Brought to you by Limagrain
Green manures for extra biodiversity
We cannot ignore it in the modern agricultural sector: biodiversity. Growers in the Netherlands are already very sustainable and environmentally friendly, but they need to do even better. Stimulating biodiversity will also become an important factor in the new Common Agricultural Policy.
It goes without saying that the green manure fertilizers make a major contribution to biodiversity, because they increase the diversity of species both below and above the ground.
Underground
Green manures in symbiosis with soil life. Their root exudates nourish and stimulate micro-organisms, increasing soil resilience. There are as yet no scientific figures about possible differences between green manures or mixtures in this area, but it is clear that harmful nematodes can multiply considerably on the green manures (with all the associated consequences).
Even a small proportion of host plants in a green manure mixture can greatly multiply harmful nematodes, according to research by WUR. Limagrain chooses for mixtures of 2 to a maximum of 4 species, which can be perfectly adjusted to nematode problems. In this way you stimulate soil resilience without the risk of nematode multiplication.
Above the ground
Above ground, the green manures provide a living environment for numerous insects, birds and small game. Flowering yellow mustard, radish and facelia are food sources for numerous beneficial insects. Japanese oats and sunflowers (both sensitive to frost) allow you to hibernate as food for field birds. Flowering green manures also contribute strongly to the image of agriculture.
As of 2019, sunflowers are also allowed as green manure in the ecological focus area. They are the main component in LG ORGAMAX, mixed with yellow mustard and Japanese oats. The advantages: beautiful flowering, an enormous supply of organic matter and strong frost sensitivity.
