For soil sampling, dig a square foot to a depth of 12 inches in several locations throughout the field. Soil is loosely mounded over the bait in a dome shape, and covered with a piece of black plastic to promote soil warming. Randomly distributing about 5-10 traps per field is practical. Dig up bait after 7-10 days and count the number of wireworms. Please consult NDSU Ext.
Wild oat is one of the most competitive weeds in small grains.
Spot spraying for wild oats will be very common this spring. It is essential to spray sooner than later, especially if the wild oats are farther along than the crop. It is very common right now to see 2 to 3 leaf wild oat, while the small grain crop is only one leaf. In these situations a herbicide application should be applied soon. It will be very difficult to time a single application for broadleaf and grass control at the same this year due to the early emergence of wild oat and volunteer grain.