print-friendly version

home page > about Lackham Farm > cropping > crop trial plots > Student crop trial plots 2003-4

---

Cropping homepage

---

Student crop trials

---

Student crop trial plots 2003-4

---

Map of crop trial plots 2003-4

---

Story so far in photographs

---

---

This year the plots were drilled on 7th November using a conventional drill. The students will monitor their areas over the next seven months for pests, weeds, and diseases. They will, under guidance, select appropriate methods of control - cultural or chemical - for any threats.

Trial Plot Agronomy 12.11.03

The current threat is from slugs and students will be assessing whether an application of slug pellets will be necessary as the grain starts to germinate. In addition they will be considering weed control programmes, based on field history and actual weeds present. It is not anticipated that the area will be ready for spraying until early December.

Trial Plot Agronomy 27.11.03

Inspection of the plots showed that all are now emerged with most crop plants at the one leaf stage. The difference in seed rates is already evident in the plant populations. The main threats at present are still slugs as there are a number of turfs on the surface of the seedbed - however, little grazing activity could be seen. Careful monitoring is required especially as the weather is now much wetter. If slugs are seen - then an application of pellets - e.g. Allure at 6 kg/ha might be required.

Grass weeds are beginning to appear in all plots - principally annual meadow grass and ryegrass spp. A herbicide will be required to control these before the end of term. Those who are growing the oats have little to choose from in terms of suitable products the main option being DP 953 PX, (33.3gms / ha) which has activity on blackgrass and broadleaved weeds.

It may also be wise to consider trace elements - possibly manganese which can be cheaply remedied with Amnesty (1.0 l/ha) and aphids (which spread Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus) by applying Minuet ( 75ml/ha).

Trial Plot Agronomy 18.12.03

The trial plots were sprayed on 18th December. The main targets, in all plots, were perennial ryegrass and a few chickweeds. Wind speed was nil. There had been a frost but although the ground was slightly frozen, the leaves of the plants were dry. Most of the crops are now at the two to three leaf stage – tillering has yet to begin. The plots should be monitored over the next few weeks for signs of pest damage.

OATS
Plot 1 - Millenium	Problem Chemical Rate Water volume Grass weeds Broad leafed weeds DP 33.3 gm/ha 150 l/ha Aphid (BYDV vectors) Minuet 75 ml/ha 150 l/ha Magnesium def. Amigo 1.0 l/ha 150 l/ha

WHEAT BARLEY
Plot 2 - Carat	Problem Chemical Rate Water volume Grass weeds Broad leafed weeds Ingot 3.75 l/ha 150 l/ha Aphid (BYDV vectors) Minuet 75 ml/ha 150 l/ha Magnesium def. Amigo 1.0 l/ha 150 l/ha
Plot 3 - Xi19
Plot 4 - Xi19
Plot 5 - Soissons
Plot 6 - Soissons

WHEAT - Demonstration plots
Plot 7 - Soissons	Problem Chemical Rate Water volume Grass weeds Broad leafed weeds Ingot 3.75 l/ha 150 l/ha
Plot 8 - Soissons
Plot 9 - Soissons	No chemicals at all
Plot 10 - Soissons	Problem Chemical Rate Water volume Grass weeds Broad leafed weeds Ingot 3.75 l/ha 150 l/ha
Plot 11 - Soissons	No herbicide

Trial Plot Agronomy 20.01.04

The plots were assessed by the NDA3 group on 20th January, mainly to appraise the effects of the weed control programme outlined earlier.

Most weeds were suffering and appeared to be starting to die off. Ryegrass clover and chickweeds all appeared to have chlorotic areas on the leaves, indicating uptake of chemical. The plots of Xi19 had some pale discolouration, which may have been caused by the herbicide being applied in the slightly cold weather in December. However, the variety does seem to have suffered from yellowing more than others.

No insect / mollusc pest damage was observed, although there was some evidence of grazing by deer and rabbits. Also, a small area had flooded due to compaction at drilling.

The next task will be to assess plant populations - this should be done over the next few weeks.

