Spring oats have grown in popularity in recent years, but 鈥榮parse and ancient' best practice agronomy information for the crop led to the formation of the Spring Oat Forum, hosted by AHDB and Gowlett Grain.
Offering tips for the season ahead at the latest forum, Rosemary Hall, of Crop Research Services, said the highest yields and best quality grain were typically achieved from early sowing and higher seedrates, according to trials she coordinated from 2016-2018.
Using two varieties, Mascani and WPB Elyann, the crops were drilled on February 25, March 14 and April 7 at a rate of 200, 300 and 400 seeds/square metre.
No statistical difference was seen between crops grown with 300 and 400 seeds/sq.m in terms of yield and quality, but crops drilled at 200 seeds/sq.m gave significantly poorer yield and quality, Ms Hall said.
"Plant populations varied between seasons, but the target plant population tends to be 200 plants/sq.m. However, our populations were below target at generally 100-150/sq.m."
In February- and March-drilled crops, an increase in yield was seen as seed rates increased.
"However, this changed when we get to April sowing," Ms Hall said.
"With Elyann we had a reverse effect with plant populations. There was a higher plant population in 200 seeds/sq.m and lower in 400 seeds/sq.m. Yields were adversely affected and a lot lower than where we were in February as you might expect."
Quality
A similar effect was seen with crop quality and as drilling was delayed or seed rates lowered, risk of screenings increased and hectolitre weight fell considerably.
Ms Hall said: "We also had lower hulling loss in higher seed rates and in February [drilled crops]. As time went on hulling loss increased, although Elyann was more stable.
"The trials showed 200 seeds/sq.m was always significantly worse when it came to yield or quality. However, there was no difference between 300-400/sq.m and these gave the best yields."
However, this would need to be adjusted according to seedbed conditions and weed burden, she added.
In the field RH Topham and Sons, Cambridgeshire
Ian Lutey, farm manager at Cambridgeshire-based RH Topham and Sons has been growing spring oats on the 1,450-hectare operation since 2016 after using the crop to replace failed oilseed rape.
Yields have ranged from 4.5-7.5 tonnes/ha, with the worst yields achieved during the 2020 harvest.
Critical to good yields is establishment and getting the crop rapidly up and away, he said.
"In East Anglia we go from too wet to no rain, so do not be afraid to drill a bit deeper for moisture.
"We find the crop very responsive to manganese and particularly in dry summers, tissue samples have shown boron and magnesium is needed so we try to correct this where we can through the season. We have tried various nitrogen regimes and always end up with 120-130kg/ha. Our gut feeling is we can get more yields from more N, but other yields we have had showed a lower N response."
Weed control
Weed control is straightforward, with a glyphosate application before drilling and an SU herbicide to 鈥榯idy up' when needed before stem extension.
Mr Lutey said: "We prefer growth regulation little and often rather than one big dose. When [oats] decide to move, they move very quickly, so deal with what you see. They definitely require harvesting priority and do not wait for the combine. Once they are fit you need to get them or you will leave a lot in the field."
Key points
- Highest yields and best quality grain are typically achieved from early sowing and higher seed rates
- Increased risk of higher screenings and lower specific weight seen with delayed drilling and lower seed rates
- Lower hulling losses with earlier drillings and higher seed rates
- Yield and quality always worse at 200 seeds/sq.m seed rate compared to 300 and 400 seeds/sq.m
- No difference in yield between 300 or 400 seeds/sq.m seed rates
