful scientific evidence alone. Ultimately, we want ‘Keep your friends close, but your enemies justification in this age of austerity,” to see far more decisions taken in Britain for

closer’ appeared to be the mantra adopted he said. the benefit of British producers,” she said. L by the directors of the Oxford Farming But with the industry consolidating at Conference this year. its “fastest rate since the Enclosure Acts”, Under the strapline “Ambitious subsidy was failing to keep people on Farming subsidies are an astonishingly Agriculture”, the conference last month the land, leading to a “catastrophic regressive, grossly unjust distribution of funds promised to “inform, challenge and inspire”. collapse” of rural communities in some from the poor to the exceedingly rich, said But perhaps it was the challenge element areas, he said. Nor was it rewarding George Monbiot. that was taken to its extreme as noted farming good stewardship: “I see a lot of critic and Guardian columnist, George smash-and-grab agriculture. There’s Monbiot, took to the podium and contested some really bad practice still in receipt the very existence of farm subsidies. of huge subsidy cheques.” “There are some very, very rich people Soil erosion is a prime example, he receiving an awful lot of public funding, argued, with some UK farms losing up to sometimes running into the millions,” he 5t/ha of topsoil per year. “Those against pointed out. regulation blame Europe [for strict rules] Just 0.3% of the UK population receives and say Britain ought to stay out of the EU. farm subsidies, he added, but every But Britain itself is flowing out of our rivers household pays on average £245/year and adding to the coastline of Holland towards the £3bn farmers receive. and Germany.”

8 crop production magazine february 2015

UK growers are missing out on microbes

Biopesticides could offer UK growers real to attack pests and disease. “Some are also opportunities to deliver Integrated Pest bio-fertilisers, such as Trichoderma and Bacillus Management (IPM) and reduce chemical spp, because they solubilise phosphate and use for as little as £20/ha, Oxford Farming make it available to the plant. We’re also the Conference delegates were told. world’s largest producers of Phytoseiulus Africa is currently leading the way in the predatory mites,” she maintained. use of biological controls, according to Louise The products are bee friendly and there’s also Labuschagne of Real IPM, based in Kenya, one that’s effective on the varroa mite. “We even but she called for growers here to take up use bees to transfer biopesticides to flowers the technology. –– Trichoderma is transferred for botrytis “If UK farmers are to have a real opportunity to control, for example.” Bacillus subtilis can African regulators have created an enabling reduce their use of chemical pesticides, then UK reduce wheat stem rust, while tank-mixing environment for low-pesticide farming, claimed politicians need to take their hands out of their Metarhizium with neonicotinoids brings a Louise Labuschagne. pockets and tell the crop protection regulators synergistic effect, allowing chemical rates to (CRD) to be more pragmatic,” she said. be cut by half. African governments and regulators Real IPM is a small company that doesn’t pointed out –– the British Government actually have created an “enabling environment” for have the deep pockets of global agrochemical helped Kenya set up its biological control low-pesticide farming, she claimed. That means giants, Louise Labuschagne pointed out. So registration. “So why is the British Government growers in Kenya have four times as many how have its products been so successful at helping us, but they’re not helping UK opportunities to use biological controls than any gaining pan-African registration? “Because of farmers?” asked Louise Labuschagne. grower in the EU, while those in South Africa the pragmatic approach of regulators and The regulatory regime in the UK has kept have ten times as many. governments who really do want a reduction biopesticides prohibitively expensive, she said, “Top fruit growers in South Africa, with a in pesticide input. With a one-off payment per whereas products available here range from similar climate to the UK, are using a wide isolate of just £10,000 we’ve been able to £115-3400/ha. “But the bio-fertilisers we range of biopesticides to control pests and access these markets,” she said. sell in Africa, and intend to sell in Europe, diseases. They’re also able to meet the most “As soon as you allow farmers to use this cost just £20/ha.” stringent EU regulations on residues –– not just technology, instead of always thinking about why The company is now setting up in the UK and MRLs, but any pesticide residue at all.” you can’t use it, it gives them the opportunity to looking for growers to invest. “We’re looking for The “tools” Real IPM develops are microbes, find out what they can achieve with it.” sites to do efficacy trials in 2015. Stop just talking such as fungi and bacteria that are known Nor is the regulation regime in Africa lax, she IPM and start doing it,” she urged. not the sole preserve of the European Union.” Farmers would receive a flat-rate payment of £200/ha, with no modulation, no greening and no set aside requirement, he said. But this would be capped at £120,000, and farming would have to be carried out to an “ELS standard”. Scotland’s rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead warned that an in-out referendum was a “£20bn gamble” with the future of Scottish and British farming. Leaving the EU would mean leaving the CAP, that provided a “protective shield” for UK agriculture, he said, and while some farmers in England may wish to opt out The Government’s megaphone policy on Europe of farming support, it’s a very different was losing friends and losing influence, said picture north of the border. Huw Irranca-Davies. “For many farmers in Scotland, given the nature of the land, climate and location, Farmers would get £200/ha on their first 600ha When asked about an EU referendum and opting out of farming support means under UKIP, said Stuart Agnew. what would happen to UK farmers if Britain opting out of farming,” he maintained. I left the EU, she said it was a “hypothetical continued overleaf L question”, but the Government would ensure farmers had a “level playing field”. “We don’t want to be under the situation left by the previous Government with self-sufficiency falling as farming was neglected and wasn’t taken seriously –– we’ll not let that happen again,” she said. But shadow minister of state, Huw Irranca-Davies, said that trust and progress in the farming industry was being threatened by the shadow of a referendum and said the Government’s “megaphone” policy on Europe was “a textbook lesson on how to lose friends and lose influence”. “I genuinely worry that UK leadership on radical CAP reform at an EU level has been lost,” he said. “We now need to rebuild alliances across the EU with farmers and with other partners to deliver real progress on CAP reform.” UKIP’s proposal is to exit Europe altogether, said the party’s agricultural spokesman Stuart Agnew. “What will happen to farming? We will support it –– it’s

Opting out of farming support would mean opting out of farming for Scotland, warned Richard Lochhead.

crop production magazine february 2015 11 Switch variety on the move to boost yield

A multi-hybrid planter is bringing yield gains of up nutrition for every part of his fields. He can to 1t/ha of corn for an Iowa family farm. Dave even plant different varieties in different parts Nelson farms 1600ha of soybean and corn crops of the field. in the heart of the US corn belt. The farm’s moved “The seed hopper is split so you have an over to strip tillage and precision agriculture, offensive variety that does better in high-yielding using a mighty 32-row planter to get the corn areas, and a defensive variety that performs crop off to a good start. well in poorer areas. Each row can choose which “Each row of the planter works independently variety to plant at any given point in the field, and changes its own seeding rate as it goes determined by the planting map,” explained through the field,” he told conference delegates. Dave Nelson. This raises the performance in parts of his An offensive or defensive variety is precision He reckons the wealth of precision data he’s fields by typically 0.6-1t/ha –– an average planted, depending on the potential of the soil, accumulated over 12 years for his fields is one across the cropped area of 0.43t/ha for a explained Dave Nelson. of his most valuable assets, which helps him plant exactly the right seed rate and apply the right typical crop yield of 4.8t/ha.

SDHI mixes show their strength in fungicide trials

In a year that saw wheat in HGCA untreated it’s just a seasonal anomaly, rather than being fungicide trials creak under the pressure of yellow indicative of a shift in activity.” rust and septoria, you would’ve expected clear In eradicant trials, Aviator, Adexar and Vertisan differences to have emerged between products. with Ignite appeared to perform better than But “closely matched” was the phrase NIAB TAG’s Seguris (epoxiconazole+ isopyrazam), with Imtrex Stuart Knight chose when reporting results at the showing an advantage as a straight. Yield-wise, HGCA Agronomist Conference in Dec. Vertisan, both as a straight and in mixture, lagged “The solo SDHIs Vertisan (penthiopyrad) and behind Aviator and Adexar/Imtrex. “It does appear Imtrex (fluxapyroxad) are highly active on Septoria Vertisan has a lower persistency than Imtrex,” tritici, although they should always be used in a he commented. mix with effective partners,”he said. Azoles continue their steady decline in The SDHI/azole mixtures were very closely “But the SDHI/azole mixtures Adexar activity, he reported, with both epoxiconazole and matched for septoria control, said Stuart Knight. (epoxiconazole+ fluxapyroxad), Aviator Xpro prothioconazole following the same line. In the (bixafen+ prothioconazole) and Vertisan plus trials the two azoles are giving about 67% septoria between the SDHIs. “In 2014 Siltra Xpro and Ignite (epoxiconazole) were very closely control from a full dose in a protectant situation, Adexar were quite closely matched in both matched for septoria control, and superior compared with 80-90% in the early 90s. “In an protectant and eradicant situations on to solo SDHIs.” eradicant situation control may be even less.” rhynchosporium, but Vertisan with Proline was The long-running trials pitch various rates of On yellow rust, it was the SDHI mixtures a little way off. Proline on its own matched the leading fungicide products against each other, containing epoxiconazole that performed best in Imtrex while Zulu (isopyrazam) was not as good applied as single sprays in either a protectant or 2014, and this reflects results from previous years, and Vertisan appeared some way behind.” eradicant situation. In protectant septoria trials, said Stuart Knight. “Aviator is off the pace in terms Over three years on rhyncho, Vertisan plus both in 2014 and across the three-year mean, of yellow rust. When you look at the performance Proline compared more favourably with Siltra and it was very difficult to distinguish between the of Proline (prothioconazole) against Ignite –– the Adexar, and all three were “pretty comparable” on leading SDHI mixtures, noted Stuart Knight. star performer on yellow rust –– you can see why.” net blotch. “All SDHIs are as good or better than “Phoenix (folpet) offers a reasonable level of Vertisan and Imtrex both showed activity on Proline on net blotch, while Comet is off the pace. protectant activity, but not up to the level of Bravo rusts, and were more effective on brown rust. Bontima (cyprodinil+ isopyrazam) performs very (chlorothalonil). Prothioconazole appeared to “But Comet (pyraclostrobin) is the real star on similarly to other SDHI mixes, so clearly the outperform epoxiconazole in 2014, but only in brown rust, showing extremely good control.” cyprodinil partner is a good alternative to an azole protectant trials –– we can’t explain that and think Barley trials revealed more differentiation against the disease,” said Stuart Knight.

Protectant activity on septoria (2012-14) Yellow rust control (2012-14)

Source: HGCA Source: HGCA

12 crop production magazine february 2015

DISEASE Timing is CONTROL the“ biggest issue with the T1 spray, and a Margins on winter wheat break in the weather are tight for the 2015 Fungicide can delay you for season, so what will that weeks. mean for spend on SDHIs ” and the fungicide budget spend comes in general? CPM joins a discussion. under scrutiny By Tom Allen-Stevens two growers have come together with an But last year we moved quite a lot of the agronomist and a technical manager from new generation SDHIs into the T1 slot as Bayer CropScience. Experience is pooled well –– we’re now seeing good results from Let’s face it –– so far it’s been a pretty and trials results analysed to pinpoint the using them earlier in the season.” normal season by most standards. key practices to put in place for the 2015 The likely yield response of an SDHI/azole Crops are generally coming out of what spray season. over a strob/azole mix is at least 1t/ha, in his could be termed an average winter, albeit experience, where the right product is on the mild side overall, following an Are SDHIs delivering an applied at the right time. “Where there’s a autumn that didn’t throw up too many economic response? high yield potential, an SDHI will ensure establishment problems. It’s an almost unequivocal ‘yes’ from that’s delivered,” he says. What is different is that grain prices have Luke Cotton of Bucks-based Cotton Farm For Colin Woodward, manager of Great dropped and prospects of a recovery look Consultancy, advising clients on combinable Tew Estate in Oxon, that yield response bleak. There may be a broader mix of crops crops across Bucks, Oxon, Beds, Berks could even be an underestimate. “I’d say and varieties in the ground, and resistance, Northants and Warwicks. you’re looking at nearer to 2t/ha, and last both of pathogens to fungicides and weeds “There may be a case for staying with year it could have been more. My approach to herbicides, may be a greater threat. azole and strobilurin mixes with Dec-planted to fungicides is driven by the weather, and And perhaps most significantly, growers and spring wheat. But the vast majority of you’d only get away with azole/strob mixes have had another year’s experience with crops warrant an SDHI in the programme, in a dry season. But this year, I think we’re SDHIs –– one in which there weren’t the and we’ve been sold on them since 2011,” heading for a repeat of 2014, with some very weather extremes to distort results, but he says. big crops coming out of a mild winter.” plenty of disease pressure to pull apart “Their role is changing, however –– they’re With 900ha of combinable crops on the programmes. now very much a given at the T2 spray ironstone, running into limestone brash, his To discuss how all these factors should timing, while for years, Tracker (boscalid+ winter wheat yields are averaging 9.5t/ha, shape disease control strategy this year, epoxiconazole) has played a big part at T1. but achieved 11.3t/ha last harvest. The L

14 crop production magazine february 2015

L ha 5 l/ roline 5 . 0 l/ha ys. P 0 th soil can

L 1. CT he sa ” + yed T1 viator l/ha A 1 yields on our hea , in favour of a Vertisan-based mix. Vertisan-based in favour of a o T0 plus a dela Over seven years of fungicide trials, the in price between an SDHI “The difference pick up Colin on variety response Trials y year applying a fungicide that will encourage applying an SDHI at T2,” he notes. margin over input cost (MOIC) of an SDHI mix in low with a strob/azole compared septoria situations was £24.44/ha, with an But under of 0.3t/ha. average yield increase to this increases high septoria pressure, 0.7t/ha with an MOIC of £72.44/ha. and a good alternative T2 is not that much,” he notes. were points, he adds. “There Woodward’s of yields big variations in the untreated Skyfall, Crusoe and varieties, with Cougar, “In a dr o T0 N drop by 2t/ha or more, so even in the absence of disease, rooting has to be good news, applied with chlorothalonil and boscalid or prothioconazole, Roger Cowling needs flexibility in his T1 mix to Roger Cowling needs flexibility in his ensure that the correct combination and dose rates are being applied. tes.” s Ben Giles. ’ icide ra bout usually ference in root y mixes containing ram Delayed T1 N e got the application he explains. ding to Bayer rog ” has carried out his own “W t T0 with Cherokee t rd p tions, tanda t with three-wa vings to be made it has to come S 2.0 0.5 Leadenham,

per products will be counterproductive.

12.5 1 11.5 11.0 1 10.0 ) a h / t ( d l e i Y L ramme starts a His 680ha lie on brash, with a loam bear out the on-farm results Trials Andrew Ward’s standard fungicide standard Ward’s Andrew Last year, he says he had very little if any He also believes cutting rates and using “The yield results were similar in all the trials, Lincs grower Andrew Ward of Roy Ward of Roy Ward Andrew Lincs grower Source: Bayer CropScience; average of four independent trials in 2014 The effect of a compromised start to a four-spray programme a four-spray start to of a compromised The effect timings right and maintained robust fung (chlorothalonil+ cyproconazole+ propiconazole) at 1.2l/ha applied across the board. This year, he’ll be dropping out the strobilurin, prog infection in his crops. mass where Vertisan had been applied,”Vertisan mass where he says. chea never cut back on inputs because all that “We does is ultimately reduce the yield potential. If there are sa from the cultiva Vertisan, Bravo and an azole. but we noticed a significant dif especially on lighter land.T1 used at “When it’s we’ve seen a yield improvement of a on-farm trials to put this to the test. In 2014, he T1 timing on JB Diego compared his standard second whea 0.3t/ha.” Farms, “You’d have to have a very not to poor crop “You’d deliver a return on your investment from delivering. You wouldn’t risk a T2 spray wouldn’t delivering. You without them these days.” content that varies. Wheat yields average year the climbing, and last 7.8t/ha but are average topped 10t/ha. A dry summer is marginal crops, what brings him more dies often than not, the crop “More however. its potential, so it reaches on brash before I’d only leave out an SDHI if that was likely to happen.” experience, accor ys, tes will he sa vo tes are being february 2015 y mix of Opus vo will be added, ertisan is a claimed V more Bra , t 0.5 l/ha plus Bra tion and dose ra ter he adds. ” rea

, concerned that disease levels this he’s ertisan at 0.75l/ha. “Where the risk of s a temptation fungicide to cut back on V

One of the benefits of He recommends a three-wa Covering an area from Lincoln across to the crop production magazine ropping and variety mix have seen ropping pplied according to the diseases present and DISEASE CONTROL DISEASE James Price, farming Farm at Perdiswell

“We’re using varieties to spread the to spread using varieties “We’re Flexibility in the mix to maintain control in Flexibility (chlorothalonil) at 1.5 l/ha and the straight SDHI septoria is g and if rust is prevalent then triazole ra (epoxiconazole) a be increased, positive impact on root development, a the risk.” year will be similar to the very high pressure crops experienced in 2014. “When choosing fungicides we need flexibility to ensure that the correct combina Humber There’ rates when grain prices are down, but this would be a false economy, according to independent agronomist Roger Cowling. “Poor control of diseases such as septoria, rust and mildew can lead to a 75% yield loss, but with limited effective curative fungicidesthe on market, programmes must be based on protectant strategies,” he says. c

L 16 spend this spring. The drop in grain prices may on input impact (see article on p12) to see what they’re the HGCA fungicide trials response curves the HGCA fungicide trials response advocate of SDHIs. “You only have to look at advocate of SDHIs. “You near Woodstock, Oxon, is also a keen Oxon, is also near Woodstock, a good tillerer, going in late after beans.” a good tillerer, drilled wheat after oilseed rape. JB Diego’s drilled wheat after oilseed rape. JB Diego’s strong on eyespot, so suitable for the early on eyespot, so suitable strong good on yellow rust, while Revelation’s also good on yellow rust, while Revelation’s disease. JB Diego and Revelation both look workload and reduce our exposure to our exposure workload and reduce Revelation. dropped in favour of JB Diego and in favour of JB Diego dropped KWS Kielder and Santiago have been KWS Kielder and Santiago making way for winter barley. Meanwhile, barley. making way for winter changes recently, with second wheats changes recently,

prothioconazole for the fusarium risk,” he says. There’s no chlorothalonil in the T1 mix, but the sprayer returns within a couple of weeks with a T1.5 spray of 1 l/ha of Bravo (chlorothalonil). “We aim to protect every leaf and are using chlorothalonil more and more. There’s capacity with our sprayer, so it’s a step worth taking.” The farm’s new Agrifac self-propelled with a 4000-litre tank and 32m boom manages to cover 140-160ha/day, he adds. James Price hasn’t used an SDHI at the Colin Woodward’s sprayer returns within a couple T1 timing yet. “I’m not convinced I’d see of weeks of the T1 application with a T1.5 spray Last year, Luke Cotton moved quite a lot of the the MOIC. But it’s the way it’s going –– of Bravo. new generation SDHIs into the T1 slot. we’re being pushed towards two SDHIs by failing chemistry.” “But any cost saving shouldn’t L Revelation faring best in the high septoria compromise your MOIC –– 0.3t/ha in a conditions of 2014. Applying robust, well Where can savings be made? low-disease year is still a hefty margin. If timed fungicide programmes narrowed Those aiming to make savings on fungicides you’re going to save anywhere, don’t do it at the differences between the varieties, and could be looking in the wrong place, reckons the T1 or T2 timing. Keep these robust and delivered a 4.5t/ha average yield response James Price. “My fungicide budget is pare back on the T0 and T3 sprays.” over untreated. staying roughly the same –– variable costs Ben Giles agrees. “A well timed SDHI “Late drilling, and using resistant varieties, are fixed, while it’s the fixed costs that are at the right rate at T2 can cover you for are important parts of a fungicide strategy more variable. You might be able to tweak septoria control for a number of weeks, –– almost like putting an extra fungicide the budget, but you wouldn’t want to cut it but in high disease pressure years then a partner in the tank,” he notes. too much.” top up at T3 will be required. This spray Colin Woodward feels the same. “I’ve kept timing should also be used to target the What’s the right strategy for the budgets up for the 2015 season –– you can’t ear disease complex. At other timings, T0 and T1? afford to take your foot off the pedal.” the risk is that you drop your fungicide At the T1 timing, trials evidence suggests a Both growers make judicious use of spend by £10/ha and it costs your yield slightly different story on the use of SDHIs, generic fungicides rather than buying all potential more.” continues Ben Giles. “If the crop’s had a T0 leading label. “You have to be careful –– I spray and the T1 is well timed, there’s no wouldn’t buy a generic chlorothalonil, but What about protecting the advantage of an SDHI over a Proline there are good epoxiconazoles available chemistry? (prothioconazole) plus chlorothalonil mix. and prices vary on tebuconazole,” says Don’t overuse the SDHIs and don’t abuse But if there’s no T0 or, God forbid, the T1’s Colin Woodward. them is Ben Giles’ advice. “No more than delayed, that’s where an SDHI will deliver Luke Cotton cautions you need to be two SDHIs can be applied per season to a benefit (see chart on p16).” sure you get what you ask for when buying a crop and keep up the azole rate in Luke Cotton prefers to see chlorothalonil generics, especially if sourcing through a mixtures. A reduced dose of an SDHI in the mix at both T0 and T1, subject to buying group. But he reckons there’s limited mixture could be putting on just a 50% label restrictions. Last year, he found crops scope for savings. “There’s no such thing as dose of azole. You shouldn’t drop that rate under high pressure that had a weaker a low-input winter crop drilled in Sept or Oct, to lower than 75% of full dose, so top up the T1 struggled with disease throughout the and if you don’t have resistant varieties, it’ll mixture with extra azole if the formulated season, making a strong case for an SDHI be an expensive year,” he notes. at T1. Great Tew Estate winter wheat “It’s ultimately down to risk management Only a very poor crop wouldn’t deliver a return budget for 2015 –– look at your variety, drilling date and on SDHI chemistry applied at the T2 timing, thickness of the crop. If you’ve got on early according to Ben Giles. 2014 2015 with a robust T0, or if you’re growing a actual budget resistant variety like Crusoe, maybe there’s Yield (t/ha) 11.26 9.5 a place for Tracker or a standard Average price (£/t) 136 130 azole/chlorothalonil mix at T1,” he says. “But you don’t know what the weather will Variable Costs (£/t) do. Timing is the biggest issue with the T1 Seed 9 6 spray, and a break in the weather can delay Fertiliser 17 18 you for weeks.” Sprays 26 29 Colin Woodward doesn’t like to take Fixed costs (£/t) 69 75 chances, and follows up a chlorothalonil Total cost of application at T0 with Aviator Xpro (bixafen+ production (£/t) 121 128 prothioconazole) at T1. “The Aviator’s in Net margin (£/t) 15 2 there for the eyespot, and you need the

