Aitchison Reese Agri UFO SEEDKING Professional, Manual, Page: 12 / 42

MICRO INSECTICIDE GRANULES IN PASTURES
In New Zealand where grass grub is a problem, excellent control has been attained
with the use of Gesapon, Dasanit, Dysiston, Mocap, and Lindane in control of this
pasture destroyer. Normal rates applied on the pasture surface can be as high as 30
kg/ha but when sown in the soil and hence away from neutralizing effect sunlight,
rates as low as four and five kg/ha can be used.
If unexposed to sunlight these
chemicals can remain effective in the soil as long as three months, thus killing
generations of pupae as they emerge. Also, withholding of livestock after treatment is
not necessary. Both these factors are important features with the Seedking SK2122.
Watch for slugs. Slugs like the moist groove produced by the disc opener. If slugs
become a problem (eating seeds or seedlings underground), a suitable pellet should be
used.
DIRECT SEEDING OF FEED CROPS AND ARABLE
CROPS WITH SEEDKING SK2122
We are not in a position to give total formal recommended seeding rates, chemical
usage and fertiliser recommendations because of the circumstance that the Seedking
will be used in will be so varied and diverse that some misunderstanding can occur.
Refer to the checklist and ALWAYS confirm with known successful CT operators as
well as your local seed specialist and chemical company representatives. Remember
that with this technique the environment is not as predictable as with cultivated soils,
and take the precaution of using insecticide or increased fertiliser if there should be
any element of doubt.
Seeding programs are wide and varied and it is best to look at rotation that starts with
a legume or feed crop followed by a grain crop, followed by another feed crop and so
on.
Heavy pasture into grain is always disappointing, but grain after legume or
brassica is outstanding.
Here are just a few possibilities:
Brassicas, Turnips, Swedes, Legumes – Can be sown early spring (for winter feed)
or again in autumn for later winter early spring feed. The technique is to blanket
spray the entire area and ensure that seeding depths are shallow. A light bar harrow
pulled over the seeding areas is beneficial.
Use fertiliser and see your chemical
company specialist with regard to the correct insecticide to use.
Winter Feed Oats – This can be seeded direct into pasture in early autumn. Herbage
control can be carried out also if necessary.
Wheat and Barley – Direct seeding in early spring or autumn depending on variety.
Spray out pasture with approved herbicide (may not be necessary after brassica).
Always sow with fertiliser.
Lucerne, Alfalfa – Sow in early spring after spraying out entire area with Roundup or
Paraquat. It is always a good idea to do a soil test to ensure that the solid pH is
satisfactory for plant establishment. Also it is necessary to ensure that the seeds are
treated with inoculants to guarantee their germination and nodulation. Use fertiliser
and ensure that spraying for insects is carried out – particularly for control of slugs
and spring snails.
Green-feed Maize – Carry out in early spring and the same rules apply as with wheat,
barley and oats. You may wish to seed in 30 or 45 cm rows and the technique for
achieving that is shown under the section
SPECIAL PURPOSE SEEDING shown
later in this booklet.
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