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Crop Crack 20.11.10
By Wendy Fearon
The cooler temperatures we have experienced recently will allow an opportunity to apply Kerb granules with greater efficacy. Kerb granules is a pre- or post-emergence residual herbicide that provides long term residual control of annual and perennial grasses and a wide range of other weeds in farm and commercial forestry, ornamental plantings and recreation areas.
KERB granules can be used on all ornamental trees, shrubs and roses. Where shrub beds are mulched, KERB granules must be applied immediately prior to mulching if weeds are to be prevented from growing through the mulch.
Young trees can all too easily be lost to the choking effect of weeds. Conifers and Norway spruce grown for Christmas tree production can be treated with KERB without any risk of phytotoxicity.It is safe to apply over the leaves of all popular tree species without risk of damage.
KERB granules are mobile in the soil profile and therefore best results will be achieved in moist, cold soils. This is usually between October and February. Only one application of Kerb granules can be made in the season.Season long control of grasses and most broad-leaved weeds is possible by applying KERB Granules.
Although KERB can be applied in all weather conditions, application on top of snow, or to severely frozen ground should be avoided if there is any risk of surface run-off. KERB granules can be applied to all soil types, and is also very good around fence lines and gravel pathways.
Machinery Calibration
I would like to remind you again the importance of maintaining all farm machinery.
Agrochemicals and fertilizers are major variable inputs in growing crops and the way they are applied has a great influence on their efficacy. It is essential therefore that the equipment used to apply them is well maintained and accurate.
All too often serious problems arise due to very simple errors with sprayers and sowers. Calibration is important as a properly calibrated machine can save money and improve efficacy. For a certain category of pesticides which are applied using a ground crop sprayer to land near to a watercourse, there is a legal obligation to carry out and record the results of a Local Environment Risk Assessment for Pesticides, LERAP. By carrying out a LERAP the size of the buffer zone may be reduced.
Vermin Control
As temperatures become cooler farm buildings should be checked and sealed to prevent access by rats and mice who will be seeking shelter. Make buildings as impenetrable as possible by sealing off possible entry points, and set traps to gauge whether any vermin have managed to already gain access to buildings.
STORM bait should be placed close to runs and holes where rats are active. If the bait is covered with boards or lengths of pipe it gives the rat a feeling of security when feeding and also protects the bait from the weather and hidden from other animals, children or livestock. Ideally use a specially designed bait box.
Mice do not move far from their nests which are usually indoors. Place smaller quantities of bait within a few metres of nesting sites.
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