18 crop production magazine february 2015 19 . y icide T1 ” in some pplication, f lightl low levels of t the y protected , y T2 a y not bear february 2015 or septoria already Equall y partiall or T2.or “At the correct ppens to septoria through t ha tor f ps don’t get stretched, ves it onl via rowers not to start the fung orward and dirty crops, f A bout three weeks protection, so t ga t lea . y and the aim is to protect plants as tha f in the spring.” he says. “But with leaf three not fully ving ylor , ywa y sa a T ys. ive you a By the time the crop gets its y y plants will be riddled with the disease if y septoria don’t mean you’ll get of y lift of With the building blocks f An early T0 often results in a poorlytimed An early He advises g y particular attention to early season risk crop production magazine s critical tha James Price’s variable costs are fixed,James Price’s while it’s the fixed costs that are more variable. he concludes. man conditions later in the season favour septoria.” there –– lush, and septoria can transfer to the all-important flag leaf. emerged, But you just don’t know what’s ahead of you,” But you just don’t know what’s he sa the T1 spra earl cases –– he advises following up a protectant T0 with Proline plus chlorothalonil a timing, rates and timing, any fungicide application will g it’ programme too early. “The lower leaves will die back an pa management, says Sean MacGill of Bayer. “High inoculum or early pressure may season not guarantee an epidemic. Perceptions of wha the season and between years ma out what actually happens in practice, says Mora ter even , rowers to but there ference, or g ves five ges, rowth sta and that’s where you get and that’s y disease (lea ree of disease severity y g you’d expect it to be high la ”Taylor. explains Moray t surprised us was where there “If there was a high disease severity I t those ke James Price agrees. “We all know what’s “We agrees. James Price notes that many growers Luke Cotton y a ere using extremely low rates of strobs low rates of strobs extremely using ere rotectant. “We have to protect what we what have to protect “We rotectant. he adds. p the azoles.” have left of septoria, find yourself fire-fighting right. If you way.” the wrong going about it you’re w ago, which contributed and azoles a decade septoria built up to the speed with which “But in those days, to strobs. resistance don’t You effective. far more triazoles were rates to such drastic lows to have to drop on the SDHIs now,” put a lot of reliance he warns.

L y in the season, “One result tha The time taken for crops to grow from GS30-37 Disease levels between years were analysed in more,What’s the number of fungicide sprays Assessments of earl The study strengthens the case f “There was greater variance in disease severity on. But there was only a very weak correlation,” he notes. was no disease early severity on on –– disease the top leaves ranged from nothing to very high levels. So no matter how much early septoria you get, anything can happencrop later to the in the season.” was also assessed against disease severity, and researchers found that in years where there was more variation, this resulted in higher levels of disease. “Cold spells in the growing season cause the crop to slow down, the variation. If a key growth stage coincides with good conditions for septoria, a recipe for that’s high disease levels, commercial crops to see if levels in one season had a knock-on effect on the next. couldn’t “We find any correlation –– no matter disease how little you get in one year, there’ll always be enough inoculum for an epidemic in the next.” applied in a particular area didn’t have any effect on the amount of inoculum reaching untreated crops, on resistant varieties.” earl and six) were also compared with the same assessments made later season, in the on leaves one and two. can still be a high deg especiall to very high levels,”Taylor. reports Moray for rating those varieties with a septoria of 4, compared with those rated 6 or 7. more, What’s at leaves one and three, the variance for resistant varieties was less than at leaves two or four. So varietal resistance does make a dif vice and Defra- nor between years. fers some protection rower or agronomist thinks t crop, according to a study t a g . s CropMonitor ser The key of to maintaining control

te season disease,

arietal resistance of Varieties were grouped according to resistance Varieties An evaluation was carried out of data collected “But is that perception correct? When it “But is that perception correct? V “Much of the decision-making on what to Colin Woodward aims to start early, using aims to start early, Colin Woodward

There are concerns that over-reliance concerns are that over-reliance There Septoria plays inoculum “lottery” Septoria plays inoculum on wheat crops, says study Where there was no disease early on, disease severity on the top leaves ranged from nothing to very high levels. rating and the amount of disease severity on each leaf assessed for each year. “There was a big variation between years, from almost no disease from 2004-2012 at sites where septoria on untreated plots is monitored throughout the season for CropMonitor. Also included in the study were mid-July assessments of about 300 commercial crops over the same period. comes to how septoria develops, a lot of there’s inconsistency between the early stages of a crop’s growth and what happens on the top leaves.” You can’t predict how much septoria will rampage can’t You through your whea against the pathogen, researchers found. an But analysis data of almost a decade of collected through Defra’ will happen,” of Fera, Taylor points out Dr Moray who led the study carried out by by Fera and funded Bayer CropScience. the disease is to react to changing risks during the season. spray and a and when is based on experience perception of wha funded disease surveys has of commercial crops not much of a link between early shown there’s and la iseases, but be careful how you do it. iseases, but be careful roduct doesn’t contain enough.” doesn’t roduct p chlorothalonil to keep the spray programme chlorothalonil your septoria control could suffer.” your septoria control could be little help against resistance and resistance could be little help against accommodate other azole partners,accommodate other azole as that (i.e. prothioconazole or epoxiconazole) to (i.e. prothioconazole Don’t drop the dose of your primary drop azole Don’t d can help by bringing in control of other bringing in control can help by to mix them through the season. “This through to mix them resistance, he notes, and it’s a good idea and it’s he notes, resistance, on the same azole can tend to select for azole can tend to select on the same

INNOVATION INSIGHT For the past 30 years, Ally has been a trusted tool in the spray shed, but its introduction ushered in a complete change of mindset in the manufacture and on-farm use of pesticides. CPM tracks its story. By Ted Fleetwood

Massachusetts, in Chemical Heritage Newsmagazine. One molecule demonstrated a weak ability to slow plant growth, but this was so slight it almost escaped unnoticed. Further analysis of 90 SUs in DuPont’s chemical library turned up only two molecules with possible promise. It was only when George Levitt focused on a particular characteristic these shared that the true potential of the chemistry became clear. “This insight proved crucial,” continues Gaurab Bhardwaj.

Astonishly potent “Levitt began making structural changes to the heterocyclic compound (see panel on p22) with the hope of developing molecules with greater herbicidal activity. One of these, named R4321, showed an astonishingly high level of plant-growth retardation when it was tested in July 1975. It was so potent that minor residues remaining in the spray system damaged plants that were later being treated with A friend in need other compounds.” The research programme grew, and in Feb 1976, George Levitt created Anyone who’s filled a sprayer will know GS37 was a completely new approach to chlorsulfuron, trade-marked later as what a huge help it is to have a small broadleaf-weed programmes.” Glean –– the first of a new class of highly pot to put in the tank. Those few grams The impact of the new chemistry was potent herbicides. of water-dispersible granules, quickly not just felt on farm –– it ushered in a Field tests that summer of the new flushed down the induction bowl, whole new approach to manufacturing product surpassed even those of R4321 –– contrast distinctly with the series of five pesticides and redirected the entire even those carrying out field tests couldn’t L or ten-litre packs of gloopy liquid you corporate strategy of one of the world’s have to line up, prepare for emptying and largest chemical companies. then upturn and flush out in a mad dash It was in the early 1970s that DuPont as the sprayer tank fills. chemist George Levitt first developed a Those “Sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides transformed “wiggle of activity” from a new class of carrying“ out field tests the storage and logistics areas of the molecules he’d been synthesising. The on-farm spraying operation,” notes activity had been found in 1973, by a couldn’t believe such Dr Tudor Dawkins of ProCam. “When Ally colleague who was looking for an high potency was (metsulfuron-methyl) was first introduced in insecticide to control spider mite. the mid-1980s, most growers were lugging “Intrigued, Levitt began making analogues possible from the low about 25-litre metal cans of CMPP. To get of the SU molecule and had them dose rates. such reliable broad-spectrum control from screened for various responses,” recounts ” just a few grams of product right up to Prof Gaurab Bhardwaj of Babson College,

20 crop production magazine february 2015

L believe such high potency was possible weeds still wouldn’t grow in the test plot, applied at a rate of 3.5kg/ha. from the low dose rates they were asked to despite the herbicide’s half-life of about “It was an excellent blackgrass product,” test. Researchers at one US university, for 6-8 weeks,” recalls Gaurab Bhardwaj. recalls DuPont UK and Irish technical example, thought there was an error in the When the herbicides came to the UK, manager Steve Cranwell, who joined the instructions they’d received. DuPont was keen to ensure growers company shortly before Glean was “Since herbicides were normally applied understood the full implications, along with launched. “It was the 20g/ha of chlorsulfuron at rates of a few kilograms per ha, not a the potential, of the low-dose chemistry. that really made the difference and stood out few grams, they moved the decimal point But initially launched as Glean C, this saw in trial plots. But Glean C didn’t deliver the by two places, effectively increasing the chlorsulfuron only available in a mixture true low-dose chemistry as it only contained application rate 100-fold. Two years later, with Tribunil (methabenzthiazuron) and an SU as part of a formulation.

What are sulfonylureas?

ALS enzymes in plants work within the chloroplast, taking simple molecules (parts of the star) and synthesizing these into amino acids (whole stars).

Sulfonylurea herbicides bind tightly to the enzyme, effectively halting the synthesis. Without Sulfonylurea molecules contain a bridge (in red) with a sulphur atom at the amino acids, the plant cells one end and a nitrogen atom at the other. What George Levitt noticed can’t grow and divide and the was that the molecules that had slight activity had heterocyclic groups plant’s growth is halted. (the ring) attached to the nitrogen end. Realising the heterocycles are biologically active, he then designed different structures with greater herbicidal activity. The molecule shown is metsulfuron-methyl. INNOVATION INSIGHT

“The real step change in the UK was introduction to the UK, we began to notice Finesse.” Introduced in 1983, Finesse issues with following crops. Although partnered chlorsulfuron with metsulfuron, chlorsulfuron breaks down quickly, we and was applied at just 100g/ha. This found there were circumstances where it offered both grassweed and broad-spectrum could stay in an anaerobic part of the soil, broadleaf-weed control –– Avadex (tri-allate) then come up into a following sugar beet followed by Finesse became a popular or potato crop,” notes Steve Cranwell. choice in UK herbicide programmes. But problems with the new chemistry Herbicide breakdown soon surfaced. “Within three years of its This was tracked to how the ALS (Acetolactate Synthase) herbicide chemistry breaks down. “There are five The high level of activity from a low dose of ALS classes. All inhibit the ALS enzyme in product focused attention on sprayer hygiene. a plant, which controls its biosynthesis. But they’re very specific and behave very differently, most notably in how they break down. Chlorsulfuron relies in particular on microbial activity in the soil. This could mean it wouldn’t break down in certain George Levitt developed sulfonylurea molecules circumstances and could affect following with an astonishingly high level of herbicidal crops. activity (picture courtesy Hagley Museum “The saving grace for metsulfuron was and Library). that it didn’t have this issue –– it breaks down primarily by hydrolysis, so presented a much lower risk.The active was then growers, first using it in the spring of 1985, launched on its own as Ally in 1985 it was a real step change,” recalls Steve and chlorsulfuron-based products Cranwell. “The use of such a small pot were withdrawn. required an entirely different mindset to the Ally quickly grew to become a mainstay big drum it replaced. What’s more,

in controlling broadleaf weeds. “For it has a massive weed spectrum, with L Trusted tools to tackle tricky weeds

While some growers may be purchasing wild flufenacet, that takes care of most of the carrot seed as part of the environmental broadleaf-weed spectrum. Refine Max is mixtures they’re planting, for Oxon grower used as and when needed in the spring.” Robert Benson, it’s an annual menace in his Robert Benson has relied on spring-applied cereal crops he has to keep in check. sulfonylureas for as long as he can remember. “I can’t quite understand why we’ve a problem “They’ve always given us good results. I find it with wild carrot, but it’s a weed, along with quite scary how products are losing their black and brown mustard, that we generally approval at the moment, for no good reason. have to spray for each spring. In oilseed rape, If we ever lost these herbicides, I honestly don’t these are causing us a real headache, and know how we’d cope.” we’ve now introduced a Clearfield variety to try As the person responsible for the spraying to address it. But thankfully in cereals, we still through the farm’s Amazone mounted 2000-litre have very effective herbicides.” sprayer with 28m booms, he’s particularly He farms a total of 300ha of arable crops, grateful for the small pots the products come in. managing land for the Elms Farm Partnership as “Putting in huge mixes with all those cans can well as his own farm near Wantage. Soil type be difficult, and then there’s the cost and varies from greensand to heavier clay and some inconvenience of disposing of the empty brash on his own land, with winter wheat, OSR, containers. I’m all for using concentrated Working closely with Paul Gruber (left), Robert spring barley and spring beans in the rotation. product as much as possible.” Benson’s product of choice to tackle problem The problem weeds include runch, charlock, Paul Gruber favours the SX formulations. weeds is Refine Max. shepherds purse and cranesbill. Working closely “You do have to be careful about sprayer with ProCam agronomist Paul Gruber, Robert hygiene –– when planning spring applications, used on some of the OSR, he’s aware that the Benson’s product of choice to tackle these, along we try to arrange it so that the OSR and beans farm’s overall reliance on ALS herbicides may be with wild carrot and mustard, is Refine Max are covered before the cereals, to avoid increasing. “You have to bear broadleaf-weed (metsulfuron-methyl+ thifensulfuron-methyl). problems with cross-contamination. AllClear resistance in mind, but there’s no evidence on “The biggest weed issue on the farm is resistant Extra is always used to wash out after SUs. But the farm as yet. The robust autumn pre-em blackgrass,” explains Paul Gruber. the SX formulation adds an extra reassurance programme brings us different modes of action “That means there’s a very robust autumn there shouldn’t be any residues left in the tank.” and good control of poppies, mayweed and pre-emergence herbicide programme, based on With Cleranda (imazamox+ metazachlor) now chickweed,” he notes. INNOVATION INSIGHT activity on over 120 weeds, and a much high-value nature of our products means longer window of application than growers that copying to a poor standard is a were used to. problem –– in-house testing of 98 generic “But seeing is believing –– there was a samples from 2008 to 2013 found 87% of huge interest in visiting the trial plots and them fell outside the FAO (Food and the difference was quickly noticed on farm. Agriculture Organisation) specification,” So there was a very rapid uptake of the he adds. product, and it soon became one growers knew they could rely on.” Following-crop restrictions In the meantime, DuPont was also On farm, the potency of the chemistry learning that this new class of active called for extra care in its use. Following- ingredient, potent at a rate of just 6g/ha of crop restrictions are now part of statutory active ingredient, needed a new approach label guidelines, while the risk of minimal to manufacture. Clean-down procedures residues in the sprayer tank affecting of product lines, involving 36 separate non-target crops focused attention on processes, were introduced, while strict sprayer wash-out procedures. non-contamination protocols involved “In the early days of Ally, the high level maintaining negative pressure with the of activity from a low dose of product plant, with air flow channelled through focused attention on sprayer hygiene,” special filters. continues Steve Cranwell. “This had never “SUs aren’t that difficult to make, but been front of mind before –– it was simply Ally was a real step change for growers and they are difficult to make safely and a question of encouraging operators to required an entirely different mindset, says effectively,” notes Steve Cranwell. “The wash out the sprayer as soon as the Steve Cranwell. process had to ensure there was no tank was empty. Poorly maintained filters cross-contamination of actives, so separate can also trap product that would then soon introduced its own branded wash-out plants were used to manufacture products contaminate the next tankful, potentially product –– AllClear Extra. “We ran a huge for cereals and other crops.” putting following crops at risk.” information campaign to improve sprayer The investment has paid off, he claims, Initially, DuPont advised operators to use hygiene. It’s contributed in no small part to with not a single case of cross-contamination bleach or a chlorine-based product during the very high standards operators maintain occurring in 30 years. “But the low-dose, wash-out procedures, but the company on farm today, and has improved the L ADVERTORIAL tribenuron-methyl (as in Quantum SX). “Each active has a defined spectrum of weeds. Metsulfuron has the broadest, while thifensulfuron has strength on polygonums. This makes Harmony M a very effective product, especially in spring barley.” Ally Max SX was launched in 2006, and combines metsulfuron with tribenuron. This brings added control of fumitory, fat hen and orache, he notes. “Ally Max is now the leading product in the range, but there are many other blends available. These offer flexibility, Ally Max SX brings added control of along with the sequences and fumitory, fat hen and orache, notes mixtures that have been tested Alister McRobbie. and approved, and there are a lot of skilled agronomists out

L application efficiency of all there who are using them pesticides.” very effectively.” The formulation of Ally has After 30 years of use, there moved on too, notes cereal are confirmed cases of herbicide herbicides product manager resistance to ALS chemistry Alister McRobbie. “One of the in poppies, chickweed and biggest changes was the mayweed. The advice to introduction of the SX agronomists and growers is formulation in 2005. It dissolves to bear this in mind when they completely in the tank, which design their weed control has a number of advantages: programmes and include the active ingredient is more products with alternative readily available to the plant modes of action in the and there’s much less risk of a tank-mix wherever possible. wash-out problem. Unlike older “While it’s good chemistry, WDG formulations, there are we’re coming to depend on it no particles left in the solution more and more,” points out that could get caught in the Alister McRobbie. “In 1993, nooks and crannies of the of 6.1 million ha treated with sprayer. The SX formulation also herbicides, 18% were ALS has a much quicker wash-out products. Ten years later, ALS procedure,” he adds. herbicides were used on 45% of The Dupont SU “family” also 7 million treated ha. The weeds includes thifensulfuron-methyl aren’t changing, but there’s a (as in Harmony M SX) and risk of selecting out those that

Growers should bear resistance to ALS chemistry in mind when designing weed-control programmes – there are confirmed cases in poppies, chickweed and mayweed.

