Dont ignore the benefits of pulses this season, advises Philip Wynn
With a challenging previous growing season and high cereal prices, many growers may be questioning the value of including pulses in their spring plantings. However, according to Philip Wynn, director of Wynn Business Partnerships, spring pulses offer a range of agronomic and financial benefits that are extremely valuable to the whole farm margin.
The French bean subsidy has had little impact on UK markets or pricing, and the UK export trade to Egypt appears secure because of UK quality, he says.
Feed peas and beans that are not up to export quality are being used by compounders with current prices well above 200/t. Bean contracts are being fixed for 2011 at 180/t for November base value, and 10-15/t for human consumption premiums.
Peas are trading at the November base value of 180-190/t. Marrowfat peas are generally worth 230/t with large blues at 190, and a 30 premium depending on colour.
Spring Cropping Margins
|
Crop |
Yield t/ha |
Margin /ha |
|
Spring peas |
3.5 |
509 |
|
Spring Beans |
4.0 |
521 |
|
Spring OSR |
2.5 |
474 |
This spring pulses can be considered following failed oilseed rape crops, some sugar beet growers may want to limit their area after the current processing debacle. There are of course also the nitrogen fixation benefits, and where blackgrass has become a serious problem, spring cropping will provide an opportunity to assist control by introducing herbicides with different modes of action.
Generally, beans are a lower risk crop than peas, so unless soil structure is in excellent condition dont risk growing peas attention to detail and minimal compaction is essential, Mr Wynn advises.
Once crops are drilled, herbicide choice becomes a critical decision. Rate flexibility and residual activity are important considerations depending on weed spectrum, growth stage, soil conditions, and moisture levels, adds Jonathan Ball, pulse product manager for BASF.
A pre-emergence application of a product such as Nirvana that can be used across all pulses can be adjusted to suit expected weed populations, meaning that product is well targeted. For example, on combining peas and field beans, a rate of 4.5 l/ha Nirvana offers a one shot solution for moderate to high weed populations controlling the germination of weeds such as black bindweed, poppy, fat hen, charlock and knotgrass.
However, for low to moderate weed populations a lower rate of 3.0 l/ha is sufficient. For vining peas, dose rate can be matched to soil type ranging from 2.5-3.5 l/ha although a follow up post emergence spray may be required in some situations. Nirvana can also be considered as a tank-mix partner for more difficult weeds.
Nirvana contains imazamox and pendimethalin
Stomp 400 SC contains pendimethalin
Stomp & Nirvana are registered trademarks of BASF
About BASF
BASF is the worlds leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than 50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.