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'Base choice of green manure on facts'
With the attention for green manures and biodiversity, soil life is also in the spotlight. There are many stories about this, but in fact little is known about what exactly takes place in the soil. "When choosing green manures, rely on what we do know," advises Peter-Jan Jongenelen of Joordens Zaden.
"If harmful nematodes play a role, you should mainly look at the resistances. In this way you can 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 are required. leading," said Jongenelen.
View all nematode control green manures here.
Unnecessary risk
"Green fertilizer mixtures often contain 1 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.
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Harmful nematodes go in search of their (value) plants in a green manure mixture.
Feeding soil life
So what can growers control in the soil? "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 nourishes soil life for a long time. An incorporated green manure gives a significant boost, which does not last as long."
Various studies are currently underway to provide more insight into soil life. "The practice can certainly benefit from this in the coming years."
View all nematode-fighting green manures here
View green manures for maximum organic matter here