26 crop production magazine february 2015 Using different modes of action throughout the programme is also key, he adds. “Pendimethalin is useful against resistant poppies in the autumn, while tank-mixing Ally Max with fluroxypyr or mecoprop helps in the spring.” For Tudor Dawkins, the flexibility on offer from products like Ally has always been their greatest strength. “Importantly, there’s a huge range of compatible chemistry approved for use in tank-mix with metsulfuron-methyl. But it also Tudor Dawkins notes metsulfuron- offers a very wide window of methyl offers a very wide window of control, from the early stages in control so a broadleaf-weed problem the spring right up to GS37. This can be tackled as and when it arises. gives growers and agronomists the confidence that they can treat a broadleaf-weed problem as are able to withstand treatment.” and when it arises.” Unlike blackgrass, there are However, there are restrictions no known cases of metabolic on mixing and sequencing ALS resistance to DuPont SU herbicides, he notes. “You can herbicides in broadleaf weeds, generally only use two within he stresses. Chemical control the same season, and only remains the most effective one can be a grassweed ALS method, but weeds with herbicide. Only certain target-site resistance can sequences and mixtures persist in the seed-bank for with other ALS chemistry are many years. permitted and these can be specific to the product, rather Signs of resistance than the active ingredient. “Growers should be vigilant “Again, the advantage with for possible signs of resistance the DuPont products is that they –– it’s often seen as a discrete have the widest ranges of patch that spreads over several approved sequences and years. Applying the appropriate mixtures –– you know where rate for the size of weed is also you are with them.” important. Using 18g/ha of Ally And that’s not just in cereals, Max on poppies of up to six he adds –– metsulfuron has leaves will only give around become a useful tool in linseed, 75% control, while the correct rate for example. “It’s a product of 42g/ha offers 98% control.” that’s stood the test of time –– others have come and gone, either because they’ve Innovation been superseded or through regulatory issues or weed Insight resistance. “There are 20-30 weeds CPM would like to thank DuPont on which it has always for kindly sponsoring this article, maintained very good control, and for providing privileged and continues to do so. Those access to staff and material used weeds aren’t going away, and to help put the article together. there’s a willingness from DuPont to continue to support the product. So I reckon this family of herbicides could keep its favoured place in the spray shed for the next 30 years.” I Barley begins to The project has reviewed historic data, with new experiments, looking at N rates and timings for winter barley, conducted over three years. It’s been running for a bare its potential year and a half, and initial results suggest RB209 does indeed underestimate the optimum N rate, while applying N earlier has been shown to bring yield benefits, points out Susannah Bolton. “But the project is not just about yield. Quality is equally important, especially for the premium markets. So the research is also looking at the effect of different N regimes on grain N.” For Dr Pete Berry of ADAS, the lead scientist on the project, it’s the Fertiliser Manual, RB209, that needs refreshing. “The development work behind the current recommendations for barley haven’t been updated since the 1980s,” he points out. More recently, an industry-funded LINK project (see panel on p31) has provided further insight into how barley develops and the components of yield. “Getting yield into barley requires a slightly different approach from wheat. The crop is sink limited, so the yield is set by the number of grains/m2 the plant develops,” he explains. “That’s primarily down to the amount of light intercepted between plant emergence and flowering. You need to Newer barley varieties bring final result –– 6.5t/ha is the actual average produce about 20,000 grains/m2 before you can achieve a crop of 10t/ha or more,” the promise of sizeable UK yield from winter barley. Dr Susannah Bolton of HGCA is one of many in the continues Pete Berry. yields, but these are rarely industry who believe this under performance “You then have to fill those grains, and maintaining a healthy green canopy for a delivered on farm. CPM can and should be addressed. “It’s clear that barley is becoming a crucial five-week period after flowering is explores recent and current more important crop. It’s not just that it’s sufficient. This contrasts with wheat, where the longer you keep the leaf area green, research that’s shedding a key second cereal under the three-crop rule. It plays an important role in the the more you’ll maximise grain fill,” new light on how input rotation and helps against blackgrass,” he adds. she says. The new project has a firm focus on strategies can be adapted. nitrogen management. The first stage has been to review recent research that’s By Tom Allen-Stevens Genetic advances “But the crop’s suffered under-investment in sought to look closely at N applied to terms of research. We now need to bring it winter barley, and in particular optimum timings. In all, 25 N timing experiments Once the Cinderella crop, barley has to the same level as wheat. What’s more, were reviewed. become the belle of the ball. The new there are really interesting genetic advances “From 2006-2010, we did some work HGCA Recommended List for spring –– hybrids and new high-yielding barley positively bristles with attractive conventional types –– that use nitrogen in new lines, while so confident is Syngenta a different way. We need to understand in the performance of its Hyvido that, how to bring the benefits onto the hybrid winter barleys, it offers growers farm, and how to manage the crop money-back guarantees. Even new effectively.” Getting yield conventional varieties are nudging These are the objectives of an HGCA- into“ barley requires a 10t/ha in RL trials, and yields above funded research project, carried out by 12t/ha have been recorded. ADAS, that’s currently under way (see slightly different Yet for all the genetic potential paraded panel on p31). It’s part of a £700,000 approach. in front of growers, once brought back on research package aimed at updating ” farm, the promise of a dazzling display nutrient management recommendations, appears to dwindle into a disappointing she explains.

28 crop production magazine february 2015 with GrowHow, for example, looking at There are interesting genetic advances in barley different rates and timings for two-row and that use nitrogen in a different way, says six-row winter barleys. This concluded that Susannah Bolton. newer varieties need more N than RB209 recommends, while earlier timings results in more yield.” has a small but significant effect on RB209 recommends 25-30% of N is ear numbers. applied before early stem extension, while “But if you’re pushing for a higher yield, the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice and particularly where applying N early, an reveals that growers currently apply around ethephon PGR should be used at the T2 30-40% of their N before this timing. spray timing (i.e. GS37).” Examples “We statistically analysed all the data include Cerone (2-chloroethylphosphonic from experiments and found there was acid) and Terpal (2-chloroethylphosphonic actually a 0.5t/ha yield increase from acid+ mepiquat chloride). applying more than 50% of N before early Optimum N rates were also reviewed, stem extension, compared with less than and for those crops yielding around 8t/ha, 30%. This suggests that if growers apply the RB209 recommended rate holds true, N earlier than they are at the moment –– says Pete Berry. “But crops with a higher certainly earlier than RB209 recommends yield potential require more N than RB209

–– that’ll bring quite a significant yield advises –– on average, the optimum N L improvement,” notes Pete Berry. What’s more, there’s an effect on grain N. “We looked at a range of different total N rates at both the early and late timings in the GrowHow-funded experiments. Consistently, the earlier N strategy reduces the grain N by about 0.1%, which is important for achieving various market specifications.” (see chart on p30). The earlier N also increases the straw yield by 0.3t/ha to 1t/ha and the crop height, by about 10cm, which has implications for lodging risk, he adds. “More than three quarters of UK barley crops receive a PGR, of which more than half is just chlormequat. That won’t shorten the crop by very much and shouldn’t be relied on to reduce lodging risk.” Chlormequat is effective at boosting yield where there’s no lodging by helping to build tiller numbers, he explains. It regulates the amount of gibberellic acid produced by the plant at GS30-31, and analysis of past data has shown this

Initial results from the current project suggest RB209 underestimates the optimum N rate, while applying N earlier brings yield benefits.

february 2015 february magazine production crop 30

the new varieties are necessaril are varieties new the tha y much much t conclude,” says Andrew Manfield. Andrew says conclude,” and the environment,” he points out. points he environment,” the and

has been planted f planted been has or 2015 har 2015 or vest. “I don’t think don’t “I so curious to see what the HGCA trials will will trials HGCA the what see to curious so significant returns in terms of both economics both of terms in returns significant

year as a look-see. a as year An 8ha field of the same variety same the of field 8ha An I’m keen on precision placement of fertiliser of placement precision on keen I’m , stra teg y . It could be an easy win and bring bring and win easy an be could It .

Volume was grown last grown was Volume small area of Hyvido Hyvido of area small A with Cranfield University (see (see University Cranfield with Oct 14 issue). 14 Oct CPM know how that translates into a tailored fertiliser tailored a into translates that how know

fattening cattle, so have an outlet for the grain.” the for outlet an have so cattle, fattening of an Innovate UK project testing a new sensor new a testing project UK Innovate an of respond differently to N inputs, but don’t yet don’t but inputs, N to differently respond

barleys tempted us back in. We’re also back into back also We’re in. back us tempted barleys the chance of ha of chance the ving the trials here. trials the ving We’re part We’re prog rammes f rammes or nutrition. or We know varieties know We

“The advent of the new high-yielding six-row high-yielding new the of advent “The HGCA-funded winter barley trials. “I jumped at jumped “I trials. barley winter HGCA-funded “Most of all, I’d like to see variety-specific variety-specific see to like I’d all, of “Most

moved out of it,” he says. he it,” of out moved This year, he’s also hosting some of the of some hosting also he’s year, This

malting barley for a while, but subsequently but while, a for barley malting W e’re aiming f aiming e’re or 9t/ha.” or

adversity well. adversity

closed and needed an entry crop, so grew winter grew so crop, entry an needed and closed tillering and the rest just before stem extension. stem before just rest the and tillering

new barley varieties is that they overcome overcome they that is varieties barley new

rape reluctantly when the York sugar beet factory beet sugar York the when reluctantly rape 220kgN/ha in total, with half going on at late at on going half with total, in 220kgN/ha

Andrew Manfield reckons the key benefit of of benefit key the reckons Manfield Andrew

spring barley for malting. We moved into oilseed into moved We malting. for barley spring hard, starting earl starting on. “We’ll be putting on putting be “We’ll on. y

“We’ve been growing a substantial area of area substantial a growing been “We’ve His nitrogen strategy is to push the crop quite crop the push to is strategy nitrogen His

Wolds, 130m above sea level. sea above 130m Wolds, compensates and fills in the gaps well.” gaps the in fills and compensates

at Hessleskew Farm on the exposed E Yorks E exposed the on Farm Hessleskew at tha easy to get a good seedbed, good a get to easy t but the crop the but

in Manfield and Knapton, he farms 200ha based 200ha farms he Knapton, and Manfield in high-pH soils, and frost heave over winter. It’s not It’s winter. over heave frost and soils, high-pH

Andrew Manfield back into winter barley. A partner A barley. winter into back Manfield Andrew –– we’re on a very exposed site, with stony, with site, exposed very a on we’re ––

It was the lure of the new varieties that pulled that varieties new the of lure the was It higher yielding, but they overcome adversity well adversity overcome they but yielding, higher

olds grower olds W for up measuring and back Barley

winter set in.” set winter and in addition, putting 30kgN/ha of this of 30kgN/ha putting addition, in and in Herefordshire and High Mowthorpe in in Mowthorpe High and Herefordshire in

of a chance for the cr the for chance a of op to utilise it before it utilise to op applying 75% of N before stem extension stem before N of 75% applying The trials are sited at ADAS Rosemaund ADAS at sited are trials The

seedbed, and there may have been more been have may there and seedbed, “W e’r also looking at the ef the at looking also e fect of fect achieve their full yield potential. yield full their achieve

have time. This year it was applied to the to applied was it year This time. have up the second timing. second the up including SDHIs, to ensure all varieties can varieties all ensure to SDHIs, including

down in Oct or Nov, so maybe it didn’t it maybe so Nov, or Oct in down tmetnin– makes –– extension stem e befor N of 50% eceives and eceives r trial RL an one to dissimilar not

showed no benefit. “But then the cr the then “But benefit. no showed op shut op the best result from the data review –– review data the from result best the will receive a “belt-and-braces” approach, “belt-and-braces” a receive will

ged, emer op cr the after days ten on put stem extension, while extension, stem e befor on N of 30% comments. All 2015 and 2016 experiments 2016 and 2015 All comments.

In the first year, the autumn-applied N, autumn-applied the year, first the In The RB209-recommeded timing puts just puts timing RB209-recommeded The she , Otter Maris as such varieties older

egulations.” r NVZ ent r cur under allowed experiments,” continues Sarah Kendall. Sarah continues experiments,” but not always robust enough for the the for enough robust always not but

t isn’ this although seedbed, the into ent N timings in the in timings N ent fer dif four e ar e “Ther was sufficient for the modern varieties, varieties, modern the for sufficient was

yield of 11t/ha, but a grain N of just 1.66%. just of N grain a but 11t/ha, of yield standar ogramme, which which ogramme, pr fungicide d

enture was 193kgN/ha, bringing a bringing 193kgN/ha, was enture V for N

The 2014 experiments received a a received experiments 2014 The

ore ADAS Source:

dilution effect –– in Scotland, the optimum the Scotland, in –– effect dilution Maris Otter and Halcyon or Pastoral.” or Halcyon and Otter Maris /ha) (kg te ra N

5 0 0 300 400 200 0 100

What’s more, higher yields result in a in result yields higher more, What’s

–– with two types grown in the 1980s –– 1980s the in grown types two with –– 0

she notes. she –– Cassia, Meridian, Venture and Volume and Venture Meridian, Cassia, –– 1 te ra N

mum mum pti O

2

at Rosemaund was achieving 1.9%N,” 1.9%N,” achieving was Rosemaund at e’re comparing four modern varieties modern four comparing e’re M “W

3

effect. Venture at the optimum N rate rate N optimum the at Venture effect. explains Dr Sarah Kendall of ADAS. of Kendall Sarah Dr explains

4

yon alc H

going on earlier, which mitigates the the mitigates which earlier, on going applied at six rates from 0-360kgN/ha, from rates six at applied N

5 er Ott ris a M

increase the grain N by 0.1%. But it’s But 0.1%. by N grain the increase

and optimum rate across six varieties, with varieties, six across rate optimum and

6

me olu

V M

rule of thumb, each extra 30kgN/ha should 30kgN/ha extra each thumb, of rule 7 and Syngenta. These look at the N timing N the at look These Syngenta. and

ure ent V M

M

8

ian rid Me

the new malting variety in the trials. As a As trials. the in variety malting new the

M M GrowHow with working years, three over

9

ia ass

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“That’s particularly important for Venture, for important particularly “That’s The project is also conducting new trials new conducting also is project The

10

So what about the effect on grain N? grain on effect the about what So RB209 rate for each tonne above 8t/ha.” above tonne each for rate RB209

winter barley winter

Mitigates increase Mitigates rate was about 27kgN/ha above the above 27kgN/ha about was rate

L Optimum N rate for for rate N Optimum

varieties trialled.” varieties

the grain sites, says Pete Berry. Pete says sites, grain the

rate between the old and newer newer and old the between rate N

five-week period after flowering is sufficient to fill to sufficient is flowering after period five-week

Source: ADAS (research funded by GrowHow) by funded (research ADAS Source: there was no difference in the optimum optimum the in difference no was there

Maintaining a healthy green canopy for a crucial a for canopy green healthy a Maintaining

N/ha) (kg

carried out some years ago concluded ago years some out carried

0 0 3 50 2 200 150 00 1 0 50

however –– similar HGCA-funded work we work HGCA-funded similar –– however 0.8

ate

L M “You don’t get that in spring barley, spring in that get don’t “You

1.0

ate L M

arly E

M opposite). chart (see reports she too,”

.2 M 1

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trend for the optimum N rate to increase, to rate N optimum the for trend

r a

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i

otential of these varieties increases, there’s increases, varieties these of otential n p

M 1.6 % varieties do need more N. As the yield the As N. more need do varieties

N

M 1.8 of trials indicate that new, high-yielding high-yielding new, that indicate trials of

2.0 “Preliminary results after just the first year first the just after results “Preliminary

Scottish Agronomy. Scottish content N

commissioned by Syngenta and run by run and Syngenta by commissioned Effect of earlier N on grain grain on N earlier of Effect

Yorks, with another trial in Scotland in trial another with Yorks, N Research round-up

HGCA project 216-0006, Updating N fertiliser better targeted. The total cost was £833,052, management guidelines for winter barley, runs from of which HGCA contributed £32,694. Led by Aug 2013 to Feb 2017. Its main aim is to review e SRUC, with ADAS and TEAGASC, the project xisting evidence and generate new data to update was co-funded by Agrii, Agrovista, BASF, the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) N management Bayer CropScience, and the Scottish recommendations for winter barley. The project is led Government through the Sustainable Arable by ADAS, with GrowHow and Syngenta as industry LINK programme. partners. Its total cost is £174,000, with £150,000 The HGCA Barley growth guide (2006) funded by HGCA. explores facets of barley development with HGCA project RD-2004-3017 (PR 470), the aim of improving understanding of how Targeting winter and spring barley disease, ran for the crop develops and grows in the field to five years from July 2004. Its main aim was to test help growers identify where production may the mechanisms by which fungicide treatment be falling short of potential. Preliminary results indicate that new, high- affects the growth of barley, so that sprays might be For more information, visit www.hgca.com yielding barley varieties do need more N, reports Sarah Kendall. yield benefit of 0.3-0.6t/ha,” he says. through a direct effect on plant metabolism, “The mechanism for this isn’t fully but it’s certainly not an effect of understood –– we’ve measured that the prolonging the green area of the leaf Otherwise, preliminary results suggest yield increase is coming from having more canopy –– more work may be needed earlier timings bring increased yield, seeds/m2 and bigger grains. It’s possibly before we really know what’s going on.” I confirms Sarah Kendall. “But there’s a health warning –– there’s the risk of N leaching where it’s applied too early. A Feb application followed by a deluge will wash it through the soil before the young crop has a chance to take it up.” There’s also the increased lodging risk, and this is being measured to understand more about the impact of earlier N and higher rates, while more data is also being gathered to refine understanding of grain N. “The data we get over the next two years should also give us more consistent conclusions about the N rates and timings across a range of different sites,” Sarah Kendall concludes. But tweaking the N regime isn’t the only way to get more out of your barley, notes Pete Berry. One of the major aspects explored in the LINK project was the physiological response of the crop to fungicides. “The yield response from disease control is well documented. What we were looking to determine was whether there was a response when little of no disease was present. We found in those situations, there was still a significant yield response of almost 0.5t/ha.” Where disease pressure is high, the LINK project concluded that fungicide treatments at T1 (GS25-30) and at T2 (GS37-49) will be needed. If disease pressure is low to moderate, the conclusion was that a single dose of prothioconazole plus pyraclostrobin (the actives used in the trials) at T2 was sufficient to protect the crop, although Pete Berry advises a two-spray programme in moderate situations. “But the important finding is that even in the absence of physical disease, a single application at T2 was likely to result in a

crop production magazine february 2015 31 Measurement a ‘must’ to fine-tune nitrogen needs

leached over winter, and spring soil testing Nitrogen recommendations based on expected yield only (SMN) can help pinpoint that. But the soil’s supply also depends on how much N tell half the story. CPM looks at how measuring N supply may mineralise from the land during the and uptake can improve returns. growing season. Mineralisation is related to the soil’s By Andrew Blake organic matter, so testing for it can usefully indicate likely N availability, says Dr Daniel Kindred of ADAS. Long gone are the days when it was According to HGCA’s N Management “Generally, only 60% of fertiliser N tempting to apply as much fertiliser N as Guide, N requirement can be summed up applied gets into the crop. In the HGCA one dared and could afford in the hope of as being crop demand (which increases Auto-N project we’ve found N recovery to maximising profits. Numerous field trial with yield potential and grain protein be very variable, but we don’t yet have measurements, the advent of soil N tests content) less soil N supply (SNS) divided good ways of predicting that variability, and estimations of N mineralisation and by fertiliser recovery. although we know that sandy soils tend to crop uptake during the season all suggest SNS depends largely on how much N have higher recoveries (70%) and chalky there’s clearly still scope for improving left by the previous crop hasn’t been soils lower (55%). individual farm recommendations, and that’s before assessments of N grain/seed content at harvest.

Mineralisation is“ the big unknown at the time of measuring SMN as it occurs later in the season.”

32 crop production magazine february 2015 Using grain protein content is one way of judging whether N rates are about right in wheat, he suggests, but this is crude. “The best way may be to test N rates on farm –– just by applying 60kg/ha less to one tramline, 60kg/ha more to another and seeing what the effects are. A yield difference above 0.4t/ha suggests that applying more N may be worthwhile.”

LearN project This is the approach currently under test with the HGCA LearN project –– Testing for mineralisation can usefully indicate researchers are working with 18 farmers likely N availability, says Daniel Kindred. across the country, judging whether their N rates are right, or whether savings or yield gains could be made. “Measuring SNS is useful, but it doesn’t Lincs farmer Chris Richardson has used necessarily tell you about the other SMN tests to help guide N use, especially components, so it’s only part of the story. on oilseed rape, for many years on the Arthur Baldwin (left) and Chris Richardson have The important thing is for farmers to be 400ha he runs from Grove Farm, Sleaford. been conducting tramline-width trials in wheat able to judge whether they’re getting Six years ago, however, a recommendation and OSR. their N management right on the farm for a total of only 50kgN/ha prompted him L at a strategic level. In other words are they buying the right amount from year to year?”

crop production magazine february 2015 33 Microbial route may reduce crop fertiliser needs

A bacterial seed treatment with the potential to grass where N-Fix increased the biomass levels. halve crops’ need for nitrogen is to undergo However, the technology, which uses bacteria independent field trials for the first time isolated from sugar cane, has been patented, this season. and proof of concept has been established in N-Fix from Azotic Technologies is based a diverse range of crops including wheat, OSR on a University of Nottingham discovery and and maize, says Allen Sheena. involves inoculating seeds with Glucoacetobacter The work has shown that the impact of N-Fix diazotrophicus. The bacteria can fix atmospheric on grass stays with the plant longer than nitrogen in a similar way to legume crops such as traditional fertilisers, he adds. peas, explains the firm’s Allen Sheena. “This’ll be the fourth season of our own trials, Trials in grass have shown N-Fix increased the The company’s trials on amenity turf and and we now have a full programme for 2015 biomass levels. pasture grass have shown that plants grown with independent organisations such as the from N-Fix treated seed stay just as green with Sports Turf Research Institute and the US only 25-50% of the normal fertiliser N as those Department of Agriculture.” process”, he maintains. receiving a normal dose, he says. So how much will N-Fix cost? “It’s too soon to GrowHow’s Allison Grundy believes a key “We aren’t making any claims with regard to say, but it’ll be a lot cheaper than using the full question the independent trials should address yield, but we’ve seen no negative effect in the fertiliser rate,” he says. relates to the plants’ energy requirements. “If it trials. The yield has been maintained at the The key advantage for the plant when using [the technology] is using energy to fix N then that same level as if a normal amount of fertiliser N-Fix is that having the nitrogen-fixing bacteria energy is diverted away from creating yield. Think was applied.” sitting next to the sugar-producing chloroplasts of peas and beans –– they fix their own N but the Until now, the trials have been confined to in the leaves creates “an incredibly efficient yield penalties are high,” she points out.

