Forage Kale

Why Grow Forage Kale?

Low cost option for finishing lambs
Buffer feed for dairy cows during dry summers
Flexible utilisation period
Excellent crude protein content
High yields and economical to grow
Outwintering systems
Highly rated game cover crop

Soil Type and Site Selection

Kale grows best on a medium loam soil with a pH of around 6.5. It needs a well drained soil which is not compacted. If you have to grow kale on heavy soil remember strip grazing may be difficult during very wet periods.

Seed Bed

A firm, fine and level seedbed is required and this needs to be achieved with minimum moisture loss, especially on dry soils.

Sowing

Sow mid April – mid July. Broadcast at 2kg per acre or drill at 1-2kg per acre (2.5-5kg per ha).

The target is 70 plants per sq m. Good establishment and timely sowing usually give the best results.

Fertilizer

Kale is a fast growing crop which will thrive when provided with plenty of organic material like slurry or FYM. Apply P & K fertilizer to seedbed. The N may be split between the seedbed and a top dressing once the crop reaches 15-16cm.

SNS Index	0	1	2	3	4	5	6
Nitrogen (N)	130kg/ha	120	110	90	60	0-40	0
Phosphate (P2O5)	110	80	50	0	0	0	0
Potash (K2O)	260	280	200(-2) 170(+2)	130	0	0	0

Data source DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209)

16/03/2022 | View: 661 | Categories: Tuckers Seeds

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