Main CATALOGUE. Cover Cropping. A guide to varieties, blends and their benefits 2017/2018 FURTHER INFORMATION:

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1 Main CATALOGUE Cover Cropping A guide to varieties, blends and their benefits 2017/2018 FURTHER INFORMATION: 1

2 Cover crops from the experts In northern Schleswig-Holstein P. H. PETERSEN is developing cover crops, cereals, legumes and special varieties as well as seed blends in the highest seed qualities. With the registration of the world first nematode-resistant variety, P. H. PETERSEN redefined a completely new application area for cover crops. Since then, the company is the market leader in Europe and stands for innovative products. contact with research institutes, specialist consultants and forward-thinking farmers ensures the efficiency and currentness of the variety developments and practically applicable solutions. Today, the P. H. PETERSEN breeding facility includes around 50 ha of breeding nursery, performance tests and reproduction of pre basic crops. Climate-regulated greenhouses are available throughout the year for resistance tests and breeding trials. Samples are processed and tested in our own in-laboratory. The storage and processing plants in Lundsgaard, Schleswig-Holstein and Sárbogárd, Hungary, with over sqm, use state-of-the-art cleaning and processing facilities and efficient packaging systems. Dedicated staff bring their experience in top quality seed into every working area. The products are successfully marketed in Germany and Europe in collaboration with SAATEN-UNION GmbH, the long-term partner of P. H. PETERSEN Saatzucht Lundsgaard GmbH. Today the wide-ranging family business is in the third generation and run by Mr. Matz Petersen. P. H. Petersen Saatzucht Lundsgaard GmbH Streichmühler Str. 8 a Grundhof Tel.: Fax:

3 Content Good reasons for the use of cover crops from page 4 Cover crops for your crop rotation from page 6 Sowing and use of cover crop varieties page 30 Sowing and use of viterra cover crop blends page 36 Consultation and service page 52 Resistance against nematodes from page 8 Nematode resistant oil radish page 10 Nematode resistant white mustard page 12 Multi-resistant oil radish page 14 Specialists for potato crop rotations from page 16 Oil radish against corky ring spot page 17 Saia oat against Pratylenchus spp. page 18 Soil fertility from page 19 Green manure, mulch sowing page 20 Water protection and fodder page 22 Biomass and erosion protection page 24 Variety of cover crops from page 26 Seed in extra-quality page 28 Organic cover crops page 29 Ecological focus areas (EFA) and agri-environment measures page 32 SortenGreening cover crop blends page 34 viterra cover crop blends from page 36 Soil fertility mixtures page 38 Biomass mixtures page 42 Special mixtures page 45 Organic mixtures page 48 Recommendations for cover crop cultivation page 50 Breeding is the future page 51 Seed in extra-quality Continuous quality controls during production and processing guarantee that only seeds exceeding the legal standard are distributed. 3

4 Good reasons for the use of cover crops In agriculture, the importance of maintaining and promoting soil fertility is increasingly seen as a success factor for financially viable and sustainable arable farming. Professional cover crop cultivation helps to promote soil health and improves soil structure. Selecting the suitable catch crop depends on the requirements of the main crop. New incentives are set by political and economical aims and demands. Cover crops contribute to the environmentally-friendly implementation of these targets. Advantages of a cover crop Higher yield of organic material as an additional contribution to humus formation Protection of the soil against wind and water erosion Control of soil diseases and nematodes Increased biodiversity Binding of nitrogen and other nutrients through winter and protection against displacement into deep soil layers Activation of antagonists and promotion of the positive soil fauna Effective weed regulation and prevention of troublesome volunteers Improvement in the soil composition and soil structure Late forage for bees and insects Source for fodder and biogas Optimization for mulch and direct seeding processes 4

5 Professional opinions The oil radish SILETTA NOVA before potatoes is the standard for us. The good yields and qualities of the potatoes easily offset the extra costs of the cover crops. Harald Meyer, Farmer Lower Saxony The structurally stable white mustard ACCENT is suitable to achieve the necessary degree of coverage for good erosion protection, especially for late seeding dates. The forage rye PROTECTOR has become an essential component of our crop rotation, which focuses on biomass production. Klaus Kock, Farmer Schleswig-Holstein Franz Unterforsthuber, Marketing consultant Saaten-Union Southern Bavaria I have sown viterra RAPS without any tillage immediately after barley and was surprised at the clean crop without weeds till spring. Felix Wierling, Farmer North Rhine-Westphalia For many of our sugar beet growers there is no getting round the use of resistant mustard and oil radish varieties. Frithjof Pape, Nordzucker AG Lower Saxony The cultivation of cover crops must be an intrinsic part of water protection. It is not uncommon for cover crops to take up 100 kg or more of nitrogen per hectare, which is then protected against leaching. Daniela Biernoth, IGLU Lower Saxony Again and again farmers say tillage for winter wheat after maize is easier if there was a good cover crop before the maize. Achim Schneider, Marketing consultant Saaten-Union Hessen With viterra TRIO the weeds and volunteer cereals can be efficiently suppressed until spring. Andreas Kornmann, Marketing consultant Saaten-Union Swabia 5

6 Our cover crop recommendation IN SUGAR BEET CROP ROTATIONS: Recommended varieties Nematode resistant oil radish from page 10 Level 1 COLONEL, CONTRA, COMET, COSMOS Level 2 ADAGIO, DACAPO, Defender, and more Nematode resistant white mustard from page 12 ACCENT, MASTER, Profi, Luna and more Nematode neutral Saia oat PRATEX page 18 IN POTATO CROP ROTATIONS: Recommended varieties Multi resistant oil radish page 14 Defender, CONTRA, control Oil radish against corky ring spot page 17 SILETTA NOVA, BENTO Oil radish SILETINA, LUNETTA page 21 Saia oat Pratex page 18 Sticky nightshade White Star page 16 Phacelia ANGELIA page 20 Recommended mixtures Nematode resistant viterra cover crop blends page 36 viterra RÜBE SortenGreening page 34 Colonel with linseed, Compass with linseed, DEFENDER with linseed, accent with Berseem clover Recommended mixtures viterra cover crop blends from page 36 viterra INTENSIV, viterra MULCH SortenGreening from page 34 DEFENDER with linseed, Colonel with linseed, Siletta Nova with linseed, PRATEX with linseed Nematode neutral viterra cover crop blends from page 36 viterra Mulch, viterra Universal, viterra Bodengare, viterra TRIO, viterra Raps SortenGreening from page 34 PRATEX with phacelia, PRATEX with linseed 6