L to look further into the reasoning behind 20 years, then became more closely per application rate, over the length of what that advice. involved as did GrowHow, an industry are usually large fields, so each application “I didn’t want to trust this low figure over partner in LearN. area is over 2ha.” the whole OSR crop, so I decided to do trials “Since then I’ve conducted trials in wheat Each trial plot receives three treatments: of my own to test the recommendation.” and OSR every year on fields chosen to test no N, normal farm practice, and one FACTS-qualified adviser, Arthur Baldwin the effect of various previous crops. The based on GrowHow’s N-min testing of ACT, who’d worked with him for over plots consist of two or four tramline widths service, which includes a prediction of Example N-min result from Grove Farm

SNS Crop N at Balance (soil N Yield harvest minus crop N) Field Treatment kg N/ha t/ha 7 No N applied 85 100 -15 4 7 N-Min 332.5 373 -41 11.31 7 Farm Practice 370.45 423 -53 11.54 Source: GrowHow; SNS includes fertiliser N, spring crop N and harvest crop N how much N mineralises between spring that might restrict root growth,” explains and harvest. Several metre-wide squares Arthur Baldwin. in each plot are hand harvested, weighed The samples are kept cool and promptly and analysed. dispatched in a cool box for analysis. “We test for soil N in Jan or Feb to a depth of 60cm, subject to soil depth Online calculator and the absence of any plough pan “Once we get the results we use GrowHow’s online N-calculator to decide on the Yara trials show the optimum N rate for wheat recommendation, taking into account tiller varies from season to season and site to site, numbers for wheat and green area index from 100-300kgN/ha, says Ian Matts. (GAI) for OSR.” Last year’s advice based on the trials saved Chris Richardson 37-86kgN/ha, measure how much N the crop has worth £30-69/ha with N costing 80p/kg, captured during the growing season,” notes GrowHow’s Allison Grundy. she says. “Then a simple calculation of As an example, in field 7 the N-min test N supply minus the N in the crop gives us and online calculation allowed him to cut either a positive or negative N balance, the normal application from 285kgN/ha to suggesting either an under or over supply.” 248kgN/ha, yet the yields remained similar Ideally the balance figure should be GrowHow’s N-min testing service includes a at 11.5t/ha and 11.3t/ha respectively (see zero, she says. “However in terms of prediction of how much N mineralises between table above). accurate fertiliser N recommendations if spring and harvest. “At harvest we sample the crop and the N balance is within +/- 50kgN/ha then L A couple of N-min tests cost less than a tonne of fertiliser and allow you to react at the optimum time with the most appropriate rates.

L we’re happy, and usually “These results highlight we manage to be within +/- something Yara’s been promoting 30kgN/ha.” for some time, namely that Arthur Baldwin notes that fertiliser N requirement isn’t linked sampling for the trials confirms to yield for cereals. that Chris Richardson’s heavier “Total requirement by the land hangs on to N more than crop is, of course, related to his lighter soil. yield, but there are important According to Yara’s Ian Matts, calculations and uncertainties the average optimum N rate for when determining fertiliser need.” wheat between 2006 and 2013 The two significant impacts was 225kgN/ha giving a £3-4 on N recommendations are return on investment for every soil supply and efficiency of £1 spent. use, neither of which can be “However, this long term accurately measured directly, average rate masks great he acknowledges. variation from season to season and site to site, with some optima Higher N supply being around 100kgN/ha whilst “The sites which gave a low others have been over response to N last season all 300kgN/ha,” he says. had a higher than usual supply Last season’s response trials from the soil; however this were again geographically well wasn’t picked up to the extent spread with treatments of up to evident at harvest from the soil 340kgN/ha, covering a range of cores taken early in the year. soil types. “Mineralisation is the big “The results showed that 2014 unknown at the time of measuring was, as many of the seasons SMN as it occurs later in the before it, an atypical year. The season.” mild, or absent winter appears Efficiency of use is a big to have had a substantial impact variable that can be affected by on the amount of mineralisation many factors including rooting, on some soil types that root size, architecture and contained reasonable levels health, he adds. of organic matter, resulting in “Unfortunately there’s very some lower than expected little that can be done easily or optimum N rates.” quickly to measure rooting in The spread ranged from just fields, so the only feasible method 88kgN/ha on a medium soil in for measuring this, as well as Yorks to 250kgN/ha on a similar the impact of mineralisation, soil type in Aberdeenshire. “This is in-season analysis of the latter site was by far the lowest crop itself. This can be carried yielding at just 8.7t/ha, whilst a out using laboratory analysis site in Notts yielded just under or by using tools such as the 14t/ha from little more than Yara N-Sensor and N-Tester 100kgN/ha.” for cereals and ImageIT for The overall average optimum oilseed crops.” for the year was just 157kgN/ha For OSR, Ian Matts says last

over the five sites. year’s N trial results supported L

36 crop production magazine february 2015

crops may have extracted much of the residual N in the upper soil profile, and that there may not be enough lower down to sustain adequate growth in the spring. “If you don’t know where the N is in the profile and when the plant will be able to access it, you can’t react with the appropriate inputs,” he says. “Don’t assume that just because a crop looks quite forward now, then you need to starve it of N later. It’s far better By sampling the crop at harvest you to get an N-min test done and can measure how much N it’s find out exactly how much captured during the season, says N there is and where it is in Allison Grundy, telling you whether the profile, then formulate a you’ve under or over-supplied. fertiliser plan based on that information.

L the firm’s recommendation “A couple of N-min tests that inputs should be correlated cost less than a tonne of to the level of N taken up by fertiliser and will easily pay for the crop in early spring. themselves by allowing you to react at the optimum time with ImageIT app the most appropriate rates.” “The recommendation provided Ian Matts believes there’s by the ImageIT app from the good scope for improving N trial site in Scotland taken at on-farm recommendations, for the start of the season last year example via the LearN project. was within 12kgN/ha of the “But the only real way to measured optimum. This achieve this is to assess the recommendation was based on plant during the season to find the analysis of images from the out how much N it has been trial plots measuring N uptake able to pick up and therefore at the time of the assessment. what levels are required. “As we saw last season, the “Any N trial work carried mild weather at the end of 2014 out on farm will be useful for allowed good establishment gathering a picture over time, for many early drilled crops, but it’s not necessarily possible creating large, forward OSR to use the results from one canopies that’ll contain a season the following year. large amount of N picked up That’s because there’ll be before winter. significant differences “Where this is the case, these between seasons –– such as crops will require lower rates this establishment, rooting and spring than crops that suffered weather –– that have a big knock back over winter or bearing on optimum rates.” smaller crops resulting from later G For more on the LearN drilling or slower emergence.” project, go to www.hgca.com However, Hutchinson’s Dick and look for research project Neale believes such forward number 2160005. I

Through initiatives such as the LearN project growers are encouraged to determine their own optimum N.

38 crop production magazine february 2015

Every time you’ve considered Then within the field, there’s stepping up the bout width, or no need for overlap. However, changed the farm sprayer or modern, properly calibrated and fertiliser spreader, chances are tray-tested spreaders can perform you’ve considered whether as well as sprayers across most switching to liquid fertiliser of a field, although performance would also be a good idea. could be compromised in If so, you’re not alone, shortwork and if there are according to Bernie Zahra of in-field obstacles. As well as Frontier. More and more growers under-application, there’s also are making the move, he says, the risk of lodging where product and seeing benefits in terms of a is over-applied. Liquid fertiliser more efficient operation and a Overall, tests have shown you more even application. But to can expect a sprayer to apply Efficiency gains and the associated economic achieve these, it’s important to fertiliser within 5% of the desired advantages potentially on offer are driving consider the farm’s logistics, rate, while with solid fertiliser an increase in interest in liquid fertiliser. A and what system works best spreaders, the variance can easily –– there’s no one-size-fits-all growing number of farmers are now switching be as high as 10-15%. This isn’t a solution, he notes. difference you’d necessarily see to the system and seeing the benefits. from inspecting the crops, but What differences in you’d certainly notice it when the accuracy can you combine goes through. expect? In the field, greater accuracy Liquid lure comes from two aspects. Firstly, you can apply at full rate right up Efficiency savings and improved application to the field margin. In a typical field, as much as 10% of its area are the claimed plus points of a switch could lie at the edge, where yield from solid to liquid fertiliser. But the move losses due to under application have been shown to be as high There’s no must be carefully planned to reap the real as 3.5t/ha. “one-size-fits-all benefits, as CPM finds out. solution. By Tom Allen-Stevens ”

40 crop production magazine february 2015 accuracy across greater widths, while liquid fertiliser can be spread accurately to larger bout widths and in more marginal conditions. Another possible efficiency gain is in the labour and equipment needed. With solid fertiliser, there’s the spreader itself, which may no longer be required if you switch to liquid. Filling the spreader may also tie up the farm telehandler, a trailer and member of staff. There Benefits of a move to liquid fertiliser are also fertiliser deliveries that include a more efficient operation must be unloaded and stored, and a more even application, says and then bags to dispose of. So Bernie Zahra. applying fertiliser with the sprayer and just its operator may be a more efficient system than your Is it more efficient? current solid fertiliser set up. Liquid applications can be made at the full rate right up to the field margin. One of the main increases in These efficiency gains are efficiency that can be achieved on only possible if there’s capacity in Are there downsides? UK and across the world has an arable unit is to increase bout your current spraying operation, Where liquid fertiliser dries on shown there’s a negligible yield width. That can be a problem however. Increasing bout width the leaf, this can lead to scorch. penalty. with solid fertiliser –– only certain frees up capacity, and liquid The risk is heavily influenced Many growers have concerns products, through modern, fertiliser can be applied over a by the weather at the time of about corrosion. Yet liquid fertiliser calibrated and tray-tested wider weather window. But if the application –– warm and windy is no more corrosive than most spreaders, have been shown farm sprayer is currently stretched, conditions make it more likely. crop protection products. However to spread accurately at tramline a switch to liquid fertiliser must be Scorch is a rare problem, but it’s good practice to wash out the widths greater than 30m. carefully planned to avoid a work where it does occur, there’s sprayer after use, and it’s also Cross-winds and slopes can overload on both the sprayer and quite a visual effect. Thankfully, worth applying a thin coating of also compromise spreader its operator. however, research from the oil to the booms. L Spin-off benefits from moving off the spinner

It was to maximise crop yield from field have the best location for tanks on product, although the 800 l/min pump margins that prompted Herts grower the home farm, away from any water can vary this from 100-500 l/ha. Michael Sapsed to switch over to liquid courses. So we provided a concrete pad “We’re equipped to apply variably, fertiliser, but it’s also brought a number for four 50,000-litre tanks, but didn’t but I’m not a fan of variable-rate N,” of logistical benefits to the business. have to build a bund. he remarks. He farms a total of 1100ha, based “Three of the tanks are for us, and The high capacity pump also means at Manor Farm, Croydon, near Royston, we juggle what goes in them –– 30N fast turnaround times when applying with some owned and some on or 20N + 12.5 SO3, depending on the fertiliser, although the farm has Michael Sapsed decided on four tanks, contract or share-farming agreements, time of year. Then one tank is separate converted two 16,000-litre milk tankers sited on the home farm, away from any spread across four units. “I was fed for a customer with just straight 30N. into bowsers. “We thought this would water courses. up of taking the combine through the We’ve retained the spreader for P and K tie up someone needed to drive the outside margin of fields that you could applications, although we’re moving tanker to and from the field, but actually difference when the combine goes tell just weren’t yielding. And we used to spreading manures and compost it’s just an occasional job parking it up. through, and reckons the crop takes up headland vanes, but you still lose to maintain indices and build organic That’s already a saving from when we the liquid fertiliser better than solid prills. fertiliser into the hedge. We wanted matter.” used to carry bags out to the spreader, “If it’s dry, solid fertiliser will stay there, to get 100% of the product on 100% With the switch to liquid, a new which was a full-time job when and just go towards building protein, but of the area,” he explains. sprayer was purchased. “We narrowed applying solid fertiliser,” he points out. liquid goes straight into the soil and into Switching up from 24m to 32m it down to two that we had on demo, Other benefits go beyond improved the crop. I have seen a little scorch, and tramlines also had its downsides. and settled on a Rogator with a Chafer headland yields, he adds. “It’s the little we’re careful to try to avoid it, but I think “We used to spread quality AN product boom and 5000-litre tank. You can things you don’t think of –– we don’t the damage is just cosmetic.” through an Amazone spinning-disc vary the travel height, which makes a have all those bags to dispose of, Perhaps the biggest surprise benefit spreader, that could handle the larger difference to the ride and stability, and while you don’t have to worry about is that there’s more storage space on bout width. But we found we got under there’s also very good back-up through unloading and out-loading 300t of the farm. “It’s freed up a barn, so we’re and over-lapping from cross-winds that our local dealer –– Olivers at Luton,” product any more. You place the order now free to sell our grain and buy our are a bit of a problem where we are.” says Michael Sapsed. with Frontier and the tanker driver just fertiliser when we want. That means I’ve So, with the agreement of his The sprayer has twin lines, with turns up within 48hrs. He has a key got a barn full of grain that’s increased customers, three of the four farms SteamJet fertiliser nozzles set on one to the tanks so you don’t even have to in value considerably since Oct, which is (comprising 800ha) moved over to of them and selected from the cab. be there.” when I would have had to clear it out for liquid fertiliser three years ago. “We Forward speed is around 16-18km/h, He can’t claim to have seen a the fertiliser –– that in itself has more planned it carefully with Frontier –– we generally applying 300-400 l/ha of benefit in the field, but notices a than paid for the switch.”

crop production magazine february 2015 41 Typical application rates of solid and liquid N

Kg/ha of N Kg/ha of solid l/ha of liquid applied AN 34.5% UAN 30N 40 116 103 60 174 154 It’s often best to lease tanks from your supplier – you’ll need to put down a concrete 80 232 205 pad, and they must be contained within a bund if there’s a water course nearby. 100 290 256 120 348 308 fertiliser as it’s taken straight into be locked or tap removed when Source: Frontier the soil. Equally, there’s less risk of not in use. nitrate leaching than there is with Some arable units can operate nozzles or dribble bars that can solid AN. The S is in the sulphate with just one tank, but having deliver at a variable rate, and most form –– and is immediately two or more at each site offer well known makes can manage available to the plant. greater flexibility of product mix. this. Typically liquid fertiliser is You’d need to consider carefully In terms of size, you’ll need at applied at 1.5-2 bar pressure. what products you want with your least enough capacity to cover agronomist or FACTS adviser, your arable area at the largest What are the logistical but typically you’d choose a high planned application rate. differences? S product, such as 22N + 12, The key to getting the best Most liquid fertiliser is applied at for oilseed rape and the first from liquid fertiliser is to work 250-300 l/ha, and it generally application to cereals. Then you with your supplier to plan siting ranges from 200-400 l/ha at a may switch to a higher N product, and storage from the outset. Then A switch to liquid fertiliser must be forward speed of 12-16km/h. such as 26N + 5, for following make sure your supplier offers carefully planned to avoid a work This is slightly slower than most applications. A real advantage a prompt top-up service with the overload on both sprayer and operator. spreaders, although you’d cover with liquid fertiliser is that you can products you require, throughout

L a greater area if you’re working a always apply some S with the N, the season. I What about precision wider bout width. Fill time depends and match closer with how a farming? on the tank size and pump speed, cereal and oilseed plants utilises Most liquid fertiliser is applied at Most modern sprayers are now but typically this would be around the two nutrients. 250-300 l/ha, and it generally ranges equipped with auto shut-off and 10-15mins. There’s also a range of NP and from 200-400 l/ha at a forward section control to ensure less What will make the difference to NPK products available, and these speed of 12-16km/h. overlap in shortwork and on the logistics of your operation is to can be custom mixed. headlands, although it’s fair to say plan carefully where the tanks are modern solid fertiliser spreaders to be located. If you have more How is it stored? have a similar system that should than one unit, you may consider While you can buy your own tanks, get to a similar level of accuracy. having more than one set of tanks, it’s often best to lease them from To apply liquid fertiliser at a or a bowser. The tanks should be your supplier, which ensures they variable rate across the field sited close to the centre of the comply with legislation, and the requires a pump that’ll vary the unit to minimise travel time supplier then looks after the pressure, so this may need to be between fill-ups. maintenance. You’ll need to put specified when the sprayer is Application rate depends on the down a concrete pad, and the purchased. You’ll also need product being used –– for a 30% tanks must be contained within N w/w liquid fertiliser, which has a bund if there’s a water course Liquid fertiliser: 390kg of N per 1000 litres (so a nearby. The outlets must always top tips specific gravity of 1.3kg/l), you’d apply about 10% less in terms G Make sure the sprayer can of l/ha for the same N than kg/ha Sponsors message handle it – check the pump of 34.5% ammonium nitrate is suitable, that you have the (see table above). Efficiency and accuracy are practical and agronomic point of spare capacity, and that the the main drivers for farmers view and planning an independent switch to liquid won’t overload What products are considering the switch to a bulk storage option that will deliver the the sprayer operator. available? liquid fertiliser system. To make best possible logistic benefits. G Plan storage and siting – The main products are N or the most of the advantages To find out more, please contact work with your supplier to NS solutions in different available, it is important to Bernie Zahra on 07557 847089 ensure the capacity and concentrations. The N element is understand how a liquid system or [email protected], location of tanks are right for supplied through Urea Ammonium will fit into your business. or speak to your usual Frontier your business. Nitrate (UAN), that’s typically 50% Frontier offers expert advice on representative. G Choose the right product urea and 50% AN. There’s a putting together a system ideally mix – there’s a large range volatilisation risk with the urea part, suited to your specific business that can be tailored to your but the risk is considerably lower needs. This includes understanding crop’s needs. with a liquid than a solid urea the best products from both a

42 crop production magazine february 2015

Of all the attributes tested when determining the suitability of a quality Are you meeting wheat for making bread, protein content is probably the benchmark indicator and arguably the most informative measure. Millers point out that the gluten in protein gives bread its structure and texture. end-user needs? Protein levels vary between seasons depending on conditions, but across Europe average protein contents have been falling. Sulphur is frequently undervalued as a vital component of A run of poor growing seasons is thought to protein, say millers, while maltsters suggest spring barley be partly responsible, but the trend is such that it can’t be explained away entirely by growers should look to dual-purpose varieties. unfavourable weather. It’s begun to cause alarm among the By Andrew Watts and Rob Jones trade, in particular in France where traders have called on the government to intervene for fear that France may lose its lucrative export markets to North Africa and the Middle East. In 2013, average protein contents fell to 11.2%, their lowest since 2007. Importers typically require a minimum 11.5%. In 2014, while growers in the UK enjoyed generally favourable summer weather, France experienced its wettest July and Aug for 55 years. This adversely impacted crops with average protein falling to just 11.1%.

