![Uncover The Value Of Catch Crops In Your Rotation](/Admin/Public/GetImage.ashx?image=/Files/Images/tractor_crops.jpeg&width=1920)
UNCOVER THE VALUE OF CATCH CROPS IN YOUR ROTATION
WHAT CATCH CROP SHOULD I SOW?
There is a wide range of species to choose from that will perform one or more of the functions above, but they are usually sown in mixtures to maximise the benefits of sowing.
In Ireland there are 3 groups of plant species typically used in Catch Crop mixtures
1.Brassicas: typically used for soil conditioning, nutrient capture and as winter feed. They have rapid autumn growth, provide good ground cover, are deep rooting and suitable for late summer/early autumn sowing. Not to be used before or after brassicas in rotation. Common species include mustard, tillage raddish, leafy turnip and forage rape.
- Legumes: primary function is to fix N for following crop and offset inorganic N requirement. Legumes tend to be deep-rooting and can also improve soil structure. Should ideally be sown in summer and can be slow to establish later in autumn. Rates of N fixation will be lower in winter. Common species include red clover, vetch and crimson clover.
- Some alternative species that may be useful cover crops. Many of these species are not related to commercial crops grown in Ireland and therefore are ideal in rotation to break pest and disease cycles. Species include forage rye, Westerwold ryegrass, buckwheat and phacelia.
Choose a species or mixture based on your rotation and soil requirements e.g brassica species are not suitable where oilseed rape is in the rotation.
The success or failure of Catch Crops is largely based on sowing date and good establishment. Drilling as soon after harvest as possible will give your Catch Crop the best chance of establishment. No ploughing is needed for establishment and seed can be drilled or broadcast.
DLF’s Catch Crop Mixture Range
ACRES Grazer |
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A brassica mixture with excellent grazing potential |
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ACRES Regener8 |
Comprehensive soil conditioning mixture to enhance soil structure and increase OM content. Contains 8 species! |
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ACRES OSR Booster |
The ultimate N fixing Cover Crop mixture |
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