7 for your crop rotations IN OILSEED RAPE AND CEREAL CROP ROTATIONS: Recommended varieties Phacelia ANGELIA page 20 Saia oat PRATEX page 18 Ryegrass ALISCA, DIPLOMAT page 25 Rye page 24 OVID, MATADOR, PROTECTOR, GENERATOR Recommended mixtures viterra cover crop blends from page 36 viterra Universal, viterra Bodengare, viterra Raps, viterra Universal Winter SortenGreening from page 34 PRATEX with phacelia, PRATEX with linseed In wide oilseed rape crop rotations (25 % or less) viterra cover crop blends from page 36 viterra INTENSIV, viterra MULCH, viterra TRIO, viterra MAIS IN MAIZE CROP ROTATIONS: Recommended varieties White mustard page 21 ALBATROS, BONUS, COVER Oil radish SILETINA, LUNETTA page 21 Forage rape page 23 EMERALD, FONTAN, PRESTIGE, JUMBO Winter turnip rape JUPITER page 23 Phacelia ANGELIA page 20 Saia oat PRATEX page 18 Ryegrass ALISCA, DIPLOMAT page 25 Rye page 24 OVID, MATADOR, PROTECTOR, GENERATOR Recommended mixtures viterra cover crop blends from page 36 viterra MAIS, viterra Schnellgrün, viterra Universal Winter, viterra Bodengare, viterra Mulch and more SortenGreening from page 34 PRATEX with phacelia, PRATEX with linseed SortenGreening from page 34 DEFENDER with linseed, COMPASS with linseed, COLONEL with linseed, SILETTA NOVA with linseed 7

8 Reducing beet cyst nematodes Beet cyst nematodes (Heterodera schachtii) are still the most economically important pest of sugar beets. Therefore, fighting the nematode in affected areas must have high priority. Particularly in short sugar beet crop rotations, resistant cover crops help to keep the nematodes below the damaging threshold and create optimum growth conditions. Also by growing tolerant or resitant sugar beets, resistant cover crops not only reduce the nematode population but also support sustainable beet and sugar yields and thus the profitability of beet cultivation. Effect of cover crops in sugar beet crop rotations BZE rel ,5 without BZG percentage , ,4 17,5 18, ,2 17,0 17,0 16,8 16,8 16,6 16,6 16,4 oil radish phacelia mustard mustard late Yield rel. 100 = 9,2 t/ha, GD 5 % = 8,8 BZE rel. BZG (sugar content) percentage BZE - adjusted beet yield, BZG -content, Köchingen, Lower Saxony Source: dlz agrarmagazin, June

9 Biological nematode control Resistant oil radish and white mustard activate the hatching of the larvae and their migration to the roots. However, in contrast to the host plants, in resistant plants the formation of the nurse cell system is restricted. The nematode cannot feed itself sufficiently and the majority of the hatchlings die prematurely. As the females require around 40-times more nutrition during their development than the males, the sex-ratio becomes skewed in resistant plants to 100 (to 1000) males to 1 female. The lack of females leads in turn to population decline. Root excretions of the host plant stimulate the hatching of larvae from the cyst Brown cysts on the root are visible with a new generation of beet nematodes The following criteria are crucial for the greatest success in nematode control: Timely sowing of the resistant cover crop allows exploitation of the warm soil conditions, which encourage the cyst nematodes to hatch. With the help of their mouth sting the larvae penetrate into the root here Females break with their abdomen the root bark Careful tillage, which allows the roots of the resistant cover crops to penetrate the largest soil volume as quickly as possible. The larvae only have a limited radius of movement, so that the plant root closest to the cysts must grow to stimulate hatching of the nematode larvae. Nesting in the root and production of a nutritive cell tissue Oil radish and white mustard stop the nematode cycle Sufficient food allows the development of males and females Sufficient plant density of at least 160 resistant oil radish or white mustard plants per square metre. Cover crop blends without this planting density can not guarantee a reduction. Resistant cover cops are classified according to their reproduction rate (Population final / Population initial ). Here, resistance level 1 represents a reduction of over 90 % (reproduction rate <0.1). Plants that can act as a host plant for the nematodes increase the nematode numbers around 4-times in the same time period. Among the plants that are not host plants (neutral plants, e.g. Phacelia), the nematode population decreases annually by around 30 per cent. The cysts of the beet nematodes are able to survive in the soil for more than 10 years. Even after cultivation of resistant cover crops for over 30 years, no resistance-breaking nematodes have developed, even in stress situations. 9

10 Nematode resistant oil radish VARIETY RECOMMENDATION COLONEL NEMATODE CONTROL AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Highest resistance to beet cyst nematodes, over 90 % nematode reduction in official tests COLONEL effectively fights high nematode densities to below the damaging threshold and can even reduce a low infestation further The healthy and rapid initial development ensures thick leaf coverage and effective weed suppression, even at late sowing times The characteristic change from the vegetative to the generative growth phase increases the frost susceptibility COMPASS THE EASILY FROZEN-OFF OIL RADISH High resistance to beet cyst nematodes in the upper region of resistance level 2+ Freezes off more easily and faster than traditional oil radish varieties Soil warms up quickly due to the low mulch layer in spring allowing early sowing of sugar beet and maize No additional work and costs for processing, perfect for mulch and direct sowing of the follow-on crop COMPASS COLONEL DEFENDER PEGLETTA CONTRA COMMODORE 0 Sensitivity to frost Excerpt from trials of the ITB in Marchais (02) 2010 / Because of the low winter hardiness of COMPASS, a very high percentage of the plants freeze off in winter. The remaining plants can be killed cost-effectively and in both a soil-friendly and environmentally-friendly manner by rolling the crop on the frozen soil. A clean crop in spring created by good weed suppression % dead plants on 01/12/2010 % dead plants after rolling on 01/12/ Compass before winter Compass after winter 10