Falling protein content Even in the UK, the average protein content of quality wheats was just 11.3% –– the first time since 2010 it had fallen below 12%, according to HGCA, and the reason for a smaller proportion of British wheat meeting the high quality bread wheat specification (see table on page 46). The average specific weight and Hagberg Falling Number (HFN) last harvest was similar to 2013. Although fertiliser usage data for 2014 has yet to be published, it’s thought protein dilution may be to blame for the UK’s poor performance, caused by above-average yields. But historical application data suggests many crops may be routinely under fertilised for sulphur. This is a key component of protein production, says Adam Thwaites of Openfield. “The data on nitrogen usage suggests applications are broadly in line with where they should be, although in some instances they may have been calculated for a lower average yield. But of greater concern is that some growers may be overlooking the need for sulphur.” Misjudging nitrogen rates is Some growers at least explainable, he says. “ “Application rates are always may be overlooking a judgement and optimum the need for rates to within 20kgN/ha are difficult to determine. Add in sulphur. soil variability, use of animal ” manures, composts and sludges, and winter rainfall and it’s clear that

44 crop production magazine february 2015 0.1% difference in grain N.” By contrast, sulphur requirements are easier to calculate, he says. “It may be that not enough growers have recognised the need to apply.” The ratio of N:S in these essential proteins is consistently around 12:1, so it’s fair to assume that for these proteins to form, this is the required ratio from the A low average protein last harvest application, he reasons. “So for meant a smaller proportion of British every 12kg of N applied, 1kg of

wheat meeting the high quality bread S (or 2.5kg of SO3) should be wheat specification. applied at the same time.” Explaining low protein levels calculating fertiliser needs can first requires an understanding be far from straight forward,” of the components necessary he says. for the plant to synthesise it, To make calculations easier, explains independent consultant the Fertiliser Manual (RB209) Chris Dawson. provides a good basis for “Proteins are made up from calculating requirements and a number of amino acids. Two is easy to follow, he says. of these contain sulphur and It’s ensuring that the plant’s are essential: Cysteine and requirements are actually met Methionine. If there’s insufficient from the applied portion of available sulphur, and therefore a nitrogen where the difficultly lies. deficiency of these amino acids, “Where a grower’s grain then the complete protein can’t protein levels were found to be be produced.” below requirements, a basic This is a critical point in the calculation can be followed to bread-making industry for identify the need for a change in Maillard reactions (browning application rate. ADAS guidance of the crust) and there’s a clear for determining nitrogen rate relationship between grain for cereals involves reviewing sulphur content and dough previous grain N/protein to judge extensibility. It’s also crucial if nitrogen use has been about in livestock farming in the right. Grain nitrogen at the production of forage in order economic optimum rate of N is to increase the availability of about 1.9% N for feed wheat true protein from grass and to and 2.1% N for bread-making maximise digestibility. wheat,” explains Adam Thwaites. Despite the recognised need “Where grain N concentrations for sulphur, application levels have been consistently above or have largely failed to replace below these values, applied that no longer available from nitrogen use should be adjusted atmospheric deposition, notes

down or up by 30kgN/ha per Chris Dawson. Regulatory L Proportion of crop areas receiving sulphur

Winter wheat Spring barley Winter barley Potatoes (maincrop) 2011 Sugar beet 2013 Winter oilseed rape Beans - animal consumption Grass under 5 years old Grass 5 years and over All crops and grass

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 % of crop area

Source: British Survey of Fertiliser Practice Consider markets when making spring barley variety choices

Dual-purpose varieties at a glance

Sienna Vault Octavia Odyssey Concerto UK treated yield (% control) 104.1 103.9 103.7 102.3 97.4 IBD approval status T T T F F Specific weight (kg/hl) 70.9 67.1 66.7 68.2 68.8 Height (cm) 78 76 73 75 78 Ripening (days +/- Optic) +2 +2 +1 +2 +2 Mildew [9] [9] [9] 9 9 Yellow rust [6] [5] [7] 7 7 Brown rust 5 4 5 5 6 Rhynchosporium 6 5 7 6 4 Source: 2015/16 HGCA Recommended List; [ ] – limited data; F – full IBD approval for brewing and distilling; T – under test for brewing and distilling

view to have multiple varieties where some only brewing and malt distilling, the addition of meet brewing and others only meet distilling Odyssey to the IBD list last year is good news Odyssey was added to the IBD list last year and requirements. Concerto has been the benchmark for spring malting barley growers.” Launched in offers a 5% yield increase over Concerto, notes variety that has been able to offer this, and more 2011, it offers a 5% yield increase over Concerto, Mark Glew. recently Odyssey. We’re now looking forward and in the east a 2% increase over Propino, to varieties that can still do this, but offer according to the HGCA Recommended List. If you’re planning to plant spring barley this advantages over those of Concerto and Odyssey.” New on the RL from the breeder are Sienna season, identifying and securing a market for But meeting those requirements is a challenge, and Octavia, under test for IBD approval for both the crop before it’s drilled will be important, he recognises. “It wouldn’t be good enough to brewing and distilling. These also offer a step-up say maltsters. compromise on either the brewing or distilling in yield and agronomy, as does newcomer Vault “To some degree, geographical location will characteristics –– these both need to be fulfilled from Syngenta. dictate which market you grow for,” notes by the variety, as well as offering a good agronomy package.” Mike Dagg, raw materials buyer for Simpsons Dual-purpose varieties, that supply both the Varieties suitable for malt distilling should be Malt, based in Berwick-upon-Tweed. brewing and distilling markets, offer flexibility. “For those in southern counties, export is a below 1.65% nitrogen, and non-GN, says Mike key driver, for those in the north it is distilling Dagg. “Nitrogen levels from 1.7-1.85% will meet however for those in the eastern counties there brewing requirements –– it’s always better if a is an option to fulfil either market.” premium can be obtained over that of the feed Each of these markets demands very price so it’s worth considering what you are different requirements and it’s important that growing for.” these are fully understood when making variety MSP Agriculture’s Paul Huntley adds that choices, he says. “If growing a crop for the there’s enough quality seed available of key brewing or distilling market, it makes sense varieties such as Concerto and Odyssey for the to choose a variety with some flexibility in 2015 crop. “Feedback from the brewers on the marketing and for this, the dual-purpose 2014 harvest has been extremely positive –– non-GN varieties –– those that supply both the samples have been good quality and growers brewing and distilling markets –– are the way have also benefitted, as yields were high.” forward.” Concerto and Odyssey are the only Bob King of Crisp Malting reckons dual- dual-purpose, non-GN varieties to hold full purpose varieties are the obvious way forward for approval for both brewing and malt distilling, supplying both the brewing and distilling markets. points out Mark Glew of breeder Limagrain. “It’s not feasible from a stock-handling point of “While Concerto already held full approval for

L changes have limited the amount of sulphur emitted from power stations GB average wheat quality 2010-2014 and vehicles. “Atmospheric sulphur deposition is GB wheat to 17/10/14 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 3yr average now so low in the UK that it can be (excl 2012) virtually discounted as a useful source Specific weight (kg/hl) 77.0 78.7 69.6 77.0 77.1 77.6 for agriculture,” he says. “According to the British Survey of Hagberg Falling Number 270 269 237 314 308 284 Fertiliser Practice 2013, only 70% of the Protein content (%) 11.9 12.0 12.5 12.2 11.3 12.0 oilseed rape crop –– a brassica with a high Source: HGCA. 2014 results are based on 89,609 wheat samples sulphur requirement –– has a sulphur

46 crop production magazine february 2015 exploration is increased in the presence of sulphur which would account for an increase in nitrogen uptake.” Where sulphur deficiencies arise they can be easily mistaken for nitrogen shortages which may partly explain why some growers choose to discredit the notion of applying sulphur, he continues.

Sulphur deficiency “The symptoms of S deficiency show as pale leaves in most crops, and interveinal yellowing in OSR. However, the fact that sulphur doesn’t move against the Sulphur is a key component transpiration stream means that of protein production, says sulphur deficiency shows first in Adam Thwaites. the younger leaves, whereas nitrogen deficiency symptoms fertiliser dressing. Wheat, by are more evident in the older comparison, has about half the leaves. Requirements across soil area dressed (see chart on p45). types varies too. Sandy, shallow “Given that sulphur is, like or medium-textured soils with low nitrogen, an essential protein organic matter levels are most constituent, and that 92% of prone to deficiency which can arable and 62% of grassland occur in any part of the country,” receives nitrogen fertiliser, largely he says. for protein synthesis, it’s clearly Where deficiencies are potentially restricting that on identified within the season, it average only 47% of tillage and can pay to apply a water-soluble 8% of grassland receive sulphur sulphate, which is rapidly fertiliser,” he says. available for crop uptake. “But it’s But it’s not just protein often easier and more worthwhile development that benefits from to meet crop needs through a sulphur –– it’s also been linked nitrogen/sulphur blend applied to nitrogen uptake, adds in the early spring.” Adam Thwaites. Those who haven’t yet got “The relationship between their requirement in the shed sulphur and nitrogen for should make it a priority, he increased yield and protein advises. “The season is shaping quality is crucial. More up to be logistically difficult, with speculative is the suggestion many suppliers saying farmers that sulphur actually increases can’t rely on receiving rapid, nitrogen uptake by the plant in-season delivery. This coupled from the soil. But there is some with recent price hikes across all evidence to suggest that root fertiliser markets into Feb and more expected for March, make forward planning important –– it’s How much to better to be looking at it than apply? looking for it.” I

The recommended application For every 12kg of N applied, 1kg of S rates for sulphur below are (or 2.5kg of SO ) should be applied given as SO – to convert S 3 3 at the same time. to SO3, multiply by 2.5: G Cereals: 25-50kg/ha G Oilseed rape: 50-75kg/ha G Vegetable brassicas: 50 kg/ha G Peas: 25 kg/ha G Grass: 40 kg/ha per cut Source: Fertiliser Manual 2010. Get ready for BPS

The RPA has launched its full year and a half after they had lodged their forms. The financial loss to farmers There’s a new online service for was estimated at £18-22.5M, termed “a lot“ to do in a short applying for the Basic catastrophe” by an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, period of time. Payment. CPM visits its and “an embarrassing failure for Defra ” headquarters to ask if the and the RPA”. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) agency’s learned from its went further, calling the implementation previous mistakes, and takes of the SFP “a master class in bad be the volume of support needed once decision-making, poor planning, confused significant numbers of farmers begin to go the new system through lines of responsibility and a failure by the online and realise they need to visit the its paces. management team to face up to the application process more than once before unfolding crisis.” 15 May in order to provide an eligible claim. By Tom Allen-Steven Ten years after farmers lodged their first, It’s unclear at this stage when a farmer can ill-fated SFP forms, registration has just actually submit their first BPS claim online started for the new Basic Payment Scheme –– there’s no detailed timeline.” The Rural Payments Agency chief (BPS) service. An entirely new system, it’s But Mark Grimshaw told the NFU the RPA executive came to the NFU Council all conducted online, including a new is now ready for an expected “ramping up” meeting to reassure farmers. “We know mapping service. It’ll administer claims from of the numbers as farmers register and start that the timetable is very challenging, 90,000 RPA customers across around two to use the new system. “We’re continuing but the good news is that the RPA million parcels of land, integrating new to release the service gradually so we remains on target,” he said. requirements for Ecological Focus Areas can gather feedback and improve the Did it reassure? Well, the slightly chilling (EFAs) and the three-crop rule (known as technology as we go. People can get started news is that the quote above was not made crop diversification), as well as handling on the new service, checking their details during last month’s NFU Council meeting, entitlements and cross-compliance. It’ll also and building their application, but won’t be attended by current RPA CEO Mark form the basis for Countryside Stewardship able to make a complete claim until March.” Grimshaw. It was actually the reassurance and woodland grants. So how can farmers be sure it won’t given to NFU Council in Oct 2005, by former The NFU has voiced its concerns. “The be a repeat of what happened ten years CEO Johnston McNeill, that farmers would key issue for us is that there’s a lot to do in ago? The service is being released on receive the new Single Farm Payment (SFP) a short period of time,” says Richard a measured roll-out basis, assures RPA on time. Wordsworth, senior BPS adviser at the NFU. customer director Justin Chamberlain. Months later, the RPA appeared to “The timetable has already been condensed “We launched a roadmap at the 2014 NFU dissolve into chaos. Just 15% of farmers because of development roll-out issues, Conference, and have been keeping received payments on time and 3000 were and it takes time for the RPA to adjust its customers informed of our CAP Reform still left unpaid by the end of Oct 2006 –– a direction of travel. We’re worried there won’t Countdown since,” he explains. L

48 crop production magazine february 2015

Digital divide

RPA has 13,000 customers with no digital Digital footprint of RPA footprint –– they’ve always lodged paper customers – 2014 forms and the agency has previously had no email address for them nor even any Paper-based (not online) idea whether they had a computer. With 13,000 15% Paper-based BPS being an entirely online service, it’s a 9,000 10% (with computer 35,000 39% priority for RPA that all its customers can access) access the internet. Currently using agents In Oct 2014, these customers were 32,000 36% The RPA took on board the criticisms and Previously used contacted and were asked what help they SPS online has put in place improvements, assures would need to get online. Most of the Justin Chamberlain. previously offline users say they’ll be Note: excludes customers who will be ineligible for BPS

L “At Cereals 2014, we announced the going to friends or family to get online and (those with <5ha) greening measures, then in Oct, the rules prepare their submissions. Other options on young farmers and in Dec, the Active include using an agent or getting farming individuals planning to visit their local RPA Farmer rule. We also issued guidance on community support, while there are a few support centre. the new rural development schemes, Countryside Stewardship, and how dual hybrid’ model for SFP, where the basis for means systems have been developed a use will be administered.” entitlements changed from historic to flat rate little bit at a time then tested, and nothing’s Following its public denigration by the over a number of years. “The timing of this hard-wired in, so they can be adapted EFRA and PAC committees over five years decision was left very late, it was the most if required.” ago, the RPA took on board the criticisms complicated model they could have chosen The way Government develops IT digital and has put in place improvements, he and the system at RPA had already been services has also moved on considerably stresses. What’s more, the failings identified developed on the historic model,” points out since 2005. At the time, the agency was in the EFRA report centred on three key Justin Chamberlain. bedding in a whole new infrastructure, areas that are very different now. “With BPS, ministers are trying to keep in an uneasy working relationship with Firstly, there was the decision by policy adoption simple, while we’ve changed its contractors.

Defra ministers to adopt the ‘dynamic our methodology to be more agile. That “The Government’s digital strategy has L

Roadmap to digital submission

2001 It’s the year of foot-and-mouth disease, involves a visit to your local Chamber of 2002 RPA introduces the eIACS CD Rom, and the quest to get subsidy forms online Commerce, while you have to stay online allowing growers to prepare claims starts with eIACS. Field areas and to fill out the forms –– in the days of offline. The Equifax digital signature brings percentage set aside are calculated dial-up internet access, that’s often out of access to the Government Gateway automatically on the web-based system, the question. Farmade becomes the first through online checks. Online delivery of cutting out the potential for human error. to introduce compatible software to allow IACS creeps above 1000. For those that try it, eIACS works well. But electronic delivery of forms prepared 2005 With the introduction of SFP, the online out of 10,000 who express interest, just offline, and Sum IT and Farmplan soon route is suspended, and all forms are 836 farmers lodge their forms online. follow suit. paper-based again. The RPA customer A complex digital signature procedure base swells from 76,000 under IACS to 105,000 submitting SFP forms.

Just 836 farmers lodge their forms online in the The eIACS CD-Rom allows growers to prepare Farmplan’s SPS Planner is the first to bring first year of eIACS. claims offline. electronic submission to SFP.

L changed. These days we buy Finally, there’s the RPA staff themselves a voluntary redundancy programme. commercial, off-the-shelf products, work –– in 2005, the Intervention Board staff and “There were temporary staff running the with smaller IT providers and do a lot more those from MAFF regional offices were being helpline, for example, but that won’t be an in house. The service we’re using is tried redeployed within the organisation, and the issue this time. The core responsibilities are and tested, and is used across the EC.” RPA was going through the second phase of being kept in-house and we can flex up 2009 Farmplan’s SPS Planner software is introduced, following a successful pilot in 2008. Single Payment Supervisor from Holliday software is also launched. For the first time, farmers and agents can download SP information from the Government Gateway and submit completed forms electronically. 2010 Following a successful pilot in the previous year, RPA launches its free, online SPS service. 16,000 applications are submitted electronically. Natural England launches ELS Online, which includes online maps to identify field Richard Wordsworth is worried there won’t be the margins, hedgerows, ditches, etc, volume of support needed once significant included in an ELS application. numbers of farmers begin to go online. 2013 At 55,381, more than half of SP applications are submitted online for the first time, including those made by agents. The aim with the new system has been to 2014 Two-thirds of all submissions are made keep things as intuitive and easy to use as online – a total of 70,249 claimants – possible, says RPA’s Simon Lunniss. “The despite technical glitches in the weeks first step is to register, and this must be done leading up to the May deadline. by individuals, rather than by a business –– all those who claimed SPS need to do so. The new process is called Gov.UK Verify, numbers within the organisation.” and this can be done online.” There were other issues that added to RPA’s woes, identified in the EFRA report, Credit history such as digitising the Rural Land Register The advantage of obtaining a Verify identity (RLR) –– a colossal task that should have assurance is that it can be used with other completed by 2005, yet a significant government web-based services. But it proportion of land parcels were still requires a credit history and proof of in dispute. address –– since many farms keep bills In this first year of BPS, Justin Chamberlain and bank accounts in the business name, notes it will be quite time-consuming individual farmers often don’t have the to make a claim, especially for some required forms of ID. “If you think you’d fall customers. “But we’re confident we’ll at in that category, it’s best to use the phone- least be starting with accurate data and based service we’ve set up,” he advises. a reliable system.” Once registered and logged in, you can As proof, he points to the speed with edit your personal details, access your which 2014 payments were made –– 96% of business details and set up permissions for farmers received funds on the first day the those who’ll access or edit your BPS claim. payment window opened. That’s not to say “This is an important step, and even those BPS isn’t without its challenges, however, using an agent to submit their claim must he notes. register and then give the agent access.” “The big difference is managing the You can also view your land parcels, greening measures. Some customers and there’s an interactive map that can be will meet their requirement quickly and overlaid with an aerial photograph, showing easily, others will need to provide detailed the boundaries registered on the RLR. information. All farmers should have a good There’s still much to build in, which is still idea by now of what’s required and what going through testing, explains Simon they have on their farm. We’ll need to work Lunniss, and customers will be notified as with them to capture and digitise this.” new functionality is added. And that’s why there’s an emphasis on “We’ll need to know what features to put registering now and getting familiar with the on the maps, such as ponds, field margins new system. “There’s a tendency for and hedgerows, that farmers will include as customers to leave it until the end of the part of their greening measures. There’ll be window and submit forms just in time. But drawing tools to indicate these, text boxes we do need customers to engage early –– and hints and tips to help.” they should register and start their claim to Once you submit these details, a team give themselves enough time to complete it of digitisers (again, this capability can as there will be lots to do,” he urges. be “flexed up”) will beaver away in the L Online BPS – the process

Stage one: Register and check details When You can do that now. What it involves Confirming your identity is a one-off process using Gov.UK Verify (see panel on p55), or by calling the Rural Payments helpline. If you use the helpline, you’ll need to answer a number of security questions based on information RPA holds about you. You’ll then see the data the service has on you and your business, including land parcels and an interactive map. You can also give permissions for people to help with your claim online, such as agents, empowering them to submit final claims on your behalf. Action to take Check your details and permissions and set up anyone else in the business, or agents who need access. Check all your land parcels are present and that the data is correct – if not, notify RPA. Things to note Lack of credit history in your personal name can be a problem with Gov.UK Verify, so you may wish to confirm your identity through the helpline. Stage two: Start building your application Register online or call the RPA helpline to get When Sometime in Feb. started. What it involves This is when you’ll inform RPA of greening measures, etc. It may involve marking up where hedgerows and field margins lie on your farm, if you’re including these. Once you submit this information, it will be verified and digitised by RPA. You’ll also need to provide cropping and land-use information for land parcels to ensure eligibility and to comply with the three-crop rule. Things to note Every map will need to be processed by RPA, and that could take time, especially for those with lots of hedgerows entered, so leave plenty of time for this stage. Stage three: Make your claim When Sometime in March/April. What it involves New entrants and young farmers will be able to apply to the national reserve for entitlements. You’ll make an Active Farmer declaration, be able transfer land in Individuals and agents must be granted and out and check your entitlements. You’ll also declare eligible land features permissions to access the business details. as EFAs and view their eligibility for BPS. This is also when entitlements on common land are expected to be built in. Stage four: Finish and submit When April/May What it involves You’ll need to confirm cross-compliance information, which will most likely be a tick-box form, as with SPS. You should check your claim details, and there may be queries from RPA you’ll need to address. Once everything is in order, you’ll be able to submit your claim. Things to note By early Feb, the final-submission capability of the service had yet to be completed, let alone tested. Be prepared for technical difficulties, and be ready to go online several times to make changes before the final submission. Features such as hedgerows, ponds and field margins may have to be marked up.

L background, enshrining them onto your ahead. They should access the Rural map. “We’ll come back if we have queries, Payments service as soon as they can to but it’s important customers start this as check details and give themselves space soon they can to ensure their claims are to work through the logic of the system. ready for submission.” Making changes in good time will ensure Similarly, farmers will be informed once the claim will be completed way ahead of entitlement details have been transferred the deadline.” across from SPS, and invited to check their With most of the features still not available, accuracy. For most holdings, there’ll be little however, can farmers be sure it’ll be as change, but for those acquiring more land, intuitive and easy-to-use as promised? or applying to the national reserve for extra “There’s been a programme of user-testing, entitlements, it may take time to ensure that’s included farmers, in place for the new eligible land has the correct entitlements. software since July 2013,” explains Emily The big difference with BPS will be managing the “Entitlement transfers can now be made Ball, from Defra’s CAP Delivery Programme. greening measures. right up to 15 May,” adds Simon Lunniss. “Part of the managed roll-out of the service “But again, it’s important customers plan has been to gather feedback as we’ve gone

54 crop production magazine february 2015 Defra and RPA have also been actively engaging with farmers, hosting a topic on The Farming Forum in Nov, for example, and acting on feedback from the few hundred customers and agents who were invited early on to road-test the service. What’s more, there’s a Twitter feed (@Ruralpay) and a CAP Reform blog providing updates. NFU advice is to set aside enough time to get to grips with the service and ensure your claim is correct. “There are bound to be hiccups in this first year –– that’ll inconvenience some, but the new way of working will significantly impact on those Farmers should access the Rural Payments doing multiple applications”, says Richard service as soon as they can to check details, Wordsworth. “While we have our concerns, urges Simon Lunniss. it’s imperative farmers engage with the process, and so far we’ve found that where along, and change functionality in response they do, the RPA has responded and to what users tell us. Some could struggle improved the service.” I with the drawing tools on the maps to mark G To access the Rural Payments service, up hedgerows, for example, which is why go to www.gov.uk/rural-payments or call we’ve introduced a free-text box.” 03000 200 301.

