Sowing winter rapeseed – everything you need to know
Sowing winter rapeseed requires care, because mistakes made in autumn cannot be corrected in spring. The main agrotechnical goal is development of a root collar with a diameter of 8-10 mm and rosettes with 8-12 leaves before the first frosts arrive.
In addition to proper tillage, it is crucial biological soil preparation and securing moisture in the seed germination zone.
When is the optimal sowing of winter rapeseed?
Optimal sowing of winter rapeseed in Poland falls in the second half of August. Sowing during this period guarantees proper development of the root system and frost resistance.
Delaying sowing weakens root development, while too early sowing leads to overgrowth of the rosette and dangerous elevation of the apical bud above the soil surface.
Sowing rapeseed: how much per hectare and at what depth to sow?
The optimal sowing depth for winter rapeseed is 1,5-2 cm, and the sowing rate is 40-60 seeds/m² (approx. 2,0-3,5 kg/ha). The exact parameters should be adjusted to the type of variety and the soil moisture level.
Key sowing parameters:
- Sowing depth: 1,5-2 cm on moist soils; maximum 2,5 cm in drought conditions (with mandatory post-sowing rolling).
- Plant population: 40-50 pcs/m² for hybrid varieties and 50-60 pcs/m² for population varieties.
Which fertiliser should I choose for sowing rapeseed?
For sowing winter rapeseed you should choose fertiliser providing easily available phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and sulphur, combined with highly reactive organic matter. Traditional mineral fertilisers crystallize in the substrate under drought conditions, which leads to sorption blockage and physiological drought.
A combination of minerals and humic acids optimizes the pH in the rhizosphere zone and protects the elements against leaching. As a result, young seedlings build a deep root system and maintain growth dynamics even in the presence of water deficit.
Plonagro organic-mineral fertiliser for root development
Organic-mineral fertiliser Plonagro stimulates the development of the root system thanks to the content of organic matter and humic acids. One ton of the preparation provides the soil with over 200 kg pure humic acids, calcium and magnesium, raising the reaction in the root zone to pH 10.
High Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) rebuilds the lumpy structure of the earth and retains NPK ingredients before washing deep into the profile. Pre-sowing application of Plonagro allows you to reduce the doses of mineral fertilisers by up to 75%, guaranteeing even emergence on mosaics.
Humus Agro liquid fertiliser as a biological soil shield
Humus Agro fertiliser creates a biological shield of the soil by introducing beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and humic acids into the rhizosphere. Soil spraying increases the absorbent surface of roots and limits water evaporation during rainless periods.
The preparation acts as a biological retention sponge in the soil, protecting germinating seeds against physiological drought and salinity caused by synthetic fertilisers. Thanks to this, rapeseed develops a strong root system without autumn vegetation stagnation.
Give your rapeseed a perfect start with Agrizaz
Sowing in the optimal agrotechnical window and biological preparation of the site include the easiest way to strongly branch rapeseed. Pre-sowing organic-mineral solutions Agrizaz effectively protect young seedlings against autumn drought and significantly reduce expenses on NPK fertilisation. Regeneration of the lumpy soil structure permanently increases the soil’s fertility, resulting in high and stable yields.
Optimize fertilisation costs on your farm. Visit the website https://www.agrizaz.pl/ and contact our agrotechnical advisor.
