Since October this year, the NVWA has conducted numerous inspections on the cultivation of catch crops after maize. The inspections show good compliance; on many plots, catch crops were clearly present. In the coming period, the NVWA will actively monitor plots where catch crops were not clearly present during the first inspection. Additionally, the NVWA remains alert during regular monitoring activities for the presence of catch crops throughout the mandatory cultivation period.
After harvesting maize on sandy and loess soils, a catch crop must be cultivated. This is because there is a high risk of nitrogen leaching. Without catch crops, much nitrogen remains in the soil, which can have adverse environmental effects. For the cultivation of catch crops, final sowing dates have been established, ensuring the catch crops receive enough warmth and sunlight in autumn to develop. This helps better prevent nitrogen leaching.
3 ways to sow catch crops
There are three ways to sow catch crops after maize:
- By undersowing. You then cultivate the catch crop between the rows of maize. This allows the roots of the crop to penetrate the soil;
- By sowing a catch crop immediately after harvesting the maize;
- By cultivating winter grain after harvesting silage maize. This is used as the main crop in the following year.
Inspections
The NVWA inspects the cultivation of catch crops in various ways. During inspections, it is determined whether catch crops are present on the plots where they should be. If catch crops are clearly present, the plot is approved. If it is clear that no catch crops are present, a report is issued to the respective farmer (user of the plot).
More information about catch crops can be found on the RVO website.