First-hand user experience

It’s always with a sense of trepidation that you try out a new government web-based service, conscious that you may devote a lot of time to it, then end up hitting a technical glitch or brick wall. By contrast, my experience with the Rural Payments service has so far been actually quite pleasant. I opted for the online route to registration, rather than calling the number –– I’ve bills and bank accounts in my own name, so confident there’s a bulging credit history the system CPM editor Tom Allen-Stevens gets to grips can plunder. with the Rural Payments service. The Experian option (there’s also Digidentity) asks basic qualifying questions, such as your digitally challenged would find it easy to use. age and whether you’re a UK resident, then you An interactive map highlights the relevant parcel supply details of photo ID. I entered passport details when you click on it –– a really nice touch. information, but you can use a driving license, What struck me most, though, is that the and you give your address, birthday and information tallies 100% with my records. In all banking details. the years of painful to-ing and fro-ing with the The system appears to access your bank RLR and RDPE cross-checks, the RPA has never account as part of the verification process, and I got it right first time before. Could this be the was asked to confirm recent transactions on my start of a welcome new era? mortgage account –– you have to be confident A trawl of farming forums suggests other you’re happy with this. You choose user name, farmers have so far had a pretty painless password and details of four security questions experience too, and there’s even some praise and your mobile number is required to text you for the RPA –– almost unprecedented in the a one-time security code each time you access agency’s history. Rural Payments. And that’s it –– you’re in and The most common complaint is that some the data you provided is deleted once you’ve of those who tried the online registration found registered. It took me about 15mins to go they couldn’t complete it and had to ring the through the whole process. number instead. But there’s trepidation about Once in, you can check your business details the roll-out that’s due to come –– three and view information from your 2014 SP quarters of those responding to a straw poll application –– just land parcel numbers and sizes on The Farming Forum don’t have confidence were shown. It is intuitive, and all but the most in Rural Payments. Open the HGCA 2015/16 Recommended INSIDERS VIEW List for winter oilseed rape –– East/West region and look for Arazzo. In among the A consistently high seed yield is its key strength and plethora of new entrants, it’s fair to say it doesn’t jump out, and a scan down its earliness will appeal. So why does the new HGCA scores may not chalk up anything that sets it above others on the RL either. Recommended List suggest there’s little to dazzle So why should it be a contender for your from Arazzo? CPM finds out. pick-list this autumn? The highest seed yield on the RL is what Bob Linford of Saturn By Tom Allen-Stevens Seeds highlights. “What’s exciting about Arazzo is that it has these exceptional seed yields and it’s achieved them consistently over the past three years.” The first OSR on the RL from RAGT, it heads a pack of interesting new varieties A solid performer? reckons Neil Groom of Grainseed. “They all have the yield, and importantly, that’s a yield most growers can achieve.” And there are some nice agronomic attributes, too, notes Geoff Williams of Williams Seeds. “Arazzo establishes well in the autumn, and gets up and away early in the spring –– those are two qualities growers like.” Nevertheless, the variety has a phoma stem canker rating of 4 which will require attention, notes HGCA RL manager Dr Simon Oxley, and while its seed yield is good, the oil content lets it down on gross output.

Higher disease ratings “In the recommendation process, both phoma stem canker and gross output are of high importance, but seed yield alone ranks much lower. Other newcomers achieved higher disease ratings, albeit with a lower seed yield –– the Holy Grail of good disease resistance and a high gross output looks a little elusive with Arazzo, based on the trials information.” But it’s an important step for RAGT –– the oilseed market is an entirely new realm for the breeder that’s brought us winter wheats such as Skyfall, Cougar and Relay. “With Arazzo, we’ve got our first oilseed variety on the RL,” notes Cathy Hooper of RAGT. The debut variety follows on from the company’s acquisition of Serasem in 2010, which brought in a number of oilseed and pulse lines. RAGT’s breeding and research side of the business, It has these R2n, is based in France and breeds hybrids for markets exceptional“ seed yields throughout Europe, including and it’s achieved them those suited to the UK climate. consistently. “Arazzo is the first in a promising pipeline of varieties, ” and yield consistency is its stand-out,” continues Cathy Hooper. “In NL1, NL2 and in RL candidate trials,

56 crop production magazine february 2015 out of 35-40 entrants it remained in the top trials in Cowlinge and Wickhambrook in three, putting in a seed yield of 108, 108 Suffolk, it yielded 119% of controls.” and 110 respectively. It was the only one to Neil Groom reckons this will be an added achieve this –– others may have had a reassurance for growers. “Verticillium wilt is a higher mean gross output on the RL, but worrying disease. With no current fungicide look more closely at the year-on-year figures control, then growing varieties which can and you’ll see that Arazzo is one of the few perform in the presence of the disease varieties that consistently delivers a high is key.” gross output,” she claims. Its other notable feature is early spring Main attraction growth, she adds. “It’s one of the earliest Arazzo is the first hybrid variety Grainseed to flower. This goes hand-in-hand with has marketed, and he agrees with others good vigour in the autumn and good that it’s the consistently high seed yield stem stiffness.” that’s the main attraction. “I think it’ll be as For Simon Kightley of NIAB TAG, the successful as Astrid –– seed yield is what combination of hybrid vigour in the spring made that variety so popular with growers and its very early flowering is key “This is a because it’s what you actually measure at The variety is the first oilseed listing on the RL for really good recipe for getting away from harvest time.” RAGT, notes Cathy Hooper. pigeon grazing or backward autumn Those growing Excalibur and PR46W21 L growth,” he notes. This is coupled with a good standing ability, making it a “good, general purpose” variety. “In NIAB TAG trials it was equal top in 2014 and it’s definitely one to watch as we get to results time this summer.” It was the high seed yield that attracted Bob Linford to Arazzo. “It’s better to have a high seed yield than oil content, which can vary from season to season and site to site. NIAB TAG results show a higher oil content for Arazzo than the HGCA RL, while other varieties also varied on oil content from one dataset to another,” he notes. “But while its yield is what attracted us to Arazzo, when we were studying the candidate varieties, we looked further and saw this was a consistent feature. What’s more, there’s a rating of 8 for both lodging resistance and stem stiffness, so it stands and delivers.” Establishing well in autumn and early to flower, he likens it to Excalibur. “I think it’ll be a contender alongside Incentive, SY Harnas and Popular, hopefully taking about 8-10% of the hybrid market. On farm, it should fit in well, bringing forward an earlier harvest.” It’s also had some “exceptional” results in verticillium wilt trials, he adds. “In HGCA

Arazzo boasts a consistently high seed yield, but a low oil content lets it down on gross output.

crop production magazine february 2015 57 INSIDERS VIEW

for growers –– Arazzo has a better phoma specifically UK climate,” continues Régis rating than PR46W21 and similar to Dupont. “It needed to be early flowering, Excalibur. “Phoma is the most easily not too high and with a low biomass.” controlled disease for growers, with the The secret with hybrids is to identify these majority spraying routinely in the autumn.” traits in the parents, he says. “In this case, Geoff Williams also reckons many growers it was the male that had all the traits to will choose Arazzo as their step-up in yield. appeal to a UK grower, while the female “Its seed yield is 7% above PR46W21, and gave us excellent fertility. It was obvious to 5% above Fencer and Harper, so why not do this cross and you get a great heterosis.” Simon Kightley reckons it’s definitely one to grow it?” Not only does Arazzo flower early, it stays watch as results time draws near this summer. in flower for a long time, which may explain Early flowering its yield consistency, he notes. “Arazzo has L will be attracted to Arazzo, he believes. He believes Arazzo’s growth habit will high fertility. It’s also short and very stiff. “It’s not too tall, stands well and is early to also appeal. “It’s one of the top three early But you’d manage it like any other OSR harvest. There’s still a big area of Excalibur flowering hybrids on the RL, which suggests variety. When it comes to harvest, however, and PR46W21, but those varieties are going it will get up and away well in spring. It also don’t be too quick to desiccate the crop off the boil. With Arazzo there’s a 6-8% establishes well in autumn, putting on –– sometimes the top of the canopy step-up in yield –– that’s a difference you enough growth but without putting on too looks mature, but inside it’ll need a few can see on farm.” much biomass –– it sits as a nice rosette.” more days.” He doesn’t think phoma will be a concern In the spring, it grows to a medium height with a dense canopy, putting on plenty of Neil Groom doesn’t think Arazzo’s low phoma side branches, says RAGT. And then there’s stem canker score will be a concern for growers. Arazzo at a glance a pleasant surprise at the end of the season, Gross output (% control) 106.0 according to Arazzo’s breeder Régis Dupont Treated seed yield 107.7 of R2n. “You get an unexpected reward Oil content (%) 43.6 when it goes over the weighbridge.” Resistance to lodging [8] It’s the seed yield that’s always stood out, Stem stiffness 8.0 he says. “Other varieties will go up and Height (cm) 150 down over the years, but you’ll never fail with Earliness of flowering 7.6 Arazzo. And it’s not just in the UK where it’s Earliness of maturity 5.4 performed –– it’s been top of trials in Light leaf spot 5.4 Denmark and Germany as well.” Stem canker 4.0 The UK’s where it’s come to market first, Source: 2015/16 HGCA Recommended List East/West however. “We were after a variety that’s region; [ ] – limited data. adapted to the north European and

Can you push the oil content?

Gross output, the headline stat on the OSR RL, down its gross output. So can growers tweak is the seed yield adjusted for oil content. While the agronomy to improve the oil content, without seed yield is the actual production of rapeseed compromising seed yield? from the field, and what’s measured over the “Variety is the biggest factor influencing oil weighbridge, oil content is generally paid as a content, and it ranges about 4-6% from the best bonus of typically 1.5% of the contract price to the worst depending on the season,” says per 1% above 40% oil. Stuart Knight of NIAB TAG. “But agronomic Current varieties on the East/West RL range measures can affect it by about 1-2%.” As seed yield goes up, a dilution effect brings in oil content from 43.6% to 46.0%. Arazzo sits HGCA-funded work, carried out by NIAB TAG oil content down, says Stuart Knight. at the bottom of this range, which is what drags about 10 years ago, looked at the relationship between agronomy and oil yield in close detail. maximise crop performance, particularly on Variety is the biggest factor influencing oil content. “What we found was that increasing applied deficient sites,” he notes. nitrogen does result is a higher oil yield, but that Fungicides tend to be neutral in terms of oil was mainly driven by seed yield. As seed yield content, he continues. “Poor control of phoma or goes up, oil content comes down as there’s a light leaf spot will depress oil yield, but again, dilution effect,” explains Stuart Knight. that’s largely related to seed yield.” So the optimum N dose to maximise oil yield In the trials, swathing timing also had an will be the same as the optimum N for seed effect. “Swath too early and you depress both yield. “But it’s different for sulphur, which can seed yield and oil content. Desiccation with increase both seed yield and oil content. So glyphosate appears to be less sensitive as it’s it’s important to put on sufficient sulphur to slower acting,” he concludes.

58 crop production magazine february 2015 Arazzo is one of the earliest varieties to flower, making early spring growth a notable feature.

Although the disease scores may be on the relatively low side, they’re manageable, he believes. “But light leaf spot resistance will be a notable feature of future varieties to come out of the programme.” RL candidate variety Alizze has an LLS score of 8, for example. I Keeping an open mind for first time hybrid

For Ben Gaze at Diss on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, Arazzo is the first venture into hybrid oilseed rape. “We’ve planted 12ha near the town. We wanted a variety that established well as it’s difficult to keep the pigeons off that part of the farm.” He farms a total of 283ha, based at Grove Farm, on land that A decent-sized tap root is varies from “kind” sandy loam important for Ben Gaze. through to sticky clay. There’s 60ha of OSR in total, the rest planted to Astrid, with the Arazzo end of Aug with 15kg/ha of on some of the firmer ground. diammonium phosphate (DAP) “We’ve had Astrid for years, and put down with the seed. “That’s are even growing some for seed just enough to help get it going,” this year. It’s always been reliable he comments. and easy to combine, so done us As well as weed control, he well. But we wanted something applied a phoma spray in the with more autumn vigour, so autumn, but isn’t concerned about our seed supplier, Grainseed, Arazzo’s low stem canker score. recommended we try Arazzo.” “We tend to apply a fungicide in So far he’s been quite the autumn anyway it’s not a impressed, he says. “It looks very huge cost compared to the benefits similar to the Astrid. It put on good it brings.” growth in the autumn, but not too The plan in the spring is to apply much, with a decent-sized root –– a sulphur-based urea product as that’s the important bit. It settled soon as the land will travel with two back towards the end of the winter further doses of N determined by and now looks more flat in the crop growth. “For the first time this field, so we’ll see how it gets away year, we’re also planning to apply this spring.” 125kg/ha of K+S Kali to ensure the The farm’s moved to direct crop has plenty of potash,” adds drilling the OSR, with a Mzuri 3m Ben Gaze. drill purchased three years ago. The farm OSR average is around “Normally we go direct into the 3.7t/ha, although the Astrid has stubble, although this year we achieved 5t/ha. “That’s what we’re lightly disced the ground and hoping for from Arazzo, so we’ll see sprayed off some volunteers and how it does. If it outperforms the weeds before drilling.” Astrid, we’ll move more of the crop The crop was established at the area into hybrids,” he says.

For every Has the shine twenty“ sites developers sign up, they expect only one will actually come off solar? succeed.” Reductions in the renewable effectively full –– even if you have a wind and biomass. A solar developer will energy incentives and suitable site for a solar farm, you may not be competing against on-shore wind competition for suitable sites get a connection, especially if there are developers, who tend to be able to bid already a number in your area.” a lower strike price.” have changed the landscape Lower income from potential sites for solar farms. CPM asks Heading north means a lower rent will be paid, and he That means developers are heading north reckons a 10% reduction in market rents what this means for those looking for sites, and farmers in Yorks, can be expected after 1 April. “There’s who are approached by Cheshire and N Lincs are likely to be on also a very high attrition rate,” he adds. the radar. “Rents for these sites will be “For every twenty sites developers a developer. lower, however, because they’ll have a sign up, they expect only one will lower photovoltaic value –– less sunlight actually succeed.” By Rob Jones means less energy generated. A prime As a consequence, developers are site on the south coast can attract a rent more cautious about which sites they’ll of £3700/ha, while £2000/ha is more likely It’s a potentially confusing time for in Cheshire,” he notes. Solar farm developers are heading north for farmers hoping to diversify their income From 1 April, new solar farms with an sites, but rental values of suitable land are through solar energy. Changes to the way installed capacity larger than 5MWp coming down. subsidies are handled mean it could (i.e. about 10ha of land) aren’t eligible appear such projects are a less attractive to receive money under the Renewable option than they were just 12 months Obligation Certificates (ROC) scheme. ago. What’s more, Defra has confirmed “ROCs grant a renewable energy solar parks won’t be eligible for the supplier a guaranteed income in addition Basic Payment. to the wholesale price they receive for the So what do you do if you have potential electricity. Large installers will now have to developers knocking at your door asking compete for Contracts for Difference you to sign up with them? The advice (CFDs), which work a bit like the old from James Miles-Hobbs of Wilts-based deficiency payments for agricultural consultants JMH Farming and Renewables support,” explains James Miles-Hobbs. is to tread carefully and do your research. “The difficulty is that suppliers have “The problem for most of the south to bid for these contracts, and they of England is that the electricity grid is come from the same budget as off-shore

60 crop production magazine february 2015 Top tips when choosing a solar partner

4. Always ask who’s going to be managing the solar farm for the duration of the lease. A good place to start is to research operators of solar farms in your local area. 5. View past projects and request to speak with other clients who’ve been involved with the company of your choice. Ask if the developer can put you in touch with a client with similar requirements to A good developer will design the solar farm around your project. the core values and aims of your business. 6. A good developer will be transparent on their planning process. How much emphasis do they put 1. Use a company based in the UK. Well established on community engagement and community benefit? firms will have a greater understanding of legislation, Being a good neighbour to the local community the planning process and working with local throughout the lifetime of the lease should be high communities. on the agenda. ROCs are being phased out for 2. Choose a company that has a good track record 7. Finally, make sure you ask a developer how many larger projects and developers have and previous experience in developing projects. planning applications they’ve made and how many to compete for Contracts for 3. Prioritise your values –– a good developer will were successful. This will give you an idea of how Difference (CFDs), says James design the solar farm around the core values and the planning process will go. Miles-Hobbs. aims of your business. commit to. “If there’s a hint that Among the projects currently important. The rental income landowner wishing to discuss planning may be problem or managed by the company is I receive is a fixed rate and projects further. It has over a grid connection may be the 4MWp solar farm at index-linked to inflation, so 350 in-house, full-time staff difficult, they’ll walk away,” Lovedean, near Portsmouth, I know exactly what to expect dedicated to the entire 25-year notes James Miles-Hobbs. Hants. The development takes in terms of revenue, even if lifecycle of solar-farm projects, “If you think you have a up 10ha of land, part of 140ha, it’s cloudy.” including maintenance and potential site, consider whether which has been farmed by Lightsource offers no-obligation land management to encourage it’s overlooked or near a Andrew Hull for the past site surveys and advice to any pollinating insects. I footpath. If there are other solar 40 years. farms in the area, it’s unlikely to With a rotation of oilseed be approved. Then look at the rape, wheat, oats, barley and developer who approaches you peas, he admits that at first he –– watch out for ‘flippers’, who wasn’t 100% convinced 10ha sign up sites then sell them on. of solar panels would fit in. “My The ROCs changes mean only a son, Tom, suggested that we few large developers will remain have a look at it,” he recalls. in the market.” “I told him that we had the harvest to complete and that Act quickly he should concentrate on that. Conor McGuigan, of Lightsource But he was right. The economic Renewable Energy, says farmers stability that it brings is very shouldn’t be put off, but need to act quickly and make fully informed decisions when it Conor McGuigan points out that comes to choosing their solar farms are still an attractive preferred solar partner. proposition. “Farmers and landowners can be assured that solar farms are still an attractive proposition,” he says. Lightsource is the UK’s largest operator of solar farms in the UK, he points out, man- aging over 3200ha of land across the country. “Our advice is to choose a developer to partner that has the capability, sound financial backing and track record of delivering on time.”

crop production magazine february 2015 61 LAMMA takes its place on international stage

SIMA in Paris, or Agritechnica in Germany. latest Stage 4 regulations. There are five LAMMA 2015 So, many visitors were surprised to see models providing maximum powers from the completely new MF 7726 tractor being 320-435hp. previewed by Massey Ferguson ahead of At the same time, New Holland now The LAMMA show, held in its official launch in Paris in Feb. includes the Intelliview IV monitor as The MF 7700 range includes models standard, which along with the new mid-Jan, continues to grow from 185-225hp, with power supplied by multi-function joystick is said to be easier and strengthen its position a new engine meeting Stage 4 emission to use. On Ultra Command models the regulations and will replace the existing ground-speed management target speed as not only the largest MF 7600 Series. The new 255hp (max is now set with a thumb wheel. machinery exhibition, but power) flagship MF 7626 on show at To improve servicing on the new LAMMA can be specified with the Dyna-6, tractors there are new steps to access also the biggest farming semi-powershift or, for the first time, Dyna-VT the right hand window as well as new show in Britain. continuously variable transmission. Both are positions for the toolbox and service available on all models except the smallest, points. The air filter has now also been L By Mick Roberts which has the Dyna-4, and is also an option on the next model up. These new models also introduce new front axle suspension, which is designed The beauty The LAMMA show has grown beyond and built by MF. There’s a range of other of“ LAMMA is it brings all recognition from its beginnings as a changes including a larger, colour together the giants showcase for Lincs agricultural machinery dashboard display, more spools and manufacturers. Today’s vast offering at the option on Speedsteer. of the industry with the showground in Peterborough is now New Holland also used LAMMA to the relative an established international event. launch its latest T8 range, which has the In the past, multinational manufacturers latest FTP Industrial Hi-eSCR, using minnows. would normally reserve major launches for Selective Catalytic Reduction, to meet the ”

62 crop production magazine february 2015

and when extra traction is required. As it name implies the tractor can work in ‘row crops’ at 76in, 80in, 88in, and 120in spacings. Track belts are available in 16in, 18in, 24in and 30in widths. A new contender in the mid-hp tractor sector is Kubota, with its display of its new flagship M7 models certainly attracting a lot Massey Ferguson surprised visitors by of attention. Well known in the smaller, utility JCB’s Fastrac 4610 model was dressed in its previewing the MF 7626 model from the new market and with a formidable reputation working clothes with a new Landquip front tank MF 7700 Series. for building solid compact tractors, the and rear demount sprayer. Japanese giant now looks set to ruffle the

L moved to the left hand side, where the feathers of more established agricultural There are three models in the new M7 air is said to be cleaner. The T8 Tractors brands. Series offering powers of 130hp, 150hp can now be specified with two new and 170hp, all powered by the firm’s own optional LED lighting packages. New Holland is sticking with its SCR-only 6.1 litre, four-cylinder engines. These Widely previewed before the show, the approach to meeting the Stage 4 exhaust- comply with Stage 4 emission regulations Case-IH Magnum Rowtrac took centre emission regulations on its updated T8 range using a combination of SCR and exhaust stage on its LAMMA stand. This takes an of tractors. gas recirculation. interesting twist on traction by combining The tractors are available with a 24/24 a nearly standard wheeled front axle with powershift as standard, or the option of a triangular tracks on the rear, which says continuously variable transmission –– both the firm, follows its philosophy of four supplied by ZF. Inside the cab, operators will contact points on the ground. find a comfortable workplace with a modern The suspended front-wheel axle feel, including ISOBUS-compatible control reduces soil disturbance and provides console option. continuous drive through the turn as well These are the first new tractors to be as reducing front-to-rear pitching or rolling, built in Kubota’s new factory at Dunkirk in compared with twin-track systems, it adds. Northern France and are set to go on sale Operators can still engage the diff-lock, if later this spring. While now not completely ‘new’, the Both are aimed at moving the Claydon JCB Fastrac 4000 Series still attracts a concept away from those looking at purely large crowd whenever it goes on show. direct drilling to larger farms with a range At LAMMA it was shown with a new front of crops in their rotations, explains and rear demount Landquip sprayer, Spencer Claydon. “While the twin-tine to emphasise its system tractor capabilities system is proven to work well straight into and the benefits of the 4t rear-deck stubble, it’s equally suited to min-till and capacity, a substantial increase on the ploughed land,” he adds. previous models. On show at LAMMA was a new front There are three new models offering press, which is aimed at increasing the maximum powers of 175hp, 208hp and drill’s versatility. It’s fitted with individual The Case IH Rowtrac system combines a 235hp and all feature the continuously wheels that consolidate the soil in front suspended front axle with a rear track unit. variable transmission that’s supplied by of the seeding tine, following the ground AGCO’s Fendt factory. Among other, contours. “It could also potentially include significant changes, is the independent cutter discs for working in cover crops,” discontinuing its Speedliner machines. suspension that’s now electronically adds Spencer Claydon. Currently there are no details about the controlled, hydro-pneumatic on the front Meanwhile Kuhn says it’ll be introducing replacement. as well as the rear. Disc brakes are still a new range of cultivator drills at the Great Plains is also making plans for the an important feature allowing top road forthcoming SIMA show in Paris after future with flexible cultural technique trials L speeds of up to 60km/h. John Deere displayed its new 9570RT at the show. At 628hp it’s the most powerful tracked model to date, heading a three-model range. At the same time, JD has also updated the artic-steer R range with five new models from 420hp to 620hp, which now have front-axle suspension, said to reduce ‘power hop’.

