Redlegged Earth Mite
The Redlegged earth mite is active during the cooler and wetter months of May to November. They hatch in autumn after the first break in the season, RLEM eggs laid during the winter-spring period are orange in colour and about 0.1 mm in length. They are laid singly on the underside of leaves and the bases of host plants. RLEM cause damage to field crops and pastures. Typical mite damage appears as 'silvering' of the attacked foliage but can sometimes be confused with frost damage. RLEM are most damaging to newly establishing pastures and emerging crops, greatly reducing seedling survival and development.
Carefully inspect susceptible pastures and crops from autumn to spring for the presence of mites and evidence of damage. It is especially important to inspect crops regularly in the first three to five weeks after sowing. Mites are best detected feeding on the leaves in the morning or on overcast days. In autumn sprays should be applied after the break of season and after the over summer or diapause eggs have hatched.
Spraying:
Autumn sprays:
Controlling first generation RLEM before they have a chance to lay eggs is the only effective way to avoid the need for a second spray. Pesticides should be applied within three weeks of the first appearance of mites, before the adults begin to lay their eggs.
Spring sprays:
Research has shown that one accurately timed spring spray can significantly reduce populations of RLEM the following autumn. This approach works by killing the mites before they start producing eggs in mid-late spring and when there are no eggs left to hatch. Tools such as TIMERITE® can help farmers identify the optimum date for spraying in their area.
If you would like more information on RLEM control or an assessment of your property please ask one of our friendly staff in store.
Lime does many things to the soil including:
- Increases soil Ph
- Reduces aluminium and other metal toxicities
- Helps to improve the physical condition of the soil
- Stimulates microbial activity
- Increases CEC in soils
- Increases the availability of nutrients to plants
- Supplies calcium and magnesium (dolomite limestone)
- Calcium encourages plant root and shoot growth
- improves the Calcium / magnesium ratio in soils
Soil acidity or low Ph depress plant/crop growth, reduce the plant availability of nutrients such as phosphorus and molybdenum and can affect the performance of soil applied herbicides. Liming products should be applied 3 months prior to the growing season to achieve full benefits. Liming benefits typically last 3-5 years depending on the weather conditions, common application rates are 2.5 - 3 tonnes/ha for agricultural powdered lime (Pen lime) or Hi Magnesium Dolomitic lime and 500kg/ha for concentrated pelletised lime (Calciprill).
These rates are a common guide only, for accurate rates to suit your soil conditions please refer to a recent soil test.
Pen lime and Hi Mag lime minimum order amounts apply approx. 12 tonne.
Agricola Superfine Lime minimum order amounts 30 tonne
Calciprill can be purchased per tonne in bulka bags or in 20kg bag options.
Calciprill can be conveniently spread via cone spreader.
Please contact
Craig Johns - Ph: 0408452541 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Mt Pleasant and surroundings)
Adam Krahnert - Ph: 0409628207 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Mt Torrens and surroundings)
Ben South - Ph: 0400734807 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (McLaren Vale and surroundings)
to discuss pricing and delivery options.