11 for healthy sugar beets Criteria for variety selection Nematode resistance, initial growth and flowering tendency are important criteria for variety selection: High nematode resistance = intensive rooting for effective reduction of the nematode population Fast initial development = efficient weed suppression and maintenance of the soil tilth Low flowering tendency = early seeding times Flowering low 3 Nematode resistant oil radish CONTRA COSMOS ADAGIO COMPASS 4 COMET DACAPO DEFENDER CONTROL 5 COLONEL CONCORDE 6 AGRONOM Expert tip: With early seeding times - end of July to early August - late flowering varieties are to be prefered (inclination to flower 3 to 4) because they have a long vegetative phase up to flowering. From the middle of August, the varieties with faster initial development are suitable as they can form a good crop even in decreasing daylength and poorer weather conditions. strong slow - medium Initial development Resistance level 1 to beet cyst nematodes Resistance level 2 to beet cyst nematodes Underlined varieties also fight Meloidogyne chitwoodi fast - very fast Resistant oil radish varieties Resistance level 1 Colonel Comet Cosmos Profile Nematode control at the highest level Best performance against beet cyst nematodes Late and highest resistance level Resistance level 2 Adagio Agronom Compass Profile Top variety for reliable nematode control The faster starter The easily frozen-off oil radish Also the multi-resistant oil radish varieties DEFENDER, CONTRA and CONTROL (page 15) are resistant to beet cyst nematodes. For active biological nematode control Concorde Dacapo Promotes the yield and the quality of the beets For active biological nematode control 11

12 Nematode resistant white mustard Ensure your cultivation success with the appropriate variety The sowing period for white mustard starts later than that of oil radish. As the flowering tendency of white mustard reacts more strongly under long day conditions, when sowing early it is especially important to cultivate varieties with a lower flowering tendency. Thus, LUCIDA begins flowering on average three weeks after the onset of flowering of LUNA. This allows more time for root development and so a greater success for controlling beet cyst nematodes. For later sowing times in mid September, good and rapid initial development is the most important selection criteria. Here, varieties such as ACCENT, LUNA or MASTER are particularly suitable. A new dimension in initial development was achieved with the new registered varieties MASTER and SCOUT. Flowering low strong Nematode resistant White mustard 2 LUCIDA 3 ATHLET LOTUS PROFI GAUDI 4 VETO ACCENT 5 LUNA 6 Initial developement Resistance level 2 against beet cyst nematodes MASTER SCOUT slow - medium fast - very fast 12

13 VARIETY RECOMMENDATION ACCENT FIELD-TESTED HIGH CONTROL LEVEL Up to 90 % nematode reduction in official tests - Resistance level 2 Quick and easy sowing, rapid and even soil coverage Excellent erosion protection with nutrient preservation over winter Guaranteed freezing off and easy processing ensure trouble-free mulch sowing Recommendation late FLOWERING Recommendation fast DEVELOPMENT PROFI MASTER PROFESSIONAL NEMATODE CONTROL Good control of beet cyst nematodes in the upper region of resistance level 2 Fast shading of the soil for weed control and the creation of good soil quality Late flowering allows long vegetative development and long-lasting hatching stimulation Very good nutrient preservation during winter for reduced losses through leaching RAPID START - STRONG DELAY IN FLOWERING Especially fast initial development - highest level in the Federal Plant Variety Office Resistance level 2 in official tests Good crops can still be achieved even with sowing dates up to mid September Weeds are suppressed and in sufficiently cold winters no herbicide is required in spring Resistant white mustard varieties Late flowering Profile Fast development Profile ATHLET Good resistance, very late flowering ACCENT Control level field - tested high GAUDI Perfect for sugar beets LUNA Reliable quality white mustard LOTUS Late flowering with very good suitability for direct sowing MASTER Rapid start - strong delay in flowering LUCIDA Latest flowering white mustard SCOUT Enormous seeding flexibility: fast and late PROFI VETO Professional nematode control Fast growing for good nutrient preservation For more detailed varieties descriptions and other varieties see or 13

14 Multi-resistant oil radish Besides beet cyst nematodes, other nematodes are also increasingly becoming a problem for the main crops. Crop rotations with a high proportion of root crops and vegetable cultivation on light soils are particularly affected. In addition to beet root nematode, multi-resistant oil radishes also reduce other nematodes and have been tested for their controlling effect against many crop rotation diseases. High levels of organic substances serve as a nutritional basis for beneficial soil organisms. The intensive root penetration of the soil improves the soil structure and the air and water balance. Microbial processes promoting soil health are encouraged. Against nematodes Beet cyst nematodes Over 90 % reduction of Heterodera schachtii possible Control of Heterodera betae No incentive for development of of resistancebreaking nematodes Control even in deep soil layers Root-knot nematodes Resistance to Meloidogyne chitwoodi officially tested Inhibits the development of M. fallax For crop rotations with potatoes, vegetables and flower bulbs Southern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica are effectively reduced In greenhouse culture and in peppers, tomatoes and pumpkins. Stem and bulb eelworm No multiplication of Ditylenchus dipsaci as cover crop In beets, vegetable and flower bulb crop rotations Northern root-knot nematode Efficient control of Meloidogyne hapla For ecological crop rotations with a high proportion of clover and carrot cultivation Also protects potatoes and sugar beets Source: Dr. C. Hesselbarth Lesion nematodes Poor host plant for Pratylenchus nematodes For crop rotations with potatoes, oilseed rape, cereals, vegetables and flower bulbs 14

15 VARIETY RECOMMENDATION DEFENDER TOP VARIETY FOR VEGETABLE AND ARABLE FARMING Interrupts the disease cycle in vegetable, potato, sugar beet and cereal crop rotations Up to 90 % reduction of beet cyst nematodes (Resistance level 2+) No multiplication of stem and bulb eelworm Efficient reduction of root-knot nematodes and freeliving nematodes Reduces corky ring spot in potatoes Strong initial development and fast soil coverage for efficient weed suppression Deep reaching, finely branched root system improves the soil structure Leafy habitus provides a large amount of organic substance for stabilising the humus balance and encouraging beneficial soil organisms CONTRA CONTROL FOR THE HIGHEST RESISTANCE DEMANDS Officially tested resistance to Meloidogyne chitwoodi and resistance level 1 in the control of beet cyst nematodes Control of Meloidogyne fallax and Meloidogyne hapla (Northern root-knot nematodes) REDUCES MAIZE ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES In official tests, up to 90 % reduction of beet cyst nematodes (resistance level 2+) and effective reduction of maize root-knot nematodes Effective suppression of potential host plants of diseases and nematodes Against diseases Corky ring spot Reduces corky ring spot (Tobacco Rattle Virus) in potatoes Suppresses free-living Trichodorus nematodes that transmit the virus Counteracts weed infestation through fast soil coverage Rhizoctonia reduction of yield and quality losses caused by Rhizoctonia in - potatoes dry core and black scurf - beets late root and crown rot - salad, cabbage and species such as maize, grass, beans and flower bulbs supports soil structure and aeration, enhances soil capacity (water, nutrients) and development of biological antagonists Pythium Reduction of damage caused by Pythium fungus In crop rotations with peas, potatoes and flower bulbs Club root No build up of the club root pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae in the cover crop when cultivated in crop rotations with oilseed rape and cabbage Cereal crop rotation diseases Good breaking of the disease cycles in cereal crop rotations (e.g. take-all) 15