Drills to control weeds Claydon’s expanding range of equipment nearly filled Hall 6 on its own, with the recently launched Hybrid T trailed drill taking centre stage. The T6, now in production and on show, will be joined by an 8m version soon.

Three models in Kubota’s new M7 mid to high-power tractors offer a choice of 130hp, 150hp and 170hp.

crop production magazine february 2015 65 Innovations on offer

The beauty of LAMMA is it brings together the giants of the industry with the relative minnows –– allowing visitors to see a wide range of technology from companies of all sizes. Claydon’s trailed T6 drill is now equipped with And often these companies present interesting a front packer roller. innovations. Techneat, for example, showed a surprise The Pulsed UV-light cleansing system kills with its Pulsed UV-light cleansing system. Initial L aimed at controlling grassweeds and pathogens on potatoes with flashes of trials have been shown this to be a successful, improving yields. A 3m test drill on show is concentrated UV light. non-chemical treatment to not only clean designed to establish small-seed cover or seed potatoes, but also extend the shelf life Laboratory trials demonstrate a single flash of companion crops alongside oilseed rape. of fresh produce. Pulsed UV light produced an 85% reduction in “Trials in various locations last season Already in use in sterile industrial and live blackleg bacteria on the tuber surface, with showed impressive results,” says the healthcare industries, the patented system a flash sequence from the treatment equipment company’s David Holmes. “The system concentrates UV energy into single flash, lasting resulting in a 97% reduction in the pathogen. produced an increase in plant populations fractions of a millisecond. The selected light’s The technique targets any pathogens on the and improved uptake of available nutrients wavelength terminally disrupts the DNA and tuber surface, with no physical effect on the through strong, healthier roots. physical cell structure of pathogens, claims treated seed. Trials also show no adverse effect “There was also improved weed the company. on seed storage or emergence. control by leaving soil between the rows undisturbed and with the addition of cover crops.” the cover or companion crops and these Plains 00 Series Double Disc Openers, The trial drill uses five LD (low are followed by bespoke 280mm rollers which place the seeds in two rows at disturbance) legs at 575mm spacings to that work in only the zone behind. The soil 200mm spacing –– 100mm either side of create a rooting zone down to 250mm. between the tines is left undisturbed. the tine line, which is said to maximise the

Levelling boards behind create a tilth for The crop seed is sown using the Great use of the loosened rooting zone. L

LAMMA 2015

Hi-Load for low waste

For those looking to improve efficiency when so there’s also no foil to dispose of and both the controlling cleavers, chickweed and other cap and can be recycled together. broadleaf weeds, Dow has introduced a new Dow says the new formulation provides the highly concentrated formulation of fluroxypyr. same performance as Starane. The average Starane Hi-Load contains 333g of active dose for the new Starane Hi-Load is 0.45 l/ha, ingredient per litre and this, says the firm, compared with 0.75 l/ha for Starane 2/Gala. will help reduce sprayer filling times and While the water volume specified on the label is Great Plains has constructed a special drill to result in less packaging to rinse. 200 l/ha, it’s supported down to 80 l/ha with a carry out trials into sowing oilseed rape with The 10-litre PET packs have a self-seal cap, 5m aquatic buffer zone. cover and companion crops. Five subsoiling tines, with hydraulic reset, are staggered to reduce power L Cultivating the options requirement and can work to a depth of Opico’s new 3m-wide HE-VA Combi-Disc 400mm. These are followed by 510mm combines the actions of the existing diameter discs that cut and mix the soil Combi-Lift and Disc Roller into one machine and trash to a depth of 125mm before that deep loosens with subsoil tines, consolidation with a 700mm diameter V cultivates and consolidates in one pass. profile press. “Both machines have been sold in the UK The optional Easy Draft legs and points for nearly a decade and will still be available are said to create minimal soil inversion to separately,” says the firm’s James Woolway. help control weeds as well as improve “The Combi-Disc brings together the drainage and cut power requirement. The 3m Opico HE-VA Combi-Disc deep loosens subsoiling and disc elements in one frame, Knight Farm Machinery has expanded with subsoil tines, cultivates and consolidates in and the design allows the components to be its range of Bednar Swifterdisc cultivators one pass. adjusted individually, from the tractor seat.” with the new 7.5m working width model.

68 crop production magazine february 2015 The Knight Farm Machinery Bednar range has expanded to include this new 7.5m wide Swifterdisc shallow cultivator.

This joins 5m and 10m-wide wasted, says the company. For versions already on sale in drilling grain only, one side of the UK. the hopper empties first before The latest XO 8000F model automatically switching to provides fast shallow cultivation the other. operations at depths from Väderstad’s new Carrier 20mm to 120mm at working range, which features larger speed up to 15km/h. Its discs, can be equipped with working elements are designed either 510mm diameter versions to cut and mix surface residues L models or 610mm on the XL and create a stale seedbed for machines. The larger discs are chitting weeds. said to improve trash cutting Amazone is now offering and incorporation. grain-and-fertiliser versions There are four models AD-P Super power-harrow drill, available in 4.25m, 5.25m, in 3m and 4m working widths, 6.25m and 8.25m working available with 2000 and widths. All can also be fitted 2500-litre hopper capacities, with hydraulic suspension and which are split 50:50. accumulator on the transport Both hopper sections have axle to provide better stability their own electric metering and comfort in transport. A new systems, which provides hydraulic system folds the two tramlining for both sides, and halves vertically of the machine this saves fertiliser being for transport. I

Uprated Väderstad Carriers come with a choice of 510mm or 610mm diameter discs.

crop production magazine february 2015 69

Consistency, not cutbacks, brings variable-rate value have been a pioneer in the sector, the first From light reflection technology to satellite imaging, there units being introduced in 1999. Mounted on the cab of the fertiliser-spreader tractor, are various possibilities on which to base variable-rate its scanner boom measures crop N nutrient applications. CPM finds out what’s on the market requirements in real time by recording the light-reflectance properties of 50m2 of crop and gets user opinion on some of the options. in front of the tractor every second. This reflectance has a direct correlation with the By Martin Rickatson crop’s chlorophyll content and biomass, and hence its N uptake, and the data is sent to the fertiliser spreader controller to adjust the The ability to apply crop nutrients and As is often the case with such questions, application rate accordingly. other products variably, according to the answer appears to be neither one nor Nine years ago, Yara launched a the yield potential of divisible areas of the other. It doesn’t seem to matter what second N-Sensor, the ALS (Active Light a field, is now well established. Weigh system you use to measure need and vary Source). This overcomes one limitation of the cell-equipped fertiliser spreaders with application rate –– you’re aiming not to original passive model that only works in on-the-move rate-change capability are save costs but to boost potential and ambient light. The ALS has its own built-in available from most key manufacturers, maximise returns per kg of fertiliser applied, light source, so can work in low visibility or supplemented by controllers that offer the experimental and practical experience even at night. compatibility necessary to makeit happen. suggest. What’s more, you’ll probably be Most sensing systems available measure But the multitude of ways in which data applying the same total amount of fertiliser, the normalised difference vegetation index can be gathered to make this possible can but directing it to the areas likely to provide (NDVI) to calculate biomass and work be bewildering for the beginner. And then the best returns –– that’s widely regarded out the nitrogen content from this. Yara there’s the crux of the matter: should the as the best use of the technology, in terms suggests that in high-biomass crops the ultimate aim be to bring poor-performing of mapping, application and the fertiliser NDVI reading can become ‘saturated’, areas up to standard, or minimise spend product itself. affecting accuracy. Instead, the N-Sensor on them? Yara’s N-Sensor could arguably be said to measures different wavelengths to calculate more accurately the crop’s nitrogen content. It says its own trials prove the correlation between the N-Sensor reading and the measured nitrogen uptake fromdestructive laboratory leaf analysis, with the wave- lengths measured by the N-Sensor helping increase measurement accuracy by almost

a third to 93%. L

A lot of the“ yield potential across our fields can be directly attributed to soil type.”

70 crop production magazine february 2015

prescriptive mapping set-ups, system of the £1M plus required to develop the requirements for variable-rate applications new precision farming technology is being will vary depending on machinery funded by InnovateUK, the new name for specifications and other factors, according the Technology Strategy Board, with further to Yorks firm Precision Decisions, which partners comprising ADAS, Precise Crop advises on, supplies and fits a number of Nutrition, Patchwork, Syngenta, Chris the systems on the market. In short, a check Harry-Thomas Consultancy and Hill Court through with a specialist regarding any Farm Research. possible compatibility issues is essential Part of the research will involve further Yara’s N-Sensor measures light at different before investing in kit. developing and testing the ISARIA wavelengths to overcome issues that NDVI precision input system from German firm systems have with dense crops. Limited range Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik. The maker has Both solid fertiliser spreaders of all been working on development of the

L The SoylSense system from Frontier types and liquid sprayers are capable of product with Claas, who showed it at last business Soyl works in a very different variable-rate applications, points out the firm, year’s Cereals Event. fashion, using remote sensing via satellites although the range within which sprayers It comprises an ISOBUS-compatible, to identify variations in crop canopy can vary the rate is limited slightly by twin-headed optical sensor which, rather development. This information is verifiable via pressure requirements. In all cases a GNSS than being cab roof-mounted like the Yara in-field calibration of the imagery produced, receiver, such as TopCon’s AGI-4, and a N-Sensor, is mounted on a boom carried on and the maps created are then loaded onto VR-capable rate controller, such as the the spreader tractor’s front linkage. LED the spreader’s variable-rate controller. X30 from the same maker, are the base lights allow for operation regardless of light The firm claims an average £30/ha benefit equipment required. N-Sensor systems are levels. Measuring frequency automatically from yield increases of up to 8% in wheat, generally supplied with an X20 which acts adjusts to environmental conditions including and the system can be used across winter as the rate controller. crop density and ambient light intensity, with combinable crops including wheat, barley, A consortium of UK businesses led by a measurement taken of the light reflected oats and oilseed rape. Leaf area index GrowHow UK has been awarded funding to by the crop under the sensor heads. This maps can be viewed online, and from these support the development of an automated is then used to calculate the vegetation’s nitrogen application maps can be created, system for the precision application of reflected matter index (IRMI), which with manual ‘fine-tuning’ possible if desired. nitrogen and plant growth regulators. Half indicates the crop’s current nitrogen supply At LAMMA, Soyl launched a new Apple and therefore leads to the calculation of iPad app designed to simplify the process In-field calibration of the imagery produced by its requirement. of being able to make variable-rate SoylSense remote satellite sensing helps identify Designed for use not only for variable applications. iSoyl is the first variable-rate variations in crop canopy development. application of nitrogen, but with the potential application system to run on a tablet, and to be used on other crop inputs such as streamlines the set-up and operational PGRs, ISARIA is said to have been proven processes, claims the company. Using the under German climatic conditions. Extensive smart cable and adaptors provided, the app field-scale trials and small plot experiments is said to work with all popular spreader, are planned to create software appropriate sprayer and drill controllers. Data transfer to UK agriculture. between tractor cab and farm office software “The aim of the project, carried out is wireless and automatic. over three years, is to develop automated With both real-time sensing systems systems to measure N requirements for –– such as the N-Sensor –– and the cereals and OSR, and PGR requirements for L SoylSense suits south Oxon farm

Oxon farmer Simon Beddows has been variably 0.25t/ha, and that was in a dry year. The best applying fertilisers since 2005, when he had his was a difference of 1.0t/ha, and the average gain 800ha of arable crops mapped by Soyl for potash was 0.5t/ha.” and phosphate. SoylSense satellite imaging for What’s more, in-field crop variations evened green area index followed in 2009, but although out over the Feb-to-May application period, notes sufficiently convinced by the idea of variable Simon Beddows. rate to sign up, he conducted his own nitrogen “I prefer the system to an idea like the comparison trials during the first three years N-Sensor because of the complete field image Simon Beddows achieved a 0.5t/ha average using the system to assure himself of its worth. that’s produced. That information can then be yield gain in his own farm trials from applying “Each year I compared my usual blanket-rate used via GateKeeper for other uses, and last nitrogen variably. nitrogen approach side by side with strips season I used it to variably apply PGR to oilseed treated according to the maps produced by rape. This year I’ll also be looking to do the same SoylSense imaging,” he explains. with wheat.” “The same principle of different imaging “I calculated that it would take a 0.1t/ha gain Simon Beddows is also looking at using colours relating to different green area indices to return the investment made, but over that the SoylSense maps as a basis for variable still applies, so I think the idea has some merit, period, the lowest yield uplift it produced was pplication T0 wheat fungicides. and I’m planning to trial it this season.”

72 crop production magazine february 2015

The range within which sprayers can vary the soil-map information, soil mineral nitrogen application rate is limited slightly by pressure and additionally available nitrogen requirements. measurements. That’ll provide the most accurate predictions of N fertiliser and

L the latter,” says GrowHow agronomist PGR requirement.” Allison Grundy. The team is currently looking for suitable “Specific algorithms and software will trial sites with a geographical spread to be created to integrate ISARIA’s real-time develop and test the system in a range of crop-sensor data with historic yield and weather and soil types, and encouraging

N-Sensor option preferred after trial

James Price, who farms 600ha and contracts a yield map in advance based on different soil across an additional area from his family’s base at areas and their water-holding capability. We can’t Woodstock, Oxon, now has ten years’ experience change that, but I wanted to use variable-rate with variable nitrogen systems. He trialled both nitrogen as a method of managing this. SoylSense and the Yara N-Sensor during the “As part of my research into finding the best 2004-5 season, and for him, nitrogen has an system, I went to Yara’s research facility in James Price admits it’s slightly unnerving to put N impact not only on yield, but also on meeting Germany, which helped a lot in understanding the rate decisions in the hands of a machine but the protein specifications as wheat is grown mainly workings of the science behind the N-Sensor.We evidence shows the N-Sensor is doing its job. for milling. then used a unit for the first time in spring 2005.” Unconvinced of the accuracy of grid-based At first it’s slightly unnerving to put application satellite imaging systems, he prefers the rate decisions in the hands of a machine and himself the proficiency of the system, and has immediate feedback of the N-Sensor’s some software, James Price acknowledges. continued to do so. Most recently, comparing real-time operation, and has run this system “But the evidence from that first year’s trial strips of flat-rate treated wheat against adjacent since then. showed me that the biggest difference between ones where N was variably applied showed a “A lot of the yield potential across our fields the sensor and satellite systems was that the 5% average yield increase. can be directly attributed to soil type, and hence N-Sensor was doing exactly what I would have Since his initial seasons running the original water retention,” he says. chosen to do, putting more of the available ‘passive’ N-Sensor, he’s upgraded to the N-Sensor “Where water isn’t a limiting factor –– as in fertiliser on the areas with the greatest potential.” ALS, with its integral lighting. “It’s given us more 2014, for example –– it’s not an issue. In a drier Like Simon Beddows, James Price also operating flexibility, allowing spreading to start year, though, it would almost be possible to draw conducted his own on-farm trials to prove to earlier and finish later each day.” interested growers to contact them through available, which is called the VI reference GrowHow. Required criteria includes value. To achieve this, the operator drives yield-mapping capability, historic yield, grass the applicator over the healthiest looking and manure data, soil-texture maps and a plants for a minimum of five minutes, which field of at least 20ha, preferably in first wheat calibrates OptRX crop sensors for the given with variability along the tramline. growth stage. Light-sensing technology Sold in the UK by Precise Solutions, the again means it isn’t dependent on ambient AgLeader OptRX is a crop sensor system light, so can be used at night. which again measures and records data SoilEssentials offers two main variable- in real time using the reflectance of light rate packages –– the Crop Circle ACS-430 OptRx assigns to each scan sweep a ‘crop beamed onto the growing plants. Sensors and ACS-470. Both are active crop-canopy vigour’ number or vegetation index (VI) value can be installed across the application boom sensors which provide so-called ‘classic’ based on plant biomass and nitrogen content. to collect information while driving through vegetation index data, as well as basic the field, with data then logged andmapped, reflectance information from plant canopies measurements. Each spectral reflectance either for further analysis or real-time and soil. Measurements can be made band is scaled as a percentage and won’t variable-rate applications. regardless of light due to the systems’ vary with sensor height above a target. OptRX assigns to each scan sweep a in-built light source. Using the Holland Scientific GeoScout ‘crop vigour’ number or vegetation index (VI) The Crop Circle ACS-430 active crop GLS-400 datalogger, data can be recorded value based on plant biomass and nitrogen canopy sensor provides classic vegetation to a text file on an SD flash card. What’s content to aid calculations. To determine index data, as well as basic reflectance more, by connecting a GPS receiver to the nitrogen rate, it identifies the VI value that information from plant canopies and soil. GeoScout, data collected from the ACS-430 represents a plant with sufficient nitrogen Unlike passive radiometric light sensors, can be georeferenced and stored for later the Crop Circle ACS-430 isn’t limited analysis in third party GIS software. The ISARIA project team, which includes by ambient lighting conditions, with The Crop Circle ACS-470 active GrowHow, is looking for suitable trial sites to measurements possible day or night crop-canopy sensor provides the same develop and test the system. courtesy of its light source technology. classic vegetation index data and basic For on-the-go applications, the Crop reflectance information from plant canopies Circle ACS-430 remotely senses and/or and soil, and again incorporates three maps plant or crop canopy biomass optical measurement channels. The key while driving through the field. The sensor difference is the in-field ability for the user simultaneously measures crop/soil to select optical measurement bands of reflectance from three optical measurement interest, allowing the instrument to be channels, and the system can make spectrally customised to a particular height-independent spectral reflectance sensing application. I

crop production magazine february 2015 75 I feel Putting the app there’s“ still a bit of ‘muck and mystery’ surrounding in application the variable-rate decision-making

change his mind he has the technology in process. ON FARM OPINION place to do it, he adds. ” The latest spreader, a Kverneland TL For Lincs grower Andrew Exacta GEOspread, has weigh cells and the GPS connection to allow it to change rates Ward, there’s more to on the move. Currently, however, he’s just precision fertiliser using this for improving accuracy when shutting down sections on short work and application than maps at the headlands. and variable rates. Wider tramline widths CPM reports. Prior to buying this he had been using a Kverneland TL spreader with weigh cells By Mick Roberts and auto stop/start at headlands. But with a move up to an 8m wide drill he decided to change the spreader when he moved to Although Andrew Ward employs the 32m tramline widths. Andrew Ward feels it’s important to make accurate latest application technology on his Lincs “I did look at other alternatives, including yield predictions when calculating fertiliser farm, he’s yet to be convinced about the liquid nitrogen, but I don’t like that because it application rates. benefits of varying the dose rate. Attention rots the sprayer. Liquid is also slightly dearer to detail at all stages when planning and than urea, although we do apply a fair and wheat. The medium land is a lot heavier, applying fertiliser is more relevant when amount of ammonium nitrate as well,” but well drained and is well suited to sugar it comes to building yield, maximising he says. beet. The heavy land is too strong for sugar profit and protecting the environment, The machine is used for all applications beet, so it’s reserved for growing OSR and if he believes. on the 650ha Glebe Farm, Leadenham. blackgrass isn’t an issue, this’ll be followed “I currently feel there’s still a bit of ‘muck The farm has a mix of soil types, which by wheat. Otherwise, the ground will be and mystery’ surrounding the variable-rate determine the rotations in these specific cleaned with a spring malting barley crop, decision-making process,” he explains. “I’m areas. The cropping’s now very flexible, one of the farm’s key control tools against not even sure whether you put more or less tailored specifically to control blackgrass. blackgrass. on the high yielding areas of the field.” “This is now driving every decision on the All the spring barley is aimed at malting He’s looked into a number of variable rate farm. One result is that we’re growing more markets and the OSR varieties are premium, options, but until now has decided to stick spring malting barley,” he adds. high oleic, low linolenic (HOLL) varieties. with using his own FACTS training and At Leadenham Heath –– typical Lincs The fertiliser application plans vary for experience, GAI testing apps, soil N analysis limestone light sandy loam –– the rotation will every field and are determined by the crop and Fertiliser Manual RB209. If he does be spring barley, sugar beet, oilseed rape and its specific requirements. Plans for OSR

