Spring drought refers to plant water stress from insufficient rainfall or stored soil moisture occurring between tillering to maturity. Oats show symptoms more readily than wheat and barley.
What to look for
Paddock
Large areas of stressed or dying plants with some better plants in water gaining areas
Low water holding soils, such as coarse sands and gravels, very shallow soil over rock or impermeable layer are more affected.
Heavy clays that retain moisture near the soil surface after light rainfall where it is more likely to evaporate .
Areas within the root zone of trees.
Can be seen in double sown areas or areas of vigorous plants.
Plant
Plant wilting and becoming dull and discoloured
Leaves furled and spiky.
Old leaves develop yellow or orange colours, then necrosis on the leaf tip and extending down the leaf in broad stripes, and sometimes between veins until the leaf dies. Younger leaves are progressively affected.
Shrivelled grain
How can it be monitored?
Unless the problem is obviously due to drought, dig a hole and examine the soil profile for: Soil pH.
