Wheat After Beet. Managing the Trade Off

Transcription

1 Wheat After Beet Managing the Trade Off

2 Content Foreword Wheat After Beet 03 Foreword 04 Beet Performance 06 Wheat Performance 10 Combined Crop Performance 12 Managing The Trade Off 13 Getting The Best From Late-Lifted Beet 14 Getting The Best From Late-Sown Wheat 14 Variety Selection 18 Soil Structure 18 Seed Rate 19 Pest Control 19 Slugs 20 Wheat Bulb Fly 20 Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus 21 Weed Control 22 Fungicides & PGRs 23 Nitrogen 24 Summary 25 Summary Points Later harvesting of sugar beet maximises yield and revenue, but for some growers it can pose problems for the following wheat crop, especially if soil conditions are less than ideal. In addition, the yield potential of wheat will generally be less the later it is sown. To get the best from both crops, it is essential to weigh up the value of additional beet income from late harvesting versus the potential loss of wheat yield. Harvesting beet earlier to ensure a good entry and maximum yield for wheat may seem to be a sensible decision, but if the resulting sugar yield loss represents more than the increase in revenue from wheat, then this will deliver a lower overall combined margin from the two crops. In recent years, breeders have developed robust new wheats that are capable of improved performance when later drilled and hence the balance of the argument may have changed for many growers. This booklet aims to bring more clarity and precision to this complex and dynamic decision-making process. So maybe it is time to look again at the growing of wheat after beet and to re-examine today s wheat after beet balance? Having worked for British Sugar for many years, I recognise these issues are a concern for some growers and therefore I welcome this booklet, which has been prepared by wheat breeder KWS UK, as I believe it will help sugar beet growers to look at the options objectively and to maximise the combined returns from both sugar beet and wheat in their rotation. Independent Sugarbeet Consultant 02 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 03

3 90 Beet yield accumulation over time (t/ha) 80 Beet Performance Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Figure 1 Source: Robin Limb While it would be difficult to justify late lifting of beet on heavier ground, on lighter land there is much to gain from the higher sugar yields that come if beet is left to grow through the winter while the late-lifting allowances available as part of the contract more than cover the loss of sugar once beet it is clamped. Beet continues to grow throughout the autumn though the rate of growth slows as days shorten. Sugar concentrations typically peak around mid to late November by which point daily sugar production has fallen to 20-30kg/ha from about 120kg/ha in August. In the three months prior to November, the crop puts on an additional 25-30t/ha in yield. The Late Delivery Allowance, which kicks in from 26th December, means growers can gain even more from their crop. The late delivery allowance of 0.162% (about 3.6p) per day adds the equivalent of 10% to the base price by the end of February. The LDA rises to 0.26% (about 5.9p) per day from 1st March. Assuming clamp losses of 1.3% per day the LDA more than covers the loss in value. This means that on ground that is more at risk of structural breakdown, it is better to lift in early December and accept some loss of sugar in the clamp, rather than lose crop due to waterlogging or frost. LDA v weight loss ( per adjusted tonne) 25 Value of LDA True value of beet after clamp losses Dec 9 Jan 23 Jan 6 Feb 20 Feb 6 Mar 20 Mar 31 Mar Figure 2 Source: KWS 04 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 05

4 Wheat Performance Optimum wheat yields across much of the UK come from drilling winter wheat crops between mid-september to early October. This drilling period usually ensures good establishment prior to winter and maximises time for tillering and yield creation from a productive plant stand and crop Yield potential of winter wheat falls with later driling (t/ha) In contrast, later drilling cuts yield potential. In 10 years of AHDB Recommended List trials between and , the difference between drilling winter wheats before the first week of October and drilling spring wheats in March has been around 3t/ha. The data suggest that this fall in yield is greatest for autumn-sown crops in the period between mid-september and mid-october. Growers can expect less of a reduction in wheat yield from crops sown mid-october to December. Yield data from winter wheat Recommended List trials (Figure 3) indicate that the rate at which yield potential is lost slows dramatically after early October before accelerating as spring nears. The data set for wheat sown after 6th October in Recommended List and the separate late autumn trials includes spring varieties Figure 3 Before 6th Oct After 6th Oct Mid-Nov to end- Dec Spring Source: AHDB Recommended Lists The chart above (Figure 3) taking data from Recommended List trials over ten years - shows that this tail off in yield is less for the later sowings than for the earlier ones. The data set for those wheats sown after the 6th October in the UK Winter Wheat Recommended List and the separate late autumn trials series includes the alternative/spring wheats. 06 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 07

5 This indicates that growers who drill later have more drill date flexibility for those crops they drill after the main September sowing window. This is probably because of two main factors: First, the post 6th October sowings in the main Recommended List contains a larger proportion of second wheats and a higher proportion of first wheats from Northern and Scottish sites. Both will produce more variable, lower yields. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the inclusion of new spring wheats in the Late Autumn-Sown trials raises the yield level above the average yield line. These modern varieties perform particularly well when sown from early November. Additionally, certain varieties perform better when sown in the late-autumn Both spring wheats and these winter wheats selected for late-drilling perform well because of their strong vigour and greater tillering capacity. As a result, based on these Recommended List yield figures, the fall in output as a result of delaying drilling from the beginning of November until the beginning of February is about 0.77t/ha. Assuming wheat at 150/t, this is equivalent to about 110/ha (Figure 4) Winter wheat enterprise output at at various wheat prices based on sowing date ( /ha) /t /t /t Sep 26-Oct 26-Nov 26-Dec 26-Jan 26-Feb 26-Mar Figure 4 Source: KWS 08 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 09

6 To view the performance of wheat and sugar beet in isolation misses the point. Only by combining the relative performance of both do we see the concessions that need to be considered. Figure 5 shows the individual gross margins of wheat (at 150/t) and beet (at 22.50/t) as shown in Figures 2 and 4. However, when these are combined (as indicated by the red line) the sugar beet margin carries the wheat yield reduction. In effect, whenever you decide to lift beet and sow wheat in the period between November and the beginning of February, there's little difference in the combined crop gross margin. While accepting that there will of course be situations where this later sowing is not practical, for the majority of growers this approach should allow better management of both crops in the beet:wheat rotation. Combined Crop Performance The decision as when to lift beet and sow the following crop is therefore one based on the practicalities of farming rather than any financial imperative. Variety choice is perhaps the single biggest decision to make once the target drilling date has been identified. Fortunately, growers have a range of options and consideration can be given to preserving soil structure or carrying out remedial work where necessary. Consideration can also be given to pest threats, such as wheat bulb fly (see page 20) and tackling problem weeds without adversely affecting enterprise performance Effect of sowing and lifting date on enterprise outputs ( /ha) Beet Combined Wheat 0 26-Sep 24-Oct 21-Nov 19-Dec 16-Jan 13-Feb 12-Mar Figure 5 Source: KWS 10 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 11

