What crop can you still grow?

Due to the floods, the spring was very difficult for farmers and farmers, after a rainy autumn with a lot of chaos. On some plots, the crops failed or there was simply no chance to plant or grow the planned crop. What can you still do on these plots? Zaadhandel Neutkens gives some advice.

According to Zahandl Newtkins, there is still some demand for some crops due to planting failures. The seed trade cites spinach and green beans as examples. Carrots and beetroot can also be grown until mid-July at the latest, although this is not ideal. It is therefore advisable to only grow these crops if the plot is in good condition. There must be the possibility of irrigation.

If poor soil structure is the main reason for not planting or growing a crop in a particular field, this should be a major consideration in this approach. According to Zaadhandel Neutkens, if the structure is poor, there is generally no point in growing a high-yielding crop. Furthermore, poor soil structure can easily become worse, meaning that subsequent damage will take many more years to resolve.

improve the plot

In this case, Zaadhandel Neutkens advises opting for plot improvement. Use the summer and dry period to do something about leveling, possibly drainage and cultivating the soil deeper. In addition, planting green manure or a dormant crop could be an option.

Mixtures containing Italian ryegrass, vetch and clover, for example, are also options for improving deep rooting and coarse extraction. According to Zaadhandel Neutkens, two cuts can still be made when planting in July, although the company basically points out that it should look more closely at the construction plan. “Above all, build on certainty. It is better to have a lower balance for one year than to suffer from poor soil structure for years to come.

Green manure on empty land

While some farmers are now planting or planting their last crops, the first land is also available again through the harvest of winter barley, flowers, potatoes or early onions. Now is a good time to plant green manure on these plots, the IRS Beet Institute reports.

According to the IRS, more green manure is suitable for use at this planting time than in the fall. Early planting time means greater nematode reduction when choosing the right green manure. Green manure can also produce a lot of organic matter.