2. Why are my crops growing so slowly?
Soil temperatures are at least 2°c lower than the corresponding period last year. This coupled with poor seed vigour have lead to slow emergence and insipid growth.

3. Should I roll after drilling?
Rolling is the balance between firming the seedbed, to encourage seed to soil contact and compaction of the surface. Rolling will help move stones down, help reduce lodging, reduce slug damage and reduce Manganese deficiency. The later the crop is drilled the less opportunity there is to roll, however spring rolling would still be an advantage on these un-rolled crops.

4. Should I still be pelleting for slugs?
By now many crops will be emerged and areas under slug attack should be easily visible. Localised pelleting would then be an advantage.

5. Should I put fertiliser on my crops?
Phosphate and Potash should still be applied to crops over winter. Applications of these products after Mid April will have little or no effect for the growing crop. No nitrogen should be applied until February at the earliest.

*This information is for guidelines only*