Trial Plot Agronomy 03.02.04

The NDA / NVQ groups have counted plants on the plots today, The NDFM group completed this task last week. The information is given below showing the results. This will now be used to help determine fertiliser rates and other inputs.

Plot:			Plants per m2
NDA3 Millenium	Oats	Paul, Sam, Robin	260
NDA3 Carat	Barley	Steve, James, George	184
NDFM3 Xi19	Wheat	Matt, Rupert, Sam	192
NDFM3 Xi19	Wheat	Rob, Martin, Tom	145
NDFM3 Soissons	Wheat	Niki, John, Lee	328
NDFM3 Soissons	Wheat	Joe, Chalk, Mark	284
Demo Soissons	Wheat	JMB	260

The photographs show that the plants are now beginning to tiller - typically 2-3 tillers on the wheat and the oats, the barley rather less. The apparent herbicide damage to the plots of Xi19 has disappeared with no evident lasting effects.

Weed control has been excellent and comparison with unsprayed strips along side the plot area shows the levels of grass weeds that might have been present.

The large strip to the right will be used for a demonstration plot of potatoes and a small strip of sugar beet. These will be used to demonstrate disease control methods.

Initial fertiliser inputs will be decided in the next few days.

Trial Plot Agronomy 12.03.04

All the plots have now received a dressing of Nitram (34.5%), at the rate of 125 kg/ha. This has delivered 43 kg/ha of nitrogen nutrient, aimed at tiller establishment.

Weed control remains good and there would appear to be no need for further herbicide treatment at this stage. Bearing in mind that the crops are in a field that is ploughed out of grass, one would not expect the usual range of arable type weeds to appear.

The plots of Xi19 have regained most of their colour and are now looking well.

Most crops are at the 2-3-tiller stage, which is acceptable for this time of year. Care should be taken with the Soissons wheat not to apply too much nitrogenous fertiliser at an early stage. The crop is early maturing and is susceptible to late frost when pushed to hard at this time of year. Late frosts on forward developing crops can lead to 'blind' grain sites and therefore yield loss.

The oats will benefit from a delay in any further nitrogen applications as, again, if they become too forward, the straw length may be considerable, leading to a risk of lodging.

Some thought may be needed on fungicide use. Some farmers advocate a low dose application to wheats before the traditional T1 timing (growth stage 31 - 32) particularly if there is high disease pressure in the crop. The main concern is septoria - identifiable by chlorosis of the lower leaves (yellowing), and small black spore cases within the affected areas. Monitor your crops at this stage for this disease.

Eyespot (brown stem lesions) is generally a disease problem in second wheats, but may be apparent in first wheats in a bad year. Some reports have been seen of eyespot in first wheat crops in Wiltshire this year, so watch for this problem too.

Trial Plot Agronomy 30.03.04

The plots are progressing well, and weed control, in particular has been very successful. If you compare the unsprayed areas in the JMB plot of Soissons, you will be able to see the weed spectrum present. This includes a number of grass weeds and a few broad-leafed weeds,

Currently the crop is approaching the main time for application of fungicide (T1). However, as a 'holding' measure, and insurance against us not being able to spray over the next couple of weeks, all plots have today received the following:

All plots
Problem	Chemical	Rate	Water volume
Low disease levels: septoria in wheat - mainly	Guru	1.0 l/ha	150 l/ha
Growth regulator	Adjust	1.0 l/ha	150 l/ha
Manganese def.	Amnesty	1.5 l/ha	150 l/ha

The wheat and barley plants are all quite 'leggy' and so the Adjust should serve to encourage tillering and also even up tillers, producing a more squat appearance to the crop, in the short term.

The oats in particular look very well, no evidence of BYDV infection and they are tillering well. The growth regulator will help in the long term, as oats are generally long strawed and therefore prone to lodging.

Apparent disease levels are low or non-existent at present, but a careful watch must be kept on the plots.

