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Will it be early corn or undersow?
In order to minimize leaching of nutrients, maize growers on sandy and loess soils must also sow a catch crop in 2021 by 1 October at the latest. The options: equal sowing, under-sowing or chopping and re-sowing the catch crop before 1 October. Which option is the most reliable?
Over the past 2 years, maize growers have gained experience with the new rules. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. In 2019, many growers opted for direct or under-sowing. The results were not easy for many, which meant that further seeding had to be done. In 2020, more than 60% of the maize acreage was sown with early maize varieties, to be harvested in September and sow the catch crop.
Even or under sowing
By sowing the catch crop at the same time as or in the 5/6 leaf stage, you are not stuck with a harvest date of 1 October. With a successful application, the catch crop provides extra carrying capacity during the maize harvest and many nutrients are stored. The success of this system is highly dependent on the sowing moment and the weather conditions. In practice, we often see a failed catch crop due to drought or a catch crop that is too massive, resulting in a lower maize yield.
Early maize harvest and sowing
Due to the uncertain results of undersowing and the enormously increased yield potential of (very) early maize varieties, most growers opted for sowing in 2020. Breeding has increased the yield potential of ultra-early and very early maize:
This system is also the most reliable during drought and heat during the growing season. Early maize flowers earlier, when usually sufficient moisture is still present. In addition, in recent years, the maize is often 'ready' in September due to drought and heat. Very early/early maize has already reached its full potential, but mid-early and late maize has not.
In the southern and central Netherlands we advise early to very early maize, after a cut of grass and in the north fits very early to ultra early maize usually the best. In this way you normally harvest a well-ripened crop in September, so that you can sow the catch crop before October 1.
Will you also harvest the highest kVEM/ha early next season?