76 crop production magazine february 2015 applications begin in Feb with Growhow Along with the Growhow N-Min taking soil samples in a range of fields, recommendations Andrew Ward also crops and different soil types. employs the latest Green Area Index (GAI) “We block the land types together and monitoring apps. For OSR he uses the BASF have been taking samples for about seven GAI app and Yara’s ImageIT, which are years now. We try to take the samples from downloaded onto his mobile phone (see the same fields each year to build a picture panel on p78 for details). to check how they’re responding to the “I walk the fields and take a photograph various fertiliser applications,” he explains. of the crop, using the app’s facility and then “It’s vital these tests are taken in late it’s uploaded to the server. In a 20ha field I’ll winter before the nitrogen is applied and the take about eight to ten pictures and note The spreader’s capable of applying variable rates, crops begin to grow. Some people don’t down the GAI figures and then make an but currently its GPS capability is limited to just agree with this approach, but the system is average for the field. The system is so fast automatic headland shut-off. fine but it’s only as good as the information that I often have the GAI result from one you put in.” picture in the time it takes to walk to the next into account the NVZ N-max limits as well as These soil sample results are then sampling site,” he says. the RB209 recommendations as well as the processed through Growhow’s N-Min The Growhow N-Min system provides an soil nitrogen, from the N-Min tests, and GAI service, with information on the crop’s yield application recommendation on its own. figures from the app results. With both potential also supplied. “This is crucial and Andrew Ward cross refers and checks this systems, he adds, it’s vital to consider the it’s important to make as accurate yield against his own spreadsheet that also takes actual and realistic yield potential so as not L predictions as possible. It you predict an OSR crop will yield 4t/ha, but it could do more, the yield will be reduced through lack of nitrogen. Conversely if you’re too ambitious on the yield and the crop doesn’t make the target the fertiliser will be wasted. “As an aside, I think some OSR crops aren’t achieving their potential because they’re being drilled too thick and the crops are often too far forward in the winter,” he adds.

The ISOMatch Tellus display (lower) shows the spreader’s operation on the top part of the screen and operating ‘sections’ as well as the application map below.

crop production magazine february 2015 77 Then, with these in mind, he takes the recommendation from the Growhow N-Min service and makes any necessary changes. Currently he isn’t using any of the GAI apps on the cereal crops, but intends to use the Yara ImageIT or BASF Canopy Assessment Tool app this coming season. Fertiliser is bought in bulk and out in the field, spreading is a two-man operation. The The plan is to replace the farm’s New Holland spreader, usually mounted on the farm’s 9080 combine with one that’s equipped with Fastrac 2170, is filled from a 12t dumper yield mapping. trailer, which has two outlets in the back door to fill the hopper in less than a minute. This special trailer can fill the spreader in about Running on wide tyres, the trailer can travel a minute and helps produce workrates of up to along the headland tramline to ensure it’s 200ha/day from the two-man team. always in the most convenient position for filling.

L to waste inputs by putting on too much, or “With this set-up we can cover up to starve a good crop and suffer a yield penalty. To determine the nitrogen application The fertiliser rates for the farm’s HOLL oilseed rates for winter wheat and spring barley he rape are determined using GAI figures attained first refers to the results of numerous field by a smart phone app and Growhow’s trial strips he’s carried out over many years. N-Min service.

Smart route to instant answers

A growing number of smart phone apps are now photographs can be saved for processing later. the suspected problem. available for farmers to use to assess the green The app automatically generates an Once the deficiency has been identified, the area index (GAI) of growing crops and these assessment of the GAI and Crop N and can save app provides further information on how this return the results nearly instantly. the photographs and the subsequent report as could affect the crop, what soil types are prone GAI is the ratio of green tissue area to the well as the GPS location. Reports and photos to this and what’ll make it worse. It then also ground area and is key to measuring canopy can also be emailed directly from the app. provides a fertiliser recommendation to treat the size. It helps to determine fertiliser application identified deficiency. rates in growing crops, because research has Yara ImageIT determined the nutrients required for a given The Yara ImageIT app is designed to measure Free apps, downloaded to smart phones, can be GAI. The GAI figure is also used to help reduce the nitrogen uptake in the crop and then used to take a picture of a growing crop that’s the risk of lodging. create a nitrogen recommendation based on processed immediately to provide a In the past this has been calculated visually photographs of the crop. The app can be used GAI reading. using reference photographs, but this can now with Apple and Android systems and is available be carried out more quickly and efficiently using from the respective ‘stores’ online. an app. These are usually available as free Alternatively it can be download at downloads. www.yara.com/media/apps/imageit/index.aspx by capturing a QR Code on the page with the BASF’s Canopy Assessment smart phone or by downloading direct to the Tool (CAT) device by clicking a link. This is now available as an app specifically for It’s said to be insensitive to camera quality the iPhone and is a free download from the and will use images from about 50 to 200kb iTunes App Store. You can also use the system file sizes. It calculates the GAI based on a on-line, by uploading photographs to the website: minimum of four images per field and returns (www.agricentre.basf.co.uk, click on Tools) quality-assured recommendations with a Yara CAT can be used at GS12-31 to assess crop preferred product. nitrogen content and at GS30-31 to determine In areas of poor phone reception it’ll store the lodging risk. the photos and then send them for processing Avoiding sunny days because of shadows, when it reconnects to the network. users simply take a photograph from directly Another Yara app, CheckIT, provides above the crop. The area isn’t critical –– a 1m x fast identification of possible crop nutrient 1m square is perfectly adequate and the camera deficiencies. Users can check high definition quality has no influence, says BASF. Using the pictures and filter these by symptoms, the app the images are processed immediately or the location of the symptom on the crop or by

78 crop production magazine february 2015 200ha/day. This means we can afford to be choosey when we spread. I feel at 32m spreading width it’s important to work in the right conditions and will stop spreading if it gets windy possibly before we’d stop spraying,” he adds. The spreader will also be checked and then tray tested by SCS Spreader and Sprayer Testing before the season, to ensure it’s applying the material accurately across the entire Close attention is paid to early bout width. nitrogen to create the correct In just one season, he’s seen canopy density for maximum how the new spreader, with its light interception. automatic spreader control, is delivering tangible cost savings last 2m. I’m thinking of running with fertilisers. “We’re saving around the outside tramline around 4.5% compared with the and treating this small area previous area spread. And we with liquid fertiliser through the save that every time we go outer nozzles on the sprayer,” spreading –– so that’s three he adds. I times in wheat. “I’ve found the machine has transformed spreading and is Farm Facts very accurate. The system doesn’t shut off just a half or Roy Ward (Farms), Glebe Farm, full width, but can shut down Leadenham, Lincoln ‘sections’ –– like a sprayer. G Area farmed: 650ha – We can see on the IsoMatch all arable screen just how well the system’s G Cropping: 136ha 1st wheat working, with a bar graph (Dickens, Skyfall); 20ha 2nd graphic showing how the wheat (Dickens,Evolution); spreading pattern is continually 217ha oilseed rape (HOLL) adjusted to prevent waste. (V295, V316, MDS 24); 42ha “My only slight concern is sugar beet (Cayman, the outside edges, because the Stingray); 220ha spring barley spread pattern isn’t a sharp – (Odyssey); 25ha Grass cut-off –– like a sprayer. We’ve margin and wild flowers grass margins and I can see a G Combine: New Holland definite curve in the crop where CR9080 the pattern has tapered off in the G Tractors: Case IH Quadtrac STX 535, Case IH Puma 225 N rates for wheat and spring barley CVX, JCB Fastrac 2170 are determined using N-Min and G Fertiliser spreader: with reference to the farm’s own Kverneland TL Exacta extensive crop trials. GEOspread G Sprayer: Househam 4000-litre self-propelled G Drill: 8m Simba FreeFlow, Monosem 2000 12-row sugar beet G Cultivations: Simba Solo 450, Cultipress, Double press, Elite LD 500 with 11 legs, Kongskilde Germinator,Dal-bo Cambridge rolls G Telehandler: Manitou MLT 741 Telescopic Handler

We’re in the throws“ of a massive change in farming system. ” ON FARM OPINION

Opting for a wheeled tractor over a tracked machine has Wheels keep farm helped one Suffolk farm progress its arable business. CPM visits to find out more. on the right route By Emily Padfield part of Belchamp Farm Services. The Never afraid to try new methods or business was established in 1989 when techniques, the farm had been running two he returned home to the family farm from Claas Challengers for more than ten years You could say that arable farming is at his studies at the Royal Agricultural before last year. “Both the 85E and 95E something of a crossroads. Well, it’s College, Cirencester. had been on the farm since new, and the not merely a crossroads, but more of “I knew the future lay in economies of 95E had done 13 seasons and 8,500 hours a roundabout with countless exits. scale which, with the 300ha we had, we before being replaced,” he says. Some will lead to the superhighway of couldn’t hope to achieve without expansion “There was nothing really wrong with it, success, some to average avenue that’ll in one way or another. but it was getting a bit tired.” On balance, bring partial success, while others will “Our opening remit was to apply these both were great machines, agree both be the dead end of disappointment. economies of scale to smaller and Julian Swift and operator Daryn Cole. One thing’s for certain, though –– there’s medium scale areas with both strong farm During the 13 years of work, the 95E no blueprint for establishing and growing management and tightly controlled costs had three sets of tracks, and at £14,000 a cereal crops in the UK. What may once and this remains so.” set, this was a cost worth bearing in mind have been text-book practice is steadily Now, Belchamp encompasses 1700ha when choosing a replacement. Despite being rewritten by progressive growers over ten or so different farms within a land being within a fairly tight vicinity, who search for different routes to offer a 12-mile radius. there’s a good deal of road work between crop the best start. “We’ve been lucky to take on land that’s fields and so track wear is inevitable, One such farmer looking at different local to us and have managed to expand points out Julian Swift. approaches is Julian Swift, who farms and our acreage by offering owners access With the 85E having had an engine contract farms in the region of 1700ha in to the reduced operating costs open to rebuild a couple of years ago, it made and around Belchamp Walter, Suffolk, as larger units,” he explains. sense to hang on to it, he adds. Now, this

80 crop production magazine february 2015 machine spends the harvest on the front of don’t need an escort,” notes Julian Swift. the Richard Western 30t chaser, and also “Added to that is that when you buy a pulls the remaining Horsch drill. The farm Xerion, it’s all inclusive –– the unit has a had been running two Simba Horsch 8m PTO, a hitch, CVT, everything’s on it. And drills until spring last year, when they it was a good price.” The Xerion 5000 traded one in, at 12 seasons old, and bought by the farm was one of the last opted for an 8m Väderstad Seed Hawk. with the Cat engine, and so the model As for the Challenger 95E, however, a was effectively end of range. Xerion 5000 fitted the bill as a replacement. Arriving ahead of last drilling season, “Previously we had nearly dismissed the the machine has now done close to 600 Xerion as merely a bit of a toy, but then we hours and its transmission has really Julian Swift aims to progress his farm business tried it and it began to make sense. It does impressed the Belchamp team. “The through both strong farm management and tightly 30mph on the road and it’s safe. You also gearbox is phenomenal,” notes Daryn Cole. controlled costs. Exact answer Daryn Cole has enjoyed the move to a CVT “We haven’t had CVT before so it’s been At that speed, fuel use is as little as gearbox. a bit of a jump, but it’s been brilliant to go 3-4 l/ha and this means the 1000-litre tank from powershift, when sometimes there just can last for three or four days. isn’t the right gear, to CVT where there is Where the horsepower really does come the exact answer. into its own is for pulling the twin-beam “It just sets its own revs for whatever mole plough, he adds. “We add about 3t speed you set it at. We’re not using the hp in weight to the Xerion for this,” adds by any means at the moment, as the drill Daryn Cole. doesn’t really allow us to go much faster The Xerion is also extremely quiet, than 8km/h.” running most of the time at 1200rpm and This is because the Seed Hawk is a tine often the noisiest part of the operation is machine, he explains, that has two tines the drill, he adds. “You could have it on and a rubber press wheel to the rear. tickover and it wouldn’t bother it.” “If you go too fast it can result in poor Visibility is good, which surprised him.

seed coverage.” And although it’s not quite as nimble as L m

crop production magazine february 2015 81 ON FARM OPINION

Claas Xerion 5000 TRAC

G Power: 487hp (rated) 524hp (max) G Engine: 12.5-litre 6-cylinder Caterpillar C13 G Transmission: ZF Eccom 4.5 continuously variable transmission G Max torque: 2353Nm G Hydraulic capacity: 120 litres/min G Rear lift: 13,866kg G Front lift: 18,800kg G Wheelbase: 248cm (minimum width) G Fuel Tank capacity: 1000 litres

everything on both axles.” down, employed more people and bought Most fitting work is done in-house, but more kit,” explains Julian Swift. both the Lexion and the Xerion are on But for the past two years there’s been Claas’ MaxiCare servicing agreement. more of a planned approach to drainage. The 8m Väderstad Seed Hawk doesn’t make full This covers all servicing and major “With direct and strip-till drilling, we’ve use of the Xerion’s 500hp capacity, but fuel breakdowns and means the business can had more time to get on top of things economy when drilling is good. budget accurately without fear of major like drainage and general maintenance breakdown costs. –– things that in the past with more L the crawler, it can still turn on the same A variety of GPS equipment of different conventional establishment methods we headland as before. makes is used on the farm, explains Julian wouldn’t have had time to do.” “That’s another plus point of the gearbox, Swift. “We use Trimble on the crawler and In the summer, the farm takes on two you can make headland turns far smoother Case IH, TopCon on the two MultiDrives harvest staff, while three full-time employees and quicker, and it doesn’t take long to get –– just for section control, not for steering are kept busy all year round. One part-time up to speed. –– and the Claas system on the Xerion.” member of staff then becomes full-time in This is an important point, as average “The RTK signal comes from one of the the summer. field size is 10ha, with the biggest field contract farms and is supplied by RTK The extra spare time in the calendar is measuring 47ha and the smallest just 0.6ha. Farming. There’s also a signal available down to the fact that crop establishment is “True, the 85E and Simba Horsch can from Manns of Saxham. steadily going down the zero-till route, travel twice as fast, at 16km/h, but it’s a “We couldn’t have Trimble on the Xerion explains Julian Swift –– hence the decision different type of drill, and autosteer doesn’t because of the crabsteer apparently, but allow for it.” we’re happy to use the Claas system.” Although they admit that the Xerion is Farm Facts limited somewhat by field size and drilling Compaction concern speed, the 28ha/day it covers easily keeps So with the change from tracks to tyres, has Belchamp Farm Services, Belchamp Walter, them up together with drilling with the there been any increased compaction? no-till regime. Suffolk This was a potential concern he recognised, G Area farmed: 1700ha owned and “One minor criticism is that it’s impossible so decided to measure the difference to see the hitch, and it could do with a contract farmed between the footprint from the tracks of the G camera. But that’s easy to fix,” notes Staff: 3.5 full time plus two harvest staff Challenger and the 900 Trelleborg tyres the G Soil type: Medium to heavy chalky Daryn Cole. Xerion is shod with. “There didn’t turn out to With 600 hours on the clock, so far the boulder clay be any difference between them, amazingly.” G Cropping: Changing. Currently winter Xerion’s daily maintenance has been The Xerion weighs 1t less than the 95, straightforward, he explains. “I just grease wheat, winter oilseed rape, spring barley, without additional weight. “But the great sugar beet (150ha) thing is that you can add weight very G Mainline tractors: Claas Xerion 5000, The joystick includes a feature that allows drivers easily and quickly –– simply lift it onto the Claas Challenger 85E, Case IH Puma 225 to crab the rear wheels. weight platform behind the cab or put it on G Combine harvester: Claas Lexion 780 the front. There’s no bolting it on to wheels with 12m header or water-ballasting tyres. G Drills: 8m Väderstad Seed Hawk, 8m “We only need to add weight for the Horsch CO8 mole plough and we generally add 3t to G Cultivators: 10m Horsch FG, 5m the back for this.” Väderstad TopDown Drainage is something they aim to keep G Sprayers: 2x self-propelled Multidrive on top of, mole-ploughing some of the land with Chafer 5000-litre sprayer and each year. “In fact, we’ve done in the region 32m boom of 150ha this year, although it’s been a little G Other: Richard Western 30t chaser bin, bit hit-and-miss over recent years. We’ve Volvo Globetrotter lorry gone through a rapid expansion, settled

82 crop production magazine february 2015 to purchase the Seed Hawk. Swift believes in controlling “We’re in the throws of a traffic, rather than strictly massive change in farming controlled traffic, hence the system. There just simply isn’t Richard Western 30t chaser bin. an easy answer as to what route This takes all the grain from the to go down,” he comments. combine and transfers either “Blackgrass is our single to the Puma tractor with grain biggest problem. More cultivation trailer or the Volvo Globetrotter means more blackgrass. We lorry, which hauls either to the tried ploughing, false seedbeds, contract farm stores or back to spring cropping. But none the main store. provide the definitive answer.” Then the business took over Blackgrass problems The Challenger 85E has been retained, spends the harvest on the front of the one particular block of land This year, 150ha of sugar beet 30t chaser, and also pulls the remaining Horsch drill. which didn’t have any blackgrass has been planted, however on it at all. “Grass leys, hand because of the drop in price roguing had all been used this will drop to 50ha next year. seems a lot when you’re doing The progression is working previously to keep it free. “We’ve used this break crop to it. We’ve already redrilled or well, reckons Julian Swift, and “So we’ve been working in target blackgrass problems, patched where appropriate. the business has come a long blocks, bringing in land block which alongside cover crops “The good thing about the way. As for where next, he keeps by block to ease into it gently. and direct drilling seems to Seed Hawk is that you can a close eye on social media To stop cultivating is a hell of a have had good results. apply fertiliser at the same time for ideas. “You have to be on risk, but the belief is that if we “At the moment we’re looking with the split hopper,” he adds. farming forums and on Twitter. don’t cultivate then the seeds at fitting a front crimper roller The remaining Horsch drill This is where information is won’t come,” he reasons. to the front linkage of the Xerion had a refit with Claydon points, being shared. It’s an immensely “We started down the no-till to push the cover crop down supplied by Martin Lishman. powerful tool for getting route three years ago on prior to drilling.” “It’s a supported conversion, information quickly and from one block of land to monitor The Väderstad TopDown and we’ve been very pleased people in your situation.” I the effects and it seems to is fitted with an Opico with it so far.” be working.” Hatzenbichler seeding unit Most, if not all, spring crops and slug pelleter. This combo’s are drilled straight into cover been used for oilseed rape crops. “We’re experimenting establishment in previous at the moment between years, but this year the crop’s mustard and mustard mixed been direct drilled instead. with phacelia and buckwheat, “We’ve noticed that although the mustard has been establishment has been a lot the most successful species. more even with direct drilling, “As a test, we’ve done a although some, depending on comparison this year between variety, has been slaughtered direct drilling into mustard by flea beetle and has had to and drilling into ground cultivated be redrilled. Over the whole with the Horsch FG.” OSR acreage it’s a small As for in-field travelling, Julian percentage, but it always

The cab is well laid-out with surprisingly good visibility.

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