Sanilac Co. Michigan | BARanch - 2/19/2025 00:44
We are located in SE South Dakota. I would like to step up the game on oats and try to shoot for higher yields. It seems as though we are usually around 90-100 bu and 33lb test, Does anyone have some advice or a program that seems to work for them? Generally plant end of March to early April and harvest in July.
This'll vary some, depending on where you grow them, but the bottom line is to treat them like high management wheat.
First thing is get them in as soon as you can get across the ground. Going to depend on seeds/#, but somewhere @1.6M, figure @120#. That's because you need primary shoots to make yield. The tillers fill in, sure, but aren't as significant in such a short season crop.
The second, fertility, begins with starter in row/furrow. I like a heavy application of 10-34-0+Zn@10 gpa. A little N spread/streamed on up front, but I wouldn't go over 25#/a. So, between the spread and in furrow @35#/a. I'd include K in my dry spread, maybe 100# 0-0-60/a. You could use 100# of AMS to satisfy early N and provide S.
Third is weed control. Match your herbicide to your weed spectrum and if warranted include micros. Specifically I'm thinking B and MN.
Fourth is the remainder of your N. Don't even think about applying it until the oats are jointed, around Feekes 6. How much? That's going to depend on the stand, growing conditions, etc, but budget another 50# N/a. You really need to take into consideration how much soil available N is already there to determine how much to put down. Flat oats are no fun!
Fifth is fungicide. A thick crop, with the "right" moisture and temperature is the perfect environment for fungal disease. A cheap application of generic proprconazol can help. I've never had issues with fusarium in oats, but if that is an issue, or they're food grade oats and high DON levels are a concern, then the judicious application of a fungicide when they lace out would be in order. Pick your own poison.
That's about it. I've had mixed results with PGR's on oats. Sometimes they stand like timber, no mater how much N I pour on them. Other times the weather and wind conspire to make the go flatter than pee on a plate. Best thing I can suggest is grow the shortest stature, highest yielding oats you can find and manage accordingly.
Good luck! |
High yield/high managed oats
