Maize growers are urged to ensure their soil temperatures are right during the early part of the drilling window and must be prepared to adapt to field conditions.

Grainseed is advising maize growers that exceptionally warm conditions in March, and early April provided an unusual opportunity to get ahead with maize establishment, but warns that a dip in soil temperature must not be ignored.

Becci Shrimpton, seed sales specialist at Grainseed, says drilling between 20 April and 20 May is normal practice for most farmers, and any opportunity to move during this time is advised, but only if the soil and weather conditions are right.

“Soil temperature is the key factor when deciding the right time to drill,” she explains.

“We need the soil to be 10°C at 10cm for at least four days when tested at breakfast time, the coldest part of the day. If drilling early, check the long-term forecast carefully to avoid seed sitting in a cold, wet seedbed.

“As daylight hours increase and the ground starts to dry out, most livestock farms have already turned cattle out to graze and are utilising the abundant grass growth.

“This allows for the clearing of sheds and slurry lagoons, providing essential nutrients to the soil ahead of maize drilling.”

She recommends incorporating slurry and farmyard manure within 24 hours to prevent nutrient losses.

Becci adds, “It’s essential to test your slurry and muck for nutrient content. If you haven’t tested your soil in five years, make that a priority too.

“The pH of your soil plays a huge role in nutrient availability, so if you need to lime your soil, get it done ahead of drilling.”

Becci also stresses the importance of soil structure and reducing cultivations to save on diesel.

“Growers with good soil structure, especially those who used winter cover crops, shouldn’t bury that hard work with a plough. A tined cultivator will improve soil aeration and consolidation, leading to an ideal seedbed for maize.”

Devon grower Graeme Cock, a member of the Maize Growers Association, has been using tined cultivators for 15 years.

“Switching from power harrows to a Horsch Simba tined cultivator has reduced soil erosion and saved fuel,” he explains.

“I prefer drilling under SAMCO film in early April for an early harvest, but if it’s a wet spring, I’ll opt for an ultra-early maturing variety and conventional drilling at the end of April.”

Grainseed UK says the key message for growers this season is flexibility.

“Monitor your fields closely and be prepared to move quickly when conditions allow,” Becci concludes.