By Blake Jackson
Farmers growing small grains like wheat and barley are approaching a critical time for applying key nutrients and growth regulators. Nitrogen application should ideally happen between Feekes stages 3 and 6, while a plant growth regulator called Palisade is most effective between stages 4 and 7.
According to Penn State Extension small grain specialist Daniela Carrijo, many crops are currently around Feekes 5, urging farmers to act soon if they haven't already applied nitrogen.
A common question from farmers is whether they can combine these applications with fungicides and other products in a single pass to save time. However, Carrijo advises caution as the ideal timing for each product doesn't perfectly align. Nitrogen uptake peaks between Feekes 3 and 7, while Palisade works best towards the end of that window. Delaying nitrogen application past Feekes 6 can significantly impact crop yield.
On the other hand, applying Palisade too early (before Feekes 6) means it won't be effective when it's most needed. While applying everything in one go might seem ideal, Carrijo suggests farmers consider the potential drawbacks.
For farmers concerned about nitrogen loss due to rain or heat, splitting the application might be necessary. Nitrogen inhibitors can also be a cost-effective option compared to splitting applications, but choosing the right inhibitor depends on the expected weather conditions.
Carrijo offered insights into different rye varieties during the field day. Aroostook, known for its large size and biomass production, is primarily used as a cover crop but can suffer from lodging due to its thin stems. Receptor, a high-yielding hybrid variety with better standability, was a top performer last year. Lastly, the late-maturing Serafino is best suited for grain production, not forage.
Photo Credit: depositphotos-simazoran
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops