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Postpone sowing catch crop on sandy and loess soil
Demissioniar Minister Schouten has postponed the final sowing date for a catch crop after harvesting maize for silage (on sandy and loess soil) for this season to 31 October. The condition is that the catch crop must be sown within three days of harvesting.
The last date for sowing the catch crop on maize fields harvested as MKS or CCM remains 31 October. In addition, when sowing a catch crop after maize in October, it is important to choose from the Spelt, Triticale Winter Rye, Winter Wheat or Winter Barley crops.
Fast Spring Rye sowing in October
Because Fast Spring Rye falls under winter rye according to the legislation, it can still be sown in October. Fast Spring Rye as a hybrid rye has the great advantage that it germinates quickly after sowing and therefore quickly covers the soil. As a result, it is still quite possible to sow this in October and the best efforts obligation is met.
A mixture of different crops may also be sown as catch crop. At least two thirds of the mixture then consists of one or more of the above-mentioned catch crops. The condition is that the sown mixture develops in the autumn. A mixture that consists of at least two thirds of Fast Spring Rye (and for example one third of Italian Rye Grass) is also allowed.
Results and experiences
In research, conducted by Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands and the ILVO in Belgium in the 2020-2021 season, Fast Spring Rye achieved a clear increase in yield compared to traditional rye when harvested in April and more nitrogen was fixed.
Sowing advice Fast Spring Rye
Fast Spring Rye, compared to other traditional rye varieties, sprouts better in early spring and forms more stems per plant. As a result, when sowing after the maize harvest, especially in October, half as much seed is needed.
- As catch crop and for mowing: 2 million seeds/ha = 4 units/ha (± 80 kg)*
- As a catch crop: 1 million seeds/ha = 2 units/ha (± 40 kg)
*The recommended amount for traditional rye is between 130 and 160 kg/ha
Availability and delivery
At the moment, Snel Lente Rye is still available in the original and recognizable orange KWS packaging and can be delivered quickly via your dealer. Click here for more information on Fast Spring Rye.
