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Practical afternoon in Ellemeet: opportunities for winter rapeseed
Winter rapeseed cultivation is gaining ground in the Netherlands as a cover crop within the crop rotation plan. Arable farmers are increasingly opting for this crop due to its good drought tolerance, positive impact on the soil, and stable yields of up to approximately 5,5 tonnes per hectare. During the LG Rapeseed Day in Ellemeet, these benefits were demonstrated in practice.
You see them more and more: the bright yellow, exuberantly flowering fields of winter rapeseed in the spring. Winter rapeseed cultivation has long ceased to be reserved for grain rotations in the Oldambt, but is also gaining ground in the eastern Netherlands, on sandy soils, and in the southwestern Netherlands.
"Growers are looking for alternative cover crops or ways to expand their cropping plan. This provides risk diversification during drought, but also in terms of profit and the planning of harvesting activities," says Martijn van Overveld during a well-attended LG Rapeseed Day in Ellemeet.
The Limagrain product manager explains that rapeseed, as a winter crop, is less susceptible to spring and summer droughts. The crop utilizes winter moisture, emerges from the winter strong, and flowers early in the spring. As a result, the harvest also falls earlier in the season, between that of winter barley en winter wheat .
Strong soil improver in winter rapeseed cultivation
Winter rapeseed is known for its strong soil-improving effect. It is not without reason that the crop was formerly used as a reclamation crop during land reclamation. Thanks to the deep taproot, compacted layers are broken up, soil structure improves, and a large amount of organic matter remains for the subsequent crop.
For arable farmer Leendert Hanse from Ellemeet, that is the most important reason to grow winter rapeseed for the second year in a row. "If you have to choose between a plant or a machine for soil improvement, the plant naturally deserves all the credit. After all, with a machine you have to go out into the field. Moreover, we are struggling with a freshwater problem here in the region, so a crop that can manage with soil moisture right up to harvest suits us in every respect."
Hanse sowed his demonstration plot in early September. spring wheat"It is looking fantastic. A yield of 4,5 to 5,5 tonnes per hectare should be achievable, plus the eco-premium for cover crops."
Improved yield reliability through modern varieties
Within crop rotation plans involving potatoes and sugar beets, winter rapeseed cultivation requires attention to rotation. A ratio of at least one to four remains important. Sugar beets grown immediately after rapeseed are discouraged, partly due to the need for storage control after harvest.
At the same time, earlier concerns, such as the proliferation of beet cyst nematodes, are less relevant today thanks to resistant sugar beet varieties and the use of green manures.
According to Van Overveld, the progress lies primarily in the genetics of modern varieties. Hawtack-resistant varieties limit seed loss before harvest, while improved resistance to diseases and pests, such as yellowing virus and flea beetle, contributes to a more stable crop.
Nitrogen efficiency (N-flex) also plays a role in this. With a market share of approximately 23%, Limagrain is the largest rapeseed breeder in Europe, with varieties such as LG Ambassador as a widely used choice in practice.
Practical experiences during the Rapeseed Day in Ellemeet
The LG Rapeseed Day in Ellemeet on April 23 offered arable farmers a practical and comprehensive overview of the possibilities for winter rapeseed cultivation in the Netherlands. The combination of technical cultivation insights, variety development, and practical experience made it clear that the crop is developing into a fully-fledged alternative within the crop rotation plan, particularly in the Southwest Netherlands. Onward to even more yellow fields – if only for the aesthetics and for the bees.
Want to know more?
Watch the aftermovie of the Rapeseed Day in Ellemeet below or download the white paper about winter rapeseed cultivation for more information and practical tips.
