Re-drill now, or in the spring?

[htj]

We have direct drilled wheat into burnt off grass legs this autumn. Two fields next to each other, one field great, and the other poor on one half. Drilled mid September, the half that is poor was very dry at drilling, and I had to set the drill slightly deeper to get cover with our Aitchison T-sem. Seed rate was around 130 kgs/ha, aiming for a population of 200 plants per ha, based on the TGW's.

Looking this morning at the poor half, it will need re-drilling. I have some seed spare from the autumn, enough to cover the poor area, as we used less than anticipated, due to the rate calculations.

Do I drill now, at a higher seed rate, and hope for a reasonable germination; delay until early spring, and still use the winter wheat seed I have; or drill with spring wheat when conditions really warm up?

 

[devonshire farmer]

We have direct drilled wheat into burnt off grass legs this autumn. Two fields next to each other, one field great, and the other poor on one half. Drilled mid September, the half that is poor was very dry at drilling, and I had to set the drill slightly deeper to get cover with our Aitchison T-sem. Seed rate was around 130 kgs/ha, aiming for a population of 200 plants per ha, based on the TGW's.

Looking this morning at the poor half, it will need re-drilling. I have some seed spare from the autumn, enough to cover the poor area, as we used less than anticipated, due to the rate calculations.

Do I drill now, at a higher seed rate, and hope for a reasonable germination; delay until early spring, and still use the winter wheat seed I have; or drill with spring wheat when conditions really warm up?

200 plants per ha isn't many, think you mean m squared!

 

[SilliamWhale]

In our area I wouldn't drill now.

Rooks and Crows and you'll worry about it all winter.

If its the right variety drill in Feb. If not save it til next year in my opinion.

 

[devonshire farmer]

If you through your hat down and there is one plant under it, it will be ok!

 

[htj]

If you through your hat down and there is one plant under it, it will be ok!

Hat not big enough in some places I'm afraid!

 

[devonshire farmer]

Hat not big enough in some places I'm afraid!

That clears up one point, you aint a big head!!

 

[Will Blackburn]

What has killed it, the same could happen again? Is the rest that is good growing away?

 

[htj]

Don't really think anything has killed the poor bit. Germination seems to tail off across the field until very poor. Good half looks fine, so I don't suspect slugs, and can't find any.
Perhaps I should have waited for more moisture in the soil before drilling.
So, re drill or leave?

 

[yellow belly]

if the previous crop was grass for a few years check for wire worm or leather jackets before redrilling

 

[htj]

if the previous crop was grass for a few years check for wire worm or leather jackets before redrilling

Gave it a full dose of Dursban with the glyphosate, but will check again for pests. It had only been in grass for 2 years.

 

[Simon Chiles]

Don't really think anything has killed the poor bit. Germination seems to tail off across the field until very poor. Good half looks fine, so I don't suspect slugs, and can't find any.
Perhaps I should have waited for more moisture in the soil before drilling.
So, re drill or leave?

Leave, re-drill in the Spring. Had one field we drilled in Dec last year, ok in middle but where we'd damaged the soil structure around the headland chopping back all the low branches ( bigger combine) it wasn't good. Re- drilled in spring with Mulika and harvested it all together, upped the quality of the feed wheat and got an extra £30/t premium.

 

[Andrew K]

You can only go on experience and your soil conditions.If i had plenty of winter wheat seed left i would look to use it up now if conditions were fairly good.A spring crop will delay harvest most years and subsequent operations. Just put plenty of seed on !

 

[Simon Chiles]

A spring crop will delay harvest most years and subsequent operations. Just put plenty of seed on !

@SilliamWhale 's Dad has a saying that 6 weeks later drilling in early spring equates to 6 days at harvest. This time of the year I think that 6 weeks is probably stretched to more than 12.

 

[RTK Farmer]

Lots of wheat going in behind sugar beet still, can't see a problem with drilling now.

 

[6910]

December is generally known as being a dormant month, if your wheat seed is dressed I wouldn't use it next year, usually germination is affected.

 

[SilliamWhale]

We're going to have a dry week or more now by the looks of things here. Shall I drill my Wizard beans now or wait til February?

I was minded to wait til Feb, though I did drill on 17th nov last year.

 

[6910]

I've no experience with winter beans, but I imagine Mr crow would be on the look out

 

[varidisc]

We drilled our wizard beans 3rd week of October all showing now.

 

[Andrew K]

Will,
Crows will have a go unless you are vigilant or able to get them 4" deep?
I would want 200 kg/ha of seed on now if TGW is over 800G too.
Harvest will be earlier if you go now, or at the end of the "dry" window!

 

[SilliamWhale]

Will,
Crows will have a go unless you are vigilant or able to get them 4" deep?
I would want 200 kg/ha of seed on now if TGW is over 800G too.
Harvest will be earlier if you go now, or at the end of the "dry" window!

I can get them deep enough. I'm going to leave if 4/5 days and see.