After Easter we will be applying T1 fungicides and further doses of nitrogen fertiliser. You will be given various options for your crops and it will be up to you to decide on appropriate actions to be taken relative to the crop / variety that you are growing.

Trial Plot Agronomy 25.04.04

Once you have conducted a field walk, you will need to decide on a course of action with respect to nitrogen fertiliser, fungicides, growth regulators and herbicides. You may also wish to consider trace elements.

Below are some options to consider:

Weed control - generally this appears to have been effective - do you agree and do you wish to apply any follow up treatment?

Diseases: You need to look for the following: and consult your NIAB lists.

Remember; you may be applying fungicides at the following times:

T1: GS31 - 32
T2: Flag leaf
T3 Ear protection (wheat only)

Wheat Plots

• Eyespot - stem based brown lesions, more common on second wheats. It favours cool wet springs
  
• Septoria - foliar with yellow patches and black spore cases within the infected area.
  
• Brown rust in Soissons - irregular brown spores across leaf

Barley plots

• Eyespot - stem based brown lesions, more common on second wheats. It favours cool wet springs
  
• Rhynchosporium and Net Blotch - characterised by brown lesions on the leaf

Oat plots

• Generally beware or Crown rust (orange pustules) and Mildew
  
• Oats will lodge - will need another growth regulator later at T2

Options: Fungicides can be broadly classified into two families

Triazoles which are generally curative and protectant
Strobilurins which are solely protectant

Triazoles		Strobilurins
Opus	Wheat: the market leader with excellent curative activity against rusts and septoria. Can be used at all timings. Barley: as above with broad spectrum disease control	Acanto	Barley: Chiefly used on barley, moves in plant to protect new growth, some eyespot activity. Excellent against rhynchosporium
Flamenco	Wheat: as good as Opus but less kick back activity on septoria. Weaker on rust, but useful where low risk.	Amistar	Wheat: Very good on ear protection, with broad spectrum activity - may be useful at T2Barley; the main option - good on rusts and net blotch, weaker on rhynchosporium
Folicur	Wheat: Ear wash with some control of fusarium. Good curative activity on rusts.	Amistar Opti	Amistar + Bravo - good all round protection
Shandon	Cyproconaxole: useful on rusts in all crops	Twist	Wheat: Good T1 option, but weak on rust, so include a triazole where rust is likely. Barley - good on rust, weak on rhychosporium so use a triazole partner
		Landmark	Wheat: Is a combination of triazole + strobilurin. Weak on septoria but useful and cheap at T1
		Swing gold	Wheat: good for ear protection
		Opera	Wheat: Good as T2 (flag leaf) choice, but with septoria resistance, will need to use a triazole with it to top up curative activity
		Sphere	Wheat: a triazole plus strobilurin with good activity on septoria.
			Others
Unix	Wheat: primary product and: for eyespot control Barley: as above also with good activity on rhynchosporium, mildew and net blotch. Poor on rust	Orka	A systemic cereal fungicide aimed at mildew control
Bravo	Wheat: Multi site mode of action, can use with tank mixed triazole and/or strobilurin to protect from septoria. Barley: useful on rhynchosporium

Some suggestions:

Wheat	T1	Sphere (+ Unix if eyespot present) Bravo + Twist (+ Unix if eyespot present) Amistar opti + Opus (+ Unix if eyespot present) Opus + Bravo
Barley	T1	Acanto (+ Unix if eyespot present)
Oats	T1	Shandon + Orka

Growth regulator has already been applied - see web site

Trace elements - do you wish to add manganese or magnesium?

Nitrogen:

40 kg/ha has already been applied.

You need to decide on future inputs

Remember:

Target on wheat is 180 - 250 kg/ha - depending on your expectations
Target on oats is 100 - 140 kg/ha - remember oats can lodge
Target on barley is 120 - 150 kg/ha - depending on your expectations

Below are the chemicals and the nitrogen levels that you have chosen to apply to your crops. The previous bulletin gives you an outline of the activity that these chemicals will produce.

         

crop	field	problem	action	rate per ha	water vol L/ha
Millenium	Paul Sam Robin	Disease Control Crown Rust	Cyproconazole	0.6 l/ha	150
		Mildew	Orka	0.5 l/ha
		Manganese def.	Amnesty	1.0 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	120 kg/ha
Carat	Steve James George	Disease Control	Acanto	0.5 l/ha	150
		Manganese def	Amnesty	1.0 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	120 kg/ha
Xi19	Matt Rupert Sam	Disease Control	Opus	0.3 l/ha	150
			Bravo	1.0 l/ha
		Manganese def	Amnesty	1.0 l/ha
		Growth regulator	Moddus	0.2 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	150 kg/ha 100 kg/ha
Xi19	Rob Martin Tom	Disease Control	Landmark	0.5 l/ha	150
		Manganese def	Amnesty	1.0 l/ha
		Growth regulator	Moddus	0.2 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	150 kg/ha 60 kg/ha
Soissons	Niki John Lee	Disease Control	Opus	0.3 l/ha	150
			Bravo	2.0 l/ha
		Manganese def	Amnesty	2.0 l/ha
		Growth regulator	Moddus	0.2 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	100 kg/ha 70 kg/ha
Soissons	Joe Chalk Mark	Disease Control	Opus	0.3 l/ha	150
			Bravo	3.0 l/ha
		Manganese def	Amnesty	3.0 l/ha
		Nitrogen	Nitram	100 kg/ha 50kg/ha

Plot Agronomy 17th May 2004

The plots have now received all the nitrogen as required. They have also been sprayed with the T1 applications, which you have recommended, and have been detailed above.

Both groups will carry out visual inspections of these crops during the course of this week. Initial indications are that most plots look well, particularly the wheats.

The oats are slightly behind the growth stage that you would expect at this time of year. They are currently well past G. S. 32 and past the safe time for some growth regulators. The weed control has been excellent and although some areas appear a little thin, the potential is still there for good crop. Remember, thick crops of oats are at risk from lodging and tend to be lower yielding than those at the optimum plant/tiller populations. Watch out for any crown rust and mildew – these are the two most important diseases of this crop. The crop has tillered well and we should be able to complete the yield assessment for the assignment.

The barley does seem to have suffered from some compaction caused by wheeling when the plots were being drilled. This has caused some plant death in the central area of the plot. However, the crop is bearing up well, and has benefited from some early nitrogen. Tillering is a little shy but the crop is now approaching G.S. 47- 49, awn emergence. Watch out for rhynchosporium and net blotch – this is evident (net blotch) on the margins of the crop. The T1 application should control this. Weed control is good.

The wheat plots look well and should prove to have the potential for a good yield. There is a small level of mildew in the lower part of the stem area in the Xi19, but this should hopefully be contained. There is some late eyespot in a few plants, this stem based disease can cause problems with lodging. Otherwise the areas a re clean and weed control has been good.

The unsprayed plot of Soissons at the Lackham House end of the trial has an abundance of grass weeds and broad-leafed weeds, which serves to demonstrate the need for a good herbicide programme early on in the life cycle.

Students should now be in a position to make an approximate calculation of future yield.


Group Crop Plot Inspection 18th May 2004

	plants / m2	notes
Millennium Oats	760	Good plant stand with no disease present. Ear still small and contained within sheath.
Carat Barley	624	Poor where compaction has occurred. Ears appear small – now fully emerged. 24 grain sites per ear
Xi19 Wheat (Matt)	784	Good with little disease. Some septoria in lower leaves. 60 grain sites per ear. ? manganese deficiency
Xi19 Wheat (Rob)	480	Good with little disease. Some septoria in lower leaves. 60 grain sites per ear. ? Manganese deficiency
Soissons Wheat (Niki)	656	Good some mildew on lower stems. Plants look well. At ear emergence. 60 grain sites per ear ? Manganese deficiency
Soissons Wheat (Joe)	632	Good some mildew on lower stems. Plants look well. At ear emergence 60 grain sites per ear ? Manganese deficiency