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How to deal with the rest crop obligation?
It is in the Netherlands, as part of the 7e Action Programme Nitrates Directive, mandatory to grow a rest crop on sandy and loess soils once every four years at plot level. This is stated in the measure that came into effect in 2023.
In concrete terms, this means that a rest crop must be grown on all arable land before 2027. If you started as a grower in 2023, you had the option of filling a quarter of the arable land area with a rest crop each year. If this has not yet happened, you still have two years (2025 and 2026) to still meet the rest crop obligation. You can read how to do this correctly in this article.
Rest crop as main crop
To know which crops are classified as rest crops, it is good to look at the so-called crop code list. You can find this, among other places, on the website of RVO.
It is important to mention that a rest crop is grown as a main crop. This means that the crop is on the land for most of the time during the period before the main crop. In the year that the rest crop is grown, you must report this via the Combined statement. It is not necessary to report on which plots a rest crop is grown. The Combined statement recognizes this itself.
Sorghum as a rest crop
An example of a crop that can be used as a rest crop is sorghum. KWS has selected the sorghum variety from its extensive portfolio specifically for this purpose. KWS Lupus selected. This early and compact grain type has excellent plant health and has very good feeding properties, thanks to a very low tannin content and an acceptable feeding value.
Rest crop as part of a mixture
A rest crop can also be grown as part of a mixture with another non-rest crop. In this case, the mixture must consist of at least two-thirds of a rest crop and be visible as such in the field (obligation to achieve results).
Combination of crops as a rest crop
In one situation, the rest crop is not the main crop. This involves the following interesting and practical option: a combination of crops as a rest crop. In this case, a short (vegetable) crop or an early harvested crop can be chosen, followed by an unfertilized catch crop that is sown before September 1. Only in combination do these crops count as a rest crop. This way of growing is good for the soil. In addition to respecting the latest sowing date, the rules that apply to the catch crop on sandy and loess soil.
If you opt for a short crop followed by the sowing of an unfertilized catch crop before September 1, please report this in good time and correctly in the Combined declaration. This option can be checked for the subsequent crop. The short crop must be reported as the main crop.
Ultra early and very early maize as a short crop
Last season, extensive experience was gained with ultra-early to very early maize as a short crop. Various growers have been satisfied with, among other things, KWS Nevo (FAO 180) grown and chopped no later than August 30. View an example of a pit result here.
It may seem obvious, but in order to harvest sufficient ripe maize by August 30th at the latest, timely sowing in the spring is essential. Ideally, the maize is sown before or around April 30th. As the earliest variety on the CSAR Recommended Breeds List KWS Nevo distinguishes itself by its very healthy residual plant and early maturity in the cob. These properties result in an excellent feed value, as you can also find in the previously shared silage result. Other recommended KWS varieties in the ultra-early to very early segment are KWS Exelon and KWS Marcopolo. They both have an excellent position in the WUR Variety Bulletin 2025 – silage maize 20 weeks.
Catch crop after growing maize
Fast Spring Rye is very suitable as a catch crop after the cultivation of maize. The crop benefits optimally from the residual nitrogen left behind, will develop well and provides a lot of underground and above-ground biomass. Thanks to timely sowing, it is even possible to use the rye for stable feeding in the autumn. Several practical examples of this are known.
Are you curious about the possibilities for your company?
Please contact your KWS advisor.
