Crop reports from the Black Sea region are confirming the impact that even small variations in rainfall can have on grain and oilseed rape yields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kildare native Jim McCarthy currently manages a 20,000ha tillage operation in Romania. He is a regular contributor to the Tillage Edge podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Courtesy of his latest update, Jim is confirming that the last 12 months have been exceptionally dry across most of the Black Sea catchment area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McCarthy said: \u201cNo till crop management systems are delivering significant benefits for farmers in the region.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to McCarthy, much of the arable land in Romania contains high levels of both clay and silt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is, therefore, important to ensure that soil pH values are correct – the same principle holds where phosphate and potash indices are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHigh magnesium levels in our soils is another issue that must be addressed before committing to any form of reduced cultivation system,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making best use of water is fast becoming a priority for cereal <\/a>growers in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said: \u201cNo till are systems are helping in this reard as is the use of cover crops. The reality is that we have t save every drop of water that becomes available to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n