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Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science

Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science. Catch Crops. CATCH CROPS “Any crop that is grown between 2 main crops is called a catch crop.”. Cabbages, Kale, Rape, Grasses, Cereals and Stubble Turnips have used from time to time as catch crops.

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Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science

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  1. Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science Catch Crops

  2. CATCH CROPS“Any crop that is grown between 2 main crops is called a catch crop.” • Cabbages, Kale, Rape, Grasses, Cereals and Stubble Turnips have used from time to time as catch crops. • In Ireland, rape, kale and stubble turnips are the ones most commonly used.

  3. Advantages of Catch Crops are • An additional crop is grown on land that would be left idle. • The grazing season is extended as a fresh green crop is produced outside the normal growing season. • Better control of weeds. • Better use of nutrients in the soil.

  4. Advantages of Catch Crops are • Adds organic matter to the soil. • Protects soil structure against heavy rain. • Conserves leachable minerals. • Sometimes can add Minerals to the soil e.g. Legume add N. • Conserves soil moisture. • Examples of catch crops are: Italian Rye Grass, Kale, Fodder rape, Vetches.

  5. Rape & Kale • Are members of the Brassica’s • Best sown in July/August in light free draining soil. • Fine seed bed is essential. • Seed sown by precision drill/broadcast. • Roll after sowing to maintain moisture. • Application of fertiliser needed for best results (be careful not to lodge the crop)

  6. Rape & Kale • Capable of quick growth and good yields of herbage. • Best used by December. • Sugar Beet cannot be grown in the same field for 2 years afterwards. • Leave at least 3 years between Brassica crops to avoid problems of “Club Root”.

  7. Rape

  8. Kale

  9. Kale & Rape • Kale & Rape are generally grazed “in situ” by cattle & sheep. • The intake of rape and kale by cattle should be restricted to avoid problems with nutritional red water, iodine and phosphorus deficiency.

  10. Stubble Turnips • Also known as fodder turnips. • Sown Late July to mid August. • Usually sown into standing crop that is due to be harvested early. • Need plenty of fertiliser. • Fast growing and provide quick supply of fresh fodder. • Generally grazed “in situ” by sheep.

  11. Italian Rye Grass • Sown July/August and needs to be grazed before the autumn sets in. • Sowing Italian Ryegrass in September produces a higher yield in spring if they are not grazed in the autumn. • Has the ability to grow rapidly. • Recovers quickly to give several grazings. • Has an added advantage over other catch crops in that is can be carried on through the following season to give a one year ley.

  12. How Catch Crops are being used Example 1 Example 2

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