16 Specialists for potato crop rotations Sticky nightshade against potato cyst nematodes Potato cyst nematodes represent a serious threat in intensive potato cultivation and lead to large economic damage. WHITE STAR Resistant to Globodera rostochiensis (pathotypes 1 to 4) and Globodera pallida (pathotypes 2 and 3). Belongs to the family Solanaceaen (nightshade plants) Root excretions stimulate the larvae to hatch - the hatched larvae are not able to develop and thus they die Sowing mid May to mid July Diamond To control potato cyst nematodes 16

17 Oil radish against corky ring spot Oil radish is an excellent cover crop in potato cultivation, as it positively influences the soil structure and humus balance. The free-living Trichodorus nematodes can transmit the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) through their stylets, causing corky ring spot in potatoes. Some oil radish varieties reduce corky ring spot in potatoes when planted as a preceding crop to potatoes by interrupting the transmission of the virus by the nematodes. Corky ring spot % Influence of green manure on corky ring spot in potatoes 0 Oil radish Lupin Wi-Beets Oilseed rape Fallow White mustard ø results 3 varieties 2 sites Source: Der Kartoffelbau BENTO Reduces corky ring spot Pronounced vegetative growth Also the multi-resistant oil radish varieties DEFENDER and CONTRA and the nematode resistant oil radish COLONEL reduce corky ring spot in potatoes. VARIETY RECOMMENDATION SILETTA NOVA REDUCES CORKY RING SPOT IN POTATOES Reliable and proven for quality potatoes SILETTA NOVA reduces the risk of virus transmission by Trichodorus nematodes The fast and especially leafy soil shading supresses weeds in which the virus could multiply The organic matter boosts the beneficial organisms in the soil, retains nutrients in the topsoil and provides valuable humus The deep-reaching root system creates the perfect soil conditions and loosens compacted soil SILETTA NOVA contributes to ensuring sustainable and long-term potato yields 17

18 Saia oat against Pratylenchus Because of its modesty saia oat / bristle oat (Avena strigosa) is a frequently used cover crop. Cultivated for nematode reduction, for erosion protection, for biomass production or in a cover crop mix, it covers a wide range of application areas. Particularly in light soils, the damage caused by Pratylenchus can lead to considerable quality and yield losses. Not only do the nematodes themselves damage the plants, but they also enable fungi such as Fusarium and Verticillium easy access to the plants through the multiple piercings of the plant roots. Its large circle of host plants includs both cultivated plants and weeds makes control even more difficult. Uses for saia oat 1. Nematode reduction (proven for variety PRATEX) Control of migratory root nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans) without multiplication of Trichodorus species especially important in sandy and light soils for potato and vegetable production 2. Erosion protection As erosion protection in autumn sowing very fast and leafy development with good weed suppression (allelopathy). Guaranteed freezing off and therefore perfect preconditions for mulch and direct sowing of the following crop 3. Biomass production For the production of biomass also for the soil, as silage or fresh fodder and for biogas. 4. Cover crop blends Universal usable in cover crop blends with good suitability of combination. VARIETY RECOMMENDATION PRATEX CONTROL OF Pratylenchus penetrans Controls migratory root nematodes Pratylenchus penetrans without causing multiplication of Trichodorus species Can be cultivated with a simple sowing technique and as a cover crop without forgoing of the main crop. Has extremely fast initial development and good competitive strength against weeds which can be potential multiplier of Pratylenchus. High organic mass production, intensive root penetration of the soil Guaranteed freezing-off of the cover crop 18

19 Promotion of soil fertility Make your soil healthy A fertile soil is the key with an increasing importance for sustainable agriculture. Through the increased sealing of fertile arable land it is becoming more and more difficult to maintain a guaranteed supply of sustainably produced food for the population. Fertile soil is becoming an increasingly scarce and valuable commodity, which must reliably deliver high yields. Breaking up compacted soil and stabilisation of the soil structure by the roots of the cover crops help to rehabilitate soils with structure-damage. To do this, deep rooting varieties with tap roots, such as oil radish or oil flax are particularly suitable. Flat and intensive rooting varieties, such as saia oat, on the other hand, ensure a stable crumb structure in the topsoil and good soil tilth. Besides the earthworm, known as an important soil processor, there are primarily fungi and bacteria, which promote soil vitality and must also be sustained. High resistance to environmental influences as well as high regeneration ability of the soil can only be achieved if the physical, chemical and biological soil properties are balanced. Healthy soils are the prerequisite for healthy crops. Through the reduction of soil erosion and nutrient leaching, the increase in the humus content, the soil life and soil fertility, the cultivation of cover crops contributes enormously to the protection of the soil and secures the economic basis for future generations. The organic substance and root secretions of the cover crops serve as the basic nutrition for the soil life. 19

20 Green manure and mulch sowing Phacelia As neutral plants for beet cyst nematodes and club root, phacelia is one of the cover crops suitable for beet crop rotations in combination with oilseed rape. In all the crop rotations, the undemanding nature of phacelia, above all its drought tolerance, is convincing. As a popular bee plant, it enhances the image of the landscape in flowering blends or as a pure culture. AMERIGO Dense growth Drought-tolerant VARIETY RECOMMENDATION ANGELIA STRIKING AND ATTRACTIVE FLOWERS Yield-rich honey plants, can be used for targeted closure of forage gaps Leaves in spring an easy to work and dark finestemmed mulch layer promoted by soil warming Additional organic substance stabilises the humus content Unlocks organically-bound phosphorus Linseed The traditional plant for oil extraction is also exceptionally well-suited as a cover crop. JULIET Uncomplicated and reliable cover crop ZOLTAN Undemanding with fine, but deep-reaching tap roots 20