7 Managing The Trade Off Taking these figures into account, growers clearly have considerable flexibility to achieve their targets in cropping wheat after beet. It makes sense to leave sugar beet in the ground to maximise sugars and yield and then select the most suitable follow-up wheats for the next season. As a result, growers retain the flexibility to respond to the season as it unfolds and spread the workload effectively without compromising either crop. They can plan to lift beet at peak sugar production post 1st November, leaving the crop longer to bulk up in mild, open seasons when growth continues for longer and secure real margin benefits. On the lightest, more forgiving land, it may also pay to over-winter beet in the ground, safe in the knowledge that a spring-sown spring wheat will still deliver a respectable return. Alternatively, if weather conditions deteriorate and beet is lifted late the wide selection of available varieties means ground can be left until conditions improve before preparing a seedbed for the following crop. While the agronomic management of a later lifted beet crop will differ little from that harvested earlier in the season, growers should ensure they manage the crop's needs over this extended period of bulking and sugar production. Fertiliser applications should consider the additional dry matter production of the crop and ensure that nutrients, such as potash, do not limit sugar accumulation. Getting The Best From Late-Lifted Beet A robust fungicide programme to prolong green leaf activity will further boost crop performance over the extended growing period. All beet crops should receive at least one full-rate triazole- or strobilurin-based fungicide as soon as disease is present, typically mid to late July. A second spray, applied about 28 days later, typically mid to late August and potentially a third in late September, both preferably at full rate, will extend green leaf activity. Ideally, beet should be harvested 'just-in-time', to minimise the time between lifting and delivery. This will ensure that clamping of beet on farm is largely unnecessary, allowing maximum growth and minimising sugar losses after harvest. Remember, beet continues to grow through November and when stored in clamp will lose sugar through respiration. Such a compromise or trade-off has minimal effects on the combined margins of both crops and can also ease management pressures. Depending upon the scale and type of operation, some will find that later lifting of beet and later drilling of wheat is necessary simply to manage the seasonal workload. Adopting later-sown wheats spreads the workload, not only over the sowing and establishment period, but also when carrying out spraying and fertiliser operations later in the season. Crops with slightly staggered development should provide growers with a greater opportunity to optimise timings of fungicides and nitrogen across their farm. It also helps give a range of crop maturities for an easier, timelier harvest. 12 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 13

8 Getting The Best From Late-Sown Wheat Not all varieties perform equally in the late-sown slot. Data from late-sown trials run as part of the Recommended List programme reveal a large variation in performance. Winter wheat varieties such as KWS Zyatt, KWS Siskin and KWS Crispin deliver exceptional performance in this situation thanks to a vigorous growth habit that lends itself to later drilling. An alternative late-sown winter wheat is KWS Montana. This German-bred high protein quality wheat yields similar to Cordiale but with better all-round disease resistance. Its vigorous growth habit means it moves faster and earlier than mainstream UK types making it well-suited to sowing after roots. UK trials suggest it does best when drilled in mid to late October. Variety Selection Alternatively, true spring wheats from late-autumn sowing offer similarly high yields and should be considered by those who wish to leave their beet in the ground for longer or who require the flexibility of the unrestricted sowing date they provide. Because they do not require a cold period - vernalisation - to trigger the switch from vegetative growth to producing ears and grain, true spring wheats can be sown anytime from late October through to April. Compared with wheats of yester-year, modern spring varieties are higher tillering, higher yielding types that are frost hardy and can compete strongly with winter wheats. In effect, they can maintain the high grain quality spring wheats are known for while delivering higher yields through better vigour and growth. In comparison, most winter wheats when drilled late grow more slowly and take longer to come to ear, such that their tillers don't come fully to fruition. Quite simply, planted late, they have too little time for effective grain fill before they senesce and come to harvest. As a result, most winter wheats sown late suffer from low specific weights, particularly if the season does not allow them to reach full potential. Spring wheats, in contrast move through the growth stages faster and are better able to fill grain and produce a better grain sample (Figure 6). In effect, today s spring wheats, such as KWS Chilham and KWS Cochise, are more aggressive and efficient at exploiting shorter seasons and more capable of producing high yields and quality than most winter wheats sown late in the autumn or early in the winter. This provides the grower with considerable drilling date flexibility. Variety performance when sown mid-november to late January: yield and specific weight Yield (% of Controls) Group 1 Specific Weight (kg/hl) Mulika KWS Zyatt 102 [76.9] Skyfall Group 2 KWS Siskin KWS Cochise KWS Chilham Group 3 KWS Barrel KWS Basset Group 4 KWS Kerrin KWS Santiago KWS Crispin JB Diego KWS Kilburn Source: AHDB Recommended List : Wheat sown mid-november to late January - Supplementary information [ ] = limited data Figure 6 14 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 15

