A Bigger Drill Might Control Black Grass Better

A recent article in Farmers Guardian discussed the effect of delayed drilling on Blackgrass populations, 'According to grass-weed expert Dr Stephen Moss of Rothamsted Research, delayed drilling will of necessity be a major factor in black-grass control programmes in coming seasons, in the absence of new herbicide solutions.
"It has been interesting to talk to some farmers who are increasing their drilling capacity in order to go later," Dr Moss says.'

The artcile points out that preliminary results show:

• There was no effect of seed rate on black-grass plant density (effects are expected on head density)
• More than 90 per cent of black-grass germinated before January 1 on first and second drilling dates
• Delayed drilling reduced black-grass populations by up to 90 per cent
• Herbicide programme alone achieved 80-88 per cent control on all drilling dates
• The combination of delayed drilling and use of herbicides reduced black-grass populations by up to 99 per cent

As most farmers are well aware, not inverting soil when direct drilling means that Blackgrass seeds remain close to the surface where they are able to germinate and potentially grow amoungst the crop. The results above match our own findings that delayed drilling, after a period when weeds have germinated, has helped us to control populations. All drills within the Dale Drill range allow for later drilling due to multiple factors:

1. Drills are very easy to pull around 20hp/m. The same tractor can be used to pull a wider drill, increasing output and allowing for a more timely and shorter drilling period.
2. Narrow tipped tines (just 12mm wide) cultivate enough soil to create tilth immediately around the seed, but no more than this. Should conditions become damp later in the season, Dale Drills unique tines will better cope with the moist soil, avoiding smearing that could occur with deeper acting and wider tipped tines.

 To read the full Farmers Guardian article click here.