21 White mustard for greening White mustard is an undemanding greening plant, which provides fast soil coverage and can be sown up to the end of September (e.g. white mustard ALBATROS). BONUS Fast, strong initial development with very late flowers late sowing possible Other advantages are its drought tolerance and its guaranteed freezing-off, which create ideal mulch sowing conditions for maize. Late flowering varieties such as COVER or BONUS are especially suitable for agricultural blends with other species. COVER and healthy initial development allows flexible sowing period VARIETY RECOMMENDATION ALBATROS THE CLASSIC AMONG QUALITY VARIETIES Fast, strong initial development even when sown late Valuable aerial green matter and intensive, deepreaching roots form a stable and humus-rich soil structure Guaranteed freezing-off in winter - plant remains ensure good erosion protection The nutrients preserved in the organic matter are protected against leaching in winter and are available again in summer Field-tested for trouble-free mulch sowing, especially in maize crop rotations Oil radish for green manure As a deep rooting cover crop with fast soil coverage, oil radish can be sown from the start of September. Oil radish shades the soil for a long time and in doing so ensures good soil quality and weed suppression. SILETINA Biologically highly effective green fertilisation Reliable and easy to cultivate - even when sown late and at unfavourable soil conditions Especially fast initial development for effective weed suppression The abundantly organic matter supports humus formation and promotes the positive microorganisms in the soil. LUNETTA Promotes soil structure and activates the soil life Leafy initial development with fast soil shading promotes the valuable soil quality High competitive strength against weeds 21

22 Water protection and fodder Preventing early displacement Nitrogen is an essential nutritional element for plants and plays an important role in todays agriculture. Nitrogen enters the soil via mineral and organic fertilisers or the binding of atmospheric nitrogen. The nitrate (NO 3 -) that is very mobile in the soil can easily be taken up by the plants, however under unfavourable conditions it can also be easily leached. Large amounts of nitrate from fertilisation or mineralisation of organic substances, weakly absorbent soils and high levels of precipitation favour movement into the deeper soil strata and the ground water. The leaching losses are much higher in uncultivated areas during the winter months than in summer due to the higher precipitation levels. Once the nitrate has penetrated the deeper soil layers it can no longer be reached by many plants. Besides transport via seeping water, nutrients can also enter the surface waters through erosion. Here, the level of precipitation and the relief as well as the infiltration capacity and structural stability of the soils play a crucial role. The solution cover crop cultivation Cover crops use the free nutrient for biomass formation and with good root penetration encourage the structural stability and water retention of the soil. The organic matter and shade prevent erosion and promote the biological activity of the soil. The different root forms in viterra cover crop blends intensively cover the soil volume and ensure good nutrient uptake. Nitrogen and other water-soluble nutrients are thereby efficiently protected against leaching up until spring. Through the high biological activity of the soil they are available again to the subsequent crop in mineralised form. High growth cover crops are particularly suitable for water protection with their intensive root system and a degree of resistance to cold temperatures. 22

23 Forage rape Forage rape is a tasty winter fodder for cattle. It offers very good green matter and dry matter yields with high protein content. As green manure, the organic matter helps humus formation and promotes optimal soil quality The high nutrients binding capacity makes both the Winter forage rape EMERALD Tasty, high fodder value Effective green manure PRESTIGE 00 Fast-growing and leafy Early and late sowing compatible winter and summer forage rape an excellent water protection species. The network of fine roots covers large areas of soil, stabilises the soil structure and promotes air exchange in the soil. Summer forage rape JUMBO 00 Favourable leaf-/stem relation Relatively good frost resistance Good lodging resistance FONTAN 00 Early fodder reserve High quality protein fodder Fast soil coverage as erosion protection Winter turnip rape As winter-hardy green manure for erosion protection and nitrate binding with intensive rooting and high potential for nitrate return to the subsequent crop. Can be cut as well as grazed-off for fodder. JUPITER Green fodder as well as fresh fodder Suitable for late sowing to mid September When sown early, first use after 6-8 weeks possible High nutrient uptake capacity Effective water protection measures N-min content (kg/ha) in soil layers 0-90 cm Nitrogen storage and release Comparison oil radish and winter turnip August before sowing Source: Richter, Oil radish November before winter Winter turnip April before maize sowing Mai maize sowing Mai/June 6 leaf stage maize June/July ear emergence 23

24 Biomass and erosion protection Forage rye Short crop rotations with high shares of maize in the last years have caused a drop of the humus content and with it reduced yield stability of our soils. Innovative farmers already realised some years ago that they could use forage rye as a supplement for biomass crop rotations. Forage rye is suitable for fodder and biogas use. It tillers well and in spring quickly begins to form biomass, so that it can be harvested in good time before the maize. The intensive rooting supports the stabilisation of the humus balace. VARIETY RECOMMENDATION PROTECTOR LEADING FORAGE RYE Long term on top position in the German evaluation test Suitable for biomass and as fodder with beneficial time/performance factor Dual use: for livestock and biogas Distinctive winter growth, excellent erosion protection Very good late sowing capacity: to end October PROTECTOR Top forage rye Yield performance of winter rye varieties in cover crop cultivation Mass formation at the start for greening after maize Source: from data of the Descriptive Variety List 2016 Dry matter yield Sellino Borfuro Wiandi Vitallo Bernburger Futterroggen PROTECTOR Turbogreen Speedogreen 24

25 Forage rye GENERATOR Population rye with large amounts of biomass for winter and early whole plant silage harvest from beginning of May to mid June Population rye MATADOR Erosion protection with good late sowing compatibility Ideal as an winter cover crop following maize and before maize Efficient water protection measure Spring rye OVID Robust population rye Use as a main crop for cereal production or as second crop for whole plant silage Annual ryegrass As a fast growing cover crop after cereal harvest, luscious crops already form 6-8 weeks after harvest. It can be used as fresh fodder or ensilaged and used for biogas plants. The dense roots provide additional organic matter for improving the humus content and stabilisation of the soil composition. ALISCA tetraploid Medium late - high flexibility in the harvest date High yield and healthy DIPLOMAT diploid Early and fast Upright growth for unproblematic cutting 25

