Catch crop in maize
Problem: As a late-sown crop with a large row spacing and slow early development, maize is vulnerable to erosion. Crop cover takes place as late as mid- to end of June. Soil compaction due to the use of heavy harvest machinery can further contribute to soil erosion. Solution: Due to its late establishment and tall growth, maize is well suited to catch cropping with pure or mixed clover (for stockless farms), or with overwintering, single-year grassclover (for livestock-holding farms). Outcome: Reduction of soil erosion, given a good development. • Suppression of seed-propagated weeds. • Better load-carrying capacity of the soil during harvest. • Fixation of nitrogen thanks to the legumes, and utilisation of nutrients in the soil after maize harvest. • Grazing possible immediately after maize harvest. Inconveniences • Competition for water in the case of severe drought. • Cost of seeds.
Practical recommendation • Sow the maize at the beginning of May. • If possible, harrow a first time before appearance of the maize plants (blind harrowing). Second harrowing should take place at a plant height of 10 cm, when the maize plants are well rooted. Between a plant size of 10 to 20 cm a first hoeing should take place. • Apply liquid manure at 25-30 m3 per ha. • When the maize plants reach a height of about 20 to 30 cm (from 4- to 6-leaf stage), undertake a second hoeing. Combine the second hoeing with simultaneous sowing of the catch crop into the weed-free crop. Link: http://orgprints.org/31021/13/PA_006_Catch-crop-maize_final_QR.pdf
OK-Net Arable – Organic Knowledge Network Arable
Ongoing | 2015-2018
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium