Rape as siderat is the basis for obtaining a high yield

Rapeseed is widely used in agriculture. Curiously, the plant does not occur anywhere in the wild, although it has been known to people for a very long time.

In the scientific world, there is a suggestion that rape originated from the crossing of winter tusk and cabbage. Where this happened is unknown, disputes among botanists regarding the alleged place of origin of rape continue.

This plant from the Cabbage family is used in three main directions: fodder, food and technical. Rape has a developed root system and has the ability to improve the quality and structure of the soil, increase its fertility. Therefore, in the fields and in private farms, rape is often used as a siderate.

Sederal properties of rape

The ability of rape is highly valued to rapidly build up a huge amount of green mass in the cold spring and autumn periods. The biomass of canola, easily decomposed, becomes a valuable digestible fertilizer, which enriches the soil with phosphorus, sulfur, organic, and humus. Bean ciderates it is second only to the content of nitrogen.

Rape, like siderat, can compete with manure in its nutritional capacity. Due to the high content of essential oils, it heals the soil and protects various crops from pests and pathogens. In addition, rape - like siderat - successfully suppresses the growth of weeds, so it is often planted in rows between perennial fruit and berry crops, in particular strawberries. Solid crops promote the binding of nitrates and reduce their leaching into groundwater.

There is a spring and winter form of the plant, which sometimes can pass from one to another. Winter rape is more productive than spring rape, so it is more profitable to cultivate it.

Winter rape

As siderat, the winter form is a precursor to planting vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pepper and others, with the exception of cabbage and other cruciferous, as well as clover. Note that canola can not be sown after these plants. This is due to the fact that they have common diseases and are attacked by the same pests. In addition, rape as siderate can not be used in areas where beetroot is expected to be planted, since it is a spreader of nematodes that affect this root crop. But potatoes and grain crops, he gives a tangible increase in the crop.

The cultivation of winter rape is recommended in areas where medium and heavy soils contain a sufficient amount of humus for this crop. The most suitable are chernozems or fertilized sandy loams and loamy soils with a neutral reaction.

The sowing of winter rapeseed is carried out towards the end of August after harvesting the main crops, but not later, otherwise a part of the shoots may become frozen. Before winter, the plant should reach 25 cm in height and have at least 6-8 leaves. Seedlings appear after 4-5 days. Rapeseed is frost-resistant, light-loving and does not tolerate blackout, loves moisture, but is afraid of overmoistening.

Spring rape

There are quite a few requirements to the technology of winter rape crop cultivation that must be fulfilled in order to fully realize the potential of crop productivity. In this sense, rape seed is less demanding.

Siderat is sown beginning in late March. However, the planting period in spring should be chosen so that the shoots do not freeze during a sharp cooling. If there is sufficient moisture in the soil, rape can be sown several times during the summer, this contributes to the rational use of the green mass and the lengthening of the duration of the green conveyor.

Within a month and a half rapeseed grows to 30 cm and blooms, after which it is mowed, and the ground is processed. After that, the crop is repeated. Using rape as a siderat, it is necessary to observe a crop rotation - to alternate crop with other plants-siderates. To its former place it can be returned no earlier than in 4 years.

Rape crop areas are increasing year by year. This is due to the high profitability and economic benefits of culture.