Be prepared for high grassweed seed carryover in fields with high grassweed populations last season, says our South and East regional technical manager, Justin Smith.

Delaying drilling from September to October is a big help in reducing blackgrass, but do not maul crops in, he urges. If you do, and crops establish poorly, it reduces crop competition and can store up bigger weed problems, he notes.

“Often, the crops that went wrong last season were the ones mauled in. It was then difficult to apply pre-emergence herbicides. If you can’t prepare a seedbed good enough to spray a pre-emergence it might be better to drill a spring crop rather than a bad winter one – they are the key building block that is often a non-negotiable in many situations nowadays, certainly from a blackgrass management viewpoint.

“If you’ve already drilled early, you will also have to consider and embrace the relevant increase in expenditure. Don’t put all the emphasis on the first pre-em. Make split applications wherever possible, and use multiple modes of action. There will also be a need to monitor aphid and disease pressures accordingly, with possible subsequent applications required as and when thresholds are met. The warmer ground temperatures with early drillings will also reduce residual herbicide persistence. These factors and discussions all need careful consideration in order to safeguard your long-term investment.

“There were also crop effects in winter barley last winter where heavy rain followed residual herbicide applications. As well as preparing good seedbeds, drill to the required depth for the treatments being used.”