9 Some of the best spring wheats for drilling after sugar beet include the Group 2 varieties KWS Chilham and KWS Cochise, and the Group 4, KWS Kilburn. While in some cases, a lower-yielding variety will need a hefty premium to reach output parity with a better-performing variety, the introduction of high-yielding quality types has greatly reduced the premium needed. Consequently, the grower is under less pressure to ensure the grain meets specification simply to produce a respectable gross margin. For example, a Group 1 variety with a yield penalty 11% below that of a barn-filling Group 2, will require a premium of 15.40/t at a base price of 140/t simply to achieve output parity. This premium is the absolute minimum required, makes no allowance for the extra nitrogen or fungicides required in meeting full Group 1 specification. In addition, growers also need to consider the potential deductions on those loads that fail to achieve full milling specification Yields (t/ha) from late-sown RL trials Yields (t/ha) from late-sown RL trials Consequently, the high yields of KWS Cochise and KWS Chilham deliver greater marketing options: go for quality and receive a premium or grow them for feed and still have a big heap to sell. Figure 7 Source: AHDB Recommended List wheat sown mid-nov to late Jan 8.5 Spring wheat performance (spring sown) Spring wheat performance (spring sown) Figure 8 Source: AHDB Spring Wheat Recommended List KWS UK Wheat After Beet 17

10 While late lifting can inflict damage on soil Soil Structure structures. Moving drilling to the following spring means any remedial work needed can be performed at a time when conditions are more favourable. Later drilling commonly results Pest Control in slower emerging crops as soils are often cold, and good seed to soil contact can be hard to achieve. The aim should always be to cultivate soils when moisture levels will allow effective restructuring without smearing to ensure a soil profile that supports good establishment and deep rooting. Cultivating fields in the winter when soil moisture levels may be at or near field capacity will often result in significant damage and compromise the potential of the following crop. Alternatively, growers can wait and utilise the drying cycle that comes post-winter when soils are more workable to create a better soil structure and maximise potential by planting a suitable spring variety. Slow moving crops are at greater risk from pest attack as they do not grow away from damage and the seed still represents a food source for pests. Correct choice of the best, faster growing spring or late autumn wheat varieties can help to compensate in these situations. Producing a well-structured soil allows water to drain away, improve crop growth and enables vehicles to travel on the ground without creating compaction. Better prepared soils will also be quicker to warm, stimulating better plant growth in early spring. Cloddy seedbeds which may Slugs be impossible to consolidate properly can increase the risk of slug attack. Care should be taken when preparing seedbeds, working soils to a tilth and consolidation that suits strong emergence with minimal slug grazing risk. The suitable seed rate will depend greatly on Seed Rate sowing date and seedbed conditions and is best guided by farm experience. In general, treat spring wheats as you would a late-winter wheat and drill them at a similar seed rate. Slug problems should be monitored using baited, not pelleted, traps and any slug pellets applied in a responsible manner. It is even more important to use these products correctly at this time of year, taking into account weather patterns and pollution risks. Seed rates should be increased by 5 seeds/m2 per week once past the end of October, depending on weather and seedbed conditions. For example, growers using 400 seeds/m2 for an early November sowing should look to use 450 seeds/m2 in mid-february. Slugs should be monitored and under high population situations pelleting may also be necessary. 18 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 19

11 Wheat bulb fly (WBF) will be a severe threat as Wheat Bulb Fly wheat after sugar beet is a high-risk scenario because of a relatively long period of bare ground. An appropriate seed treatment, such as Austral Plus (fludioxonil + tefluthrin), is the first line of defence in protecting vulnerable seedlings during the January/ February period. Sowing depth is critical to the success of the vapour protection from this WBF seed treatment. Faster emerging varieties, as long as they not sown too deep, will provide better, faster, establishment of more tillers in WBF situations. Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus While aphid pressure is lower with later sowing, growers should not ignore the risk of BYDV and should be prepared to utilise appropriate aphicides where populations are likely to cause damage. Given the range of problems facing growers, Weed Control some will be forced into a position of delaying drilling by weeks, even months, to use false seedbed techniques to target weeds such as blackgrass. Varieties which perform well in this 'wheat after beet' slot are commonly fast developing and offer the best possible type of competition against emerging weeds. These include the best winter wheats and modern spring varieties. If grass weed control is a significant problem, then the cultivation of false seed beds through the autumn and winter may be the only advisable option. In such situations the sowing flexibility provided by a spring wheat is a considerable advantage. Where necessary, growers may need to rough plough prior to winter to minimise soil erosion in ground destined for spring wheat. This should provide a good entry for the spring wheat if left until the spring. 20 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 21

