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'Base choice of green manure on facts'
With the increased attention for green manures and biodiversity, soil life is also receiving more attention. There are many stories about this, but in fact much is still unknown about what goes on in the soil. "When choosing green manures, rely on what we do know," advises Peter-Jan Jongenelen of Joordens Zaden.
Jongenelen: "If harmful nematodes play a role on the plot, you should especially look at resistances. In this way you combat these nematodes in a targeted manner and prevent significant loss of yield in the main crop. If harmful nematodes are not an issue, maximum organic matter, N -fixation and rooting leading."
Unnecessary risk
"Green fertilizer mixtures often contain one or more species that attract and multiply harmful nematodes. So you take a risk with that," says Jongenelen. An unnecessary risk, moreover: there is no scientific evidence that a mixture with 10 species stimulates soil life more than a mixture with 2 to 3 species or simple green manures.
Feeding soil life
So what can growers control in soil life? "You have to put together a menu to feed the soil life," advises Jongenelen. "Organic material with a high C/N ratio, such as straw, digests slowly and feeds the soil life for a long time. An integrated green manure gives a significant boost, which lasts for a shorter period of time."
Various studies are currently underway to provide more insight into soil life. "The practice can certainly benefit from this in the coming years."
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