Crop Husbandry & Fertiliser Requirements for Fodder Crop Establishment
This can be done by two methods:
- Ploughing and full ground cultivation, or
- Spray off old existing pasture and direct drill into the old sward, using direct drill machines , such as Aitchison or Moore Uni Drill
Both methods have their benefits. Full cultivation will give a clean start to the new fodder crop, bury any natural debris, which will be broken down quicker within the soil.
It will also give an even, level field for grazing or harvesting.
The disadvantages are that it can lead to moisture loss and also bring up a new flush of weed seeds which will compete heavily with the growing crop.
With new legislation weed control is becoming very difficult in fodder and brassica crops.
Direct drilling
Direct drilling into sprayed off pasture retains moisture and suppresses any weed infestation. This has to be done with a direct drill that cuts a slot into the sward or turf, either an Aitchison Drill or More Uni-drill. Timing of drilling is important to ensure the brassica crop gets established before regrowth starts.
Pest control
Pest control is essential for brassicas. Over the years pigeons and other birds have caused extensive damage within the first 2-3 weeks. This is especially common where birds can land in the crop or walk into the young plants. Pest control is essential in the first month of the crop growing. Pigeons will feed first thing in the morning or at dusk and can clear a field of young plants in days.
Fertilizer Requirements
All Brassica crops need good applications of compound fertilizer even though FYM and the old sward has been ploughed down.
Compound fertiliser worked into fully cultivated ground will give young seedlings/plants an excellent chance to outgrow any weed competition.
A split application of fertilizer on direct drilled fields, once after drilling and another at seedling emergence, will improve the chances of a better crop establishment.
When direct drilling seed treated for flea beetle, a split application of fertilizer is also essential.
General Fertilizer Requirements
| Crop | Fertiliser Required per Hectare |
|---|---|
| Kale | 85kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K |
| Stubble Turnip | 80 kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K |
| Swede | 100kg Nitrogen 80kg P & K + Boron |
| Rape | 100kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K |
| Brassica Mixture | 100KGS Nitrogen 80kgs P + K |
| Silage Grazing | Split application 80 kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K |
| Silage | 100KGS Nitrogen 80kgs P + K |
Kale
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
85kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K
Stubble Turnip
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
80 kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K
Swede
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
100kg Nitrogen 80kg P & K + Boron
Rape
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
100kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K
Brassica Mixture
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
100KGS Nitrogen 80kgs P + K
Silage Grazing
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
Split application 80 kg Nitrogen 60kg P & K
Silage
Fertiliser Required per Hectare:
100KGS Nitrogen 80kgs P + K