12 Fungicides & PGRs All modern varieties of wheat respond well to robust input programmes to protect and build on their high yield potential. The generally better disease resistances found in spring wheat varieties enables some flexibility in dose rates and timings but does not negate the need for a comprehensive spray programme. When spring sowing, the speed of development of modern spring wheats to GS31 is very fast. As a result, a T0 fungicide may not be required. Crops should be fed to achieve yield Nitrogen potential and quality requirements. Late autumn sowings will require split nitrogen applications while spring drilling will require the main application of nitrogen applied at the first timing to benefit tillering and make use of early spring moisture. These guidelines should be adapted to suit each site and season after consultation with the farm agronomist. As with any wheat fungicide programme, the T1 spray is critical and should target the same disease spectrum as any winter wheat fungicide programme. With the current range of fungicide options complete protection through to ear emergence enables growers to fulfil the potential of varieties regardless of sowing date. Most top-performing late sown wheats, including spring wheats, are relatively stiff strawed. However, a standard PGR programme is advised to help balance tillers and minimise lodging. 22 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 23

13 Summary There are tangible benefits to be had from managing the wheat after beet scenario more efficiently, maximising margins in both crops. Those that stand to gain most from this approach are beet growers on lighter land who lift mid-season, typically from the beginning of November through to the end of December. Summary Points Recommended List data show that growers have a wide late season drilling window and can wait until they can prepare good soil conditions before sowing wheat. The introduction of selected winter wheats that can cope with later drilling and the successful remodelling of spring wheat varieties has significantly improved late-sown productivity. By selecting these wheats growers can simplify their cropping by adding the harvested grain to their existing wheat heap. Whether they are targeting a specific quality or feed market, there are varieties available that can suit all outlets. 1 2 Leaving beet in the ground to the end of November maximises sugar concentrations. Late November lifted beet will add about 250/ha to enterprise output compared with late-september lifted beet. Not all winter wheat varieties are suited to late-autumn drilling. Better suited types, such as KWS Zyatt, KWS Siskin and KWS Crispin demonstrate a more aggressive vigour that lends itself to later sowing. At the same time, by selecting the most appropriate varieties for later drilling they can maximise their margins from both crops in the rotation and gain some significant agronomic advantages that bring benefits across the whole farm operation. 3 4 Lifting beet when it is most convenient makes a negligible difference to the financial gross output of the combined beet:wheat enterprise as the value of later-lifted beet more than compensates for the lower output of late-autumn or spring-sown wheat. Adopting such an approach to beet lifting can bring significant management advantages, spreading the workload and easing weed and disease control pressures. 24 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 25

14 Key Contacts Will Compson Cereals & Sales Manager T E will.compson@kws.com Ben Bishop Country Manager for Sugar beet T E ben.bishop@kws.com John Miles Product Development Manager T E john.miles@kws.com Martin Brown Sales Specialist - East T E martin.brown@kws.com There s no wheat that s more dynamic! Rose Riby Sales Specialist - North T E rose.riby@kws.com Scott Manning Marketing & Communications Manager T E scott.manning@kws.com James Maguire Sales Specialist - South/West T E james.maguire@kws.com Jasmine Hughes Marketing Coordinator T E jasmine.hughes@kws.com KWS SISKIN Group 2 rated positive for Excellent disease resistance with high untreated yield Superb physical grain quality Follow us on @kwsukltd 26 KWS UK Wheat After Beet 27

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