Rolling After Seeding Helps Harvest
EDMONTON * Apr 15/16 - SNS -- Rolling pea and lentil fields after seeding to push stones into the soil, break dirt lumps, and smooth out soil ridges, makes the harvest easier because the field is more level.
"A level field surface improves the capture of low hanging pods, restricts earth tag in the seed sample, aids in harvesting lodged crops, prevents cutter bar and internal combine damage, and allows faster harvesting speed," says Neil Whatley, Crop Specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre.
Research results and grower experience have provided several rolling guidelines, and rolling can be done either prior to crop emergence or post-emergently.
"The most appropriate time to roll pulse fields is shortly after seeding, but it's not always possible due to delays from other spring seeding work or rainfall," says Whatley.
Due to a risk of soil erosion, growers may also wish to delay rolling if the soil is very dry, is of a sandy texture, or the surface lacks residue from last year's crop. Lentil and pea fields can be safely rolled up to the five to seven node (three to five true leaf) stage.
Since a seedling's vascular system is tightly filled with water early in the morning, it is susceptible to breakage when rolled. This breakage can be prevented by waiting to roll later in the morning, or in the afternoon when plants are slightly wilted. However, experience has shown that rolling sets seedlings back when air temperatures are high (25 to 30° C).
"Given the thicker and less flexible nature of a pea seedling's stem and branching structure, be extra cautious not to roll field pea plants too early in the morning when they are stiff and turgid," says Whatley.
Rolling past the appropriate node stage breaks the main stem or side-branches, allowing disease entry which reduces yield. Rolling when the plants are damp can spread foliar diseases throughout the field, and rolling when the soil is excessively wet is counterproductive.
To prevent double rolling headlands, some growers roll fields round and round; however, some areas will be left unrolled. If rolling fields back and forth, operators should slow down when making turns at the headlands, and not apply tractor brakes when turning.
If the seedlings experience an additional stressor like frost or an herbicide application, wait a minimum of three days to roll. "If you need to make a decision about whether to spray for weeds or roll, spray weeds because early weed control is of paramount importance for pea and lentil crops that compete poorly with weeds."
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