26 Variety of cover crops Tillage radish This variety was bred specifically with the aim of having a cover crop with a particularly large radish root. With its large root formation, the oil radish makes itself more space in the upper soil layer. By doing so, it promotes the soil air exchange and increases the infiltration capacity for precipitation. MINER Improves soil structure Binds free-available nitrogen in autumn Simple establishment Well suited as a partner in cover crop blends Indian mustard - brown mustard High amounts of glucosinolates in leaf and seeds predestine this species (Brassica juncea) for use in biofumigation technology to fight soil-bound diseases. Due to its undemanding character and good agricultural properties, Indian mustard is increasingly being used as a classic cover crop in pure culture as well as in blends. ENERGY Fast initial development, medium early flowering High isothiocyanate content TERRAFIT Fast initial development, early onset of flowering Very high active ingredient content Common buckwheat Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a fast growing and reliably freezing-off cover crop. Due to the early flowering and seed ripeness, buckwheat is often used in wild arable blends. As it seeds early and is difficult to control, we do not recommend buckwheat in sugar beet crop rotations. 26

27 Marrow stem kale Marrow stem kale is used for cattle fodder, game cover and winter-hardy cover crop blends. Grüner Angeliter Very high biomass yield with balanced leaf share High vitamin, nutrient and protein content Guaranteed basic fodder until into autumn ANGLIAN GOLD Fodder kale for game cover with pronounced frost hardiness Small seed legumes Clover is often used as a cover crop as it is an undemanding small seed legume. In cover crop blends, the mix components profit from the nitrogen formation by the clover. Clover flowers are attractive sources of nectar for the honey production Persian clover Felix Bee pasture and good root development Berseem clover Otto High value preceding crop- and fodder-value Crimson clover Winter-hardy crimson clover is well suited as component in grass blends for the biomass production. Due to its symbiosis with rhizobia, crimson clover provides additional nitrogen, forms an extensive root system and has an excellent preceding crop effect. Common vetch and winter vetch The strongly branched root system and visually striking flower, which is an important food plant for wild bees turn the common vetch into a valuable partner in cover crop blends that freeze off. Blue bitter lupin As a large seeded legume, the blue lupin introduces additional nitrogen into the crop rotation when cultivated as a cover crop and with its distinct tap root penetrates the deeper soil layers. Winter vetch is mainly found in winter-hardy biomass blends such as viterra LUNDSGAARDER GEMENGE or viterra WICKROGGEN. 27

28 Seed in extra-quality Seed quality Only officially tested base seed is sown Selection of suitable regions and plots Multiplication professional support from the breeder Field inspections by independent inspectors Cleaning Most modern and high-performance cleaning plants Efficient and gentle processing Experienced and trained personnel High performance packaging plant In-house quality management from multiplication to delivery Monitoring and certification Official certification system Organic-certified according to EU regulation No. 834/2007 QCS tested and certified Seed production takes place under constant quality control. Modern cleaning and processing plants, and high-performance packaging systems guarantee that only seeds in extra-quality above the legal standard are distributed. 28

29 Organic cover crops ÖKO SAATGUT Organic seed The demand for ecologically produced foods has grown in recent years. The number of organic farms has grown as well as the demand for suitable varieties with specific characteristics in ecological quality. SAATEN-UNION offers varieties as well as blends in the areas of cover crops and forage production. The purity and germination of the high quality seed exceed the legal standard and are the basis for successful arable farming - and for ecological farming even more so than for conventional farming. In addition to the four viterra organic mixtures (from p. 48), our ecological seed portfolio also contains single crop seeds of the following cultures: Forage rye (e.g. PROTECTOR) Saia oats (e.g. PRATEX) Oil radish (e.g. SILETINA) White mustard (e.g. ACCENT) Phacelia (e.g. ANGELIA) The single crop seeds as well as the organic mixtures from the viterra programme fulfil the requirements of the EC regulation 834/2007 and are tested by the responsible supervision department DE-DH B. Our certificates are available for you to download from or Do you require further varieties in organic quality? Please contact us. 29

30 Sowing and use at a glance Variety sowing dates July Aug Sep fodder use green manuring erosion protection biomass production use in blends sowing density pure seed kg/ha page Oil radish nematode resistant Colonel level 1 * COMET level 1 * COSMOS level 1 * Adagio level 2+ * AGRONOM level 2 * Compass level 2+ * CONCORDE level 2 * Dacapo level 2 * Oil radish multi-resistant Contra level 1 * CONTROL level 2+ * Defender level 2+ * Oil radish Bento SiletTa Nova Siletina LUNETTA White mustard nematode resistant Accent level 2 * ATHLET level 2 * GAUDI level 2 * Lotus level 2 * LUCIDA level 2 * Luna level 2 * MAster level 2 *, SCOUT level 2 * PROFI level 2 *, VETO level 2 * White Mustard Albatros Cover BONUS Tap root forming oil radish Miner 6-8 Persian clover FELIX Berseem clover Otto Crimson clover Fertilisation according local experience * The resistance level refer to resistance to Heterodera schachtii and are defined in Germany according to official tests

31 Variety sowing dates July Aug Sep fodder use green manuring erosion protection biomass production use in blends sowing density pure seed kg/ha page Phacelia nematode-neutral Angelia Amerigo Saia oat Pratex Summer forage rape Jumbo 23 Winter forage rape Emerald Fontan OO PRESTIGE OO Marrow stem kale Grüner Angeliter Anglian Gold Forage rye Protector Generator Spring rye OVID Population rye Matador 25 Winter turnip rape Jupiter 23 Annual ryegrass Alisca tetraploid Diplomat diploid Sticky nightshade White Star DIAMOND Indian mustard Energy Terrafit Linseed Juliet ZOLTAN Buckwheat Common / Winter vetch Blue bitter lupin

32 Ecological focus areas (EFA) and agri-environment measures Since 2015 the direct payments for farmers within Europe are linked with compulsory greening practices. The greening payment includes 30 % of the national subsidies and can be complied with the following three basic practices: 1. Crop diversification 2. Maintenance of permanent grassland 3. Ecological Focus Area (EFA) The EFA has to be established on 5 % of the arable land. The member states decide what action of the basic act can be considered as EFA in the respecitve country. Many countries (e.g. Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland ) enable the compliance of the EFA with growing cover crops. Range of measures for creation of ecological focus area (EFA) Measure Weighting factor fallow land 1,0 Hedges / hedgerows, 2,0 tree rows, ditches Solitary trees, field margins, buffer and 1,5 forest margin strips Cover crop cultivation, undersown crops, short 0,3 rotation fields Cultivation of 0,7 legumes 32

33 Cover crop cultivation in greening For many farms, cover crop cultivation is a suitable measure to fulfil the requirements for ecological focus areas. The requirements in cover crop growing vary between the different countries. According to the country different species are permitted. Also regulations regarding the composition of cover crop blends and regarding sowing dates and other growing measures are different between the countries. P. H. PETERSEN supports you to find the optimal cover crop solution. Cover crop cultivation as an agri-environment measure (AEM) Besides greening, which forms the first pillar of the Common Agriculture Policy, there are also national so-called agri-environmental and climate measures (AECM) that are offer to reach environmental targets. Targets for these voluntary measures are an increase in biodiversity, improvement of the soil structure and reduction of fertiliser and crop protectant introduction into waters. Growing cover crops helps to reach these mentioned targets. Among others, greening of fields over the winter period is encouraged, to help protect the soil from erosion and the groundwater from nitrate leaching. A further measure is the creation of edge and buffer strips, which promote biodiversity and protect groundwater and surface water. Please contact us for choosing the right cover crop for the agri-environment measure in your country or district. 33

34 SortenGreening cover crop blends 2017 SAATEN-UNION has introduced the SortenGreening programme so that you can benefit from the advantages of proven oil radish and white mustard varieties as well as saia oat in cover crop cultivation, also within the framework of greening. The practically oriented two component blends combine oil radish with flax, white mustard with Berseem clover or saia oat PRATEX with phacelia or linseed. By using the small grain components, the positive properties of the main varieties are not affected. The blends in the given combinations, however, still fulfil all requirements for ecological focus areas. SortenGreening blends are not only suitable for professional potato and sugar beet cultivation, but also for all application areas, for which the individual top variety is known for and has proved itself in practice. With the SortenGreening programme, SAATEN-UNION offers a qualified solution for cover crop cultivation on ecological focus areas and thus makes it easy to fulfil the greening requirements for the target-oriented farmer. 34

35 For sugar beets For professional sugar beet growers the varieties COLONEL, COMPASS, DEFENDER and ACCENT are available in two component mixtures. For oilseed rape and cereals The saia oat PRATEX is not a crucifer and is particularly suitable as a fast growing and easily freezing-off cover crop in oil seed rape and cereal crop rotations. For potatoes For potato crop rotations, the multi-resistant oil radish DEFENDER and the specialist for the reduction of the tobacco virus infections SILETTA NOVA are included in the SortenGreening programme. In a variant without crucifera, SortenGreening PRATEX with linseed is suitable. The crop rotation neutral linseed is deep rooting and strongly dominating. It is used in blends with oil radish. Phacelia as an unproblematic cover crop in oilseed rape and cereal crop rotations can also make organicallybound phosphorus available for plants. The small grained and easily freezingoff berseem clover complements white mustard in two component blends. OIL RADISH + LINSEED PRATEX + Phacelia PRATEX + LINSEED WHITE MUSTARD + Berseem CLOVER Main component Oil radish (seed percentage 56 %) DEFENDER (multi-resistant) COLONEL (nematode resistant) COMPASS (nematode resistant) Siletta Nova Main component Saia oat (seed percentage 56 %) PRATEX Main component Saia oat (seed percentage 56 %) PRATEX Main component White mustard (seed percentage 56 %) ACCENT (nematode resistant) Mix partner: Linseed (seed percentage 44 %) Mix partner: Phacelia (seed percentage 44 %) Mix partner: Linseed (seed percentage 44 %) Mix partner: Berseem clover (seed percentage 44 %) Recommended sowing density: kg/ha Recommended sowing density: 25 kg/ha Recommended sowing density: 30 kg/ha Recommended sowing density: 20 kg/ha The proportion by weight of the individual components can vary slightly due to the differences in TGW. 35

36 viterra cover crop blends 2017 Strong varieties. Strong blends. Strong soil. The basis for viterra cover crop blends are varieties with special agronomic characteristics and highest seed quality. With a composition that is optimized for crop rotation and intended usage they maximize the benefits of cover crop cultivation. With viterra cover crop blends, the soil the foundation for healthy high-yield main crops can be actively strengthened. For more information see: 36

37 Our top recommendations in a nutshell Mixture Speciality Suitable for respective crop rotation Cereals Oilseed rape Sugarbeets cultures Sowing rate Mar Apr Sowing dates May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct page Intensiv Health mixture kg/ha 28 MULCH Frost-susceptible blend without clover kg/ha 28 Rübe Professional against nematodes kg/ha 28 Trio Frost-sensitive mixture with clover kg/ha 28 Soil fertility mixtures Mais Schnellgrün Schnellgrün Leguminosenfrei Universal Winter Fast growing mixture without legumes kg/ha 29 Late sowing compatible with clover kg/ha 29 Late sowing compatible without clover kg/ha 35 Crucifer-free, winter-green kg/ha 29 Universal Bodengare RAPS Granopur Crucifer-free, early-growing kg/ha 29 Legume-rich, crucifer-free kg/ha 30 Frost-sensitive mixture without crucifers kg/ha 30 Summer grain blend for whole crop silage usage before winter kg/ha 32 Granoleg Summer grain-legumes blend for whole crop silage usage before winter kg/ha 32 Wickroggen Winter-hardy mixture for wholecrop silage, use in spring kg/ha 33 Biomass mixtures Wickroggen TURBO Lundsgaarder Gemenge Futter Further raise the dry matter yield with hybrid rye kg/ha 33 Winter-hardy, suitable for greening with possible use as fodder kg/ha 32 Grass-clover blend for harvest after winter kg/ha 35 Sommerfutter Grass-clover blend for harvest in first growing year kg/ha 35 Sommerfutter A2 Fodder blend for harvest in first growing year kg/ha 35 Untersaat For sustainable maize cultivation kg/ha 32 Multikulti Flowering mixture kg/ha 34 Special mixtures Multikulti KRUZIFERENFREI Flowering blend without crucifers kg/ha 35 Biofumigation For biofumigation kg/ha 34 Horrido Biennial game cover mixture kg/ha 34 Randstreifen The field verge mixture for green-covering 15 kg/ha 35 Blühzauber The flower meadow not recommended for arable farming 5-7 g/m suitable for appropriate crop rotations ++ particularly suitable and recommended for specific crop rotations 37

38 Soil fertility mixtures viterra soil fertility mixture promote humification and soil fertility. They support root penetration and offer protection against erosion. Nitrogen and other nutrients are bound during the winter and remain available in the top layers close to the roots. They increase main crop quality and yield. All viterra soil fertility mixtures are EFA-compliant in Germany. Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets viterra Intensiv crops INTENSIV Ratio of seeds 56 % saia oat PRATEX 44 % Multiresistant oil radish DEFENDER Sowing period Mid - July to early September Sowing rate kg/ha Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets viterra Mulch crops Mulch Ratio of seeds 55 % Saia oat PRATEX, 45 % Nematode-resistant oil radish COMPASS Sowing period Mid July to early September Sowing rate kg/ha EFA- compliant in Germany the health blend Control of migratory root nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and prevention of corky ringspot in potatoes with multi-resistant oil radish DEFENDER and saia oat PRATEX Fast-growing with intensive weed suppression Abundant organic matter boosts beneficial soil organisms. The cluster root of PRATEX and the taproot of DEFENDER supplement each other by rooting the entire topsoil In water protection trials, viterra INTENSIV was shown to have low Nmin contents before winter EFA- compliant in Germany frost-susceptible blend without clover Blend with easier freezing-off oil radish COMPASS and frost-susceptible Saia oat PRATEX Particularly recommendable for direct drilling and mulch sowing procedures, especially before maize and sugar beet Occurred root tunnels allow quick development of deep roots of maize Activation of beneficial organisms in the soil, loosens and ventilates the soil for ideal maize stocks viterra MULCH absorbs nitrogen during winter and protects it against shifting Saia oat promotes mycorrhizas, that stabilize soil particles, which benefits the subsequent maize 38

39 Soil fertility mixtures Recommendation Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets Trio Ratio of seeds 11 % Nematode-resistant oil radish COMPASS 36 % Berseem clover, 53 % Phacelia ANGELIA Sowing period Early/mid - July to late August Sowing rate kg/ha Recommendation Cereal Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets Sugar beets Mais Ratio of seeds 30 % Oil radish SILETINA, 19 % Saia oat PRA- TEX, 50 % Phacelia ANGELIA, 1 % Sunflower Sowing period Mid - July to late August Sowing rate 25 kg/ha viterra RÜBE crops Rübe % Nematode-resistant oil radish COLONEL, Ratio of seeds 30 % Nematode-resistant oil radish COMPASS, 24 % Nematode-resistant white mustard ACCENT, 20 % Nematode-resistant white mustard LUCIDA Sowing period Mid - July to early August Sowing rate kg/ha viterra TRIO crops viterra MAIS crops EFA- compliant in Germany professional nematode control Blend of two nematode-resistant oil radish varieties (COLONEL and COMPASS) or white mustard varieties (ACCENT and LUCIDA) Sufficient plant density of more than 160 plants/ m² enables active nematode control on the highest level Higher crop reliability and better control success due to complementary varieties and intensive root penetration viterra RÜBE is suitable for medium-early to late sowing dates and for all site conditions Oil radish roots into deep soil layers, where it also reduces nematode infestation EFA- compliant in Germany frost-susceptible blend with clover viterra TRIO with more readily freezing-off oil radish COMPASS, persian clover and phacelia ANGELIA Beet cyst nematodes are not multiplied by resistant oil radish COMPASS and non-host plants Quick initial development and intensive rough and fine rooting of the ground Bees and insects benefit from the late flowering of phacelia Mulch layer of delicate stems offers good protection against erosion until spring sowing EFA- compliant in Germany fast growing blend without legumes Quick ground coverage by a mix of oil radish SILETINA, saia oat PRATEX, phacelia ANGELIA and sunflower Dense rooting and stabilization of soil structure due to a combination of deep- and shallow-rooters Root canals created by viterra MAIS facilitate deep rooting of maize Saia oat supports mycorrhizas, which stabilize the soil, thereby benefiting subsequent maize Nutrients are bound and are available for the subsequent maize during the period of growth. 39

40 Soil fertility mixtures viterra SCHNELLGRÜN and viterra SCHNELLGRÜN LEGUMINOSENFREI EFA- compliant in Germany Recommendation Recommendation UNIVERSAL WINTER Ratio of seeds Sowing period Sowing rate Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets % Saia oat PRATEX, 46 % Italian ryegrass, 44 % Phacelia ANGELIA Early July to mid September kg/ha Cereal Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets Sugar beets viterra UNIVERSAL WINTER crops viterra UNIVERSAL UNIVERSAL Ratio of seeds 16 % Saia oat PRATEX, 37 % Berseem clover, 47 % Phacelia ANGELIA Sowing period Early July to early September Sowing rate 25 kg/ha Quick greening due to very fast-growing components White mustard ALBATROS and Indian mustard ENERGY make this blend especially suitable for late sowing (until mid-/late September) Varieties that are not winter-hardy allow strip tilling of the follower crop in spring Ideal before maize and also suitable as a cover crop after early maize harvest Low demands regarding seedbed and the option on a sowing with a spreader enable a easy and cheap establishment. crops crops suitable for late sowing SCHNELLGRÜN * SCHNELLGRÜN: 56 % White mustard ALBATROS, Ratio of seeds 26 % Berseem clover, 18 % Indian mustard ENERGY SCHNELLGRÜN LEGUMINOSENFREI: 56 % White mustard ALBATROS, 26 % Flax, 18 % Indian mustard ENERGY Sowing period Early August to mid/late September Sowing rate 15 kg/ha * only SCHNELLGRÜN LEGUMINOSENFREI EFA- compliant in Germany free of crucifers and wintergreen As a wintergreen cover crop with the possibility of applying farm-produced fertilizer in spring Free of crucifers and therefore also suitable for use in rape seed crop rotations Various blend partners for a wide range of applications Wintergreen ryegrass increases protection against erosion and stabilizes the soil for the subsequent crop Binds nitrogen remaining in the ground and protects the groundwater EFA- compliant in Germany free of crucifers and early growing Being free of