Drilling • Soil conditions are far more important than calendar date. • Crops that are drilled into unfavourable conditions, or too early, will always be at a disadvantage. • Crops, such as Kale, Mustard, Linseed etc can be at greater risk to flea beetle attack if they do not grow strong early on. Each season is individual, and the correct soil temperature and conditions are vital. • Please refer to the chart for individual crops sowing rates, their depths and widths. • Wherever possible/practical, the majority of crops benefit from being sown in wider, approximately 15 inch rows. Nearly all modern cereal drills are capable of doing this, by either special adapters or a simple pipe tracing and blocking exercise. Please try to do this if you can. Crops that are too thick can have lodging problems and may present other difficulties later in the season. • Ensure accurate depth. Planting an individual crop is straightforward enough, but when planting a combination of crops, maize, sorghum, millet etc, it is advisable when possible/practical to sow the maize first and then over drill the other elements. • Ensure good seed to soil contact. Try and leave a fine level and firm finish. Consolidate with ring rollers. Try not to use heavy flat rolls as they can contribute to soil erosion by increasing rainwater run-off risks. Weed Control • Good weed control is very important for a successful crop. • If you are unsure of your programme or have any particular problems, please contact us before you drill. Due to the withdrawal of some products and the nature of some of the mixtures, it is very important to have a clear herbicide programme before you start. • Stale seedbeds are a well-established method of weed control and we would recommend that you use them wherever possible, particularly where a mixture is to be sown and another weed control is not possible. • If using pre-emergence herbicides, then a level, firm, clod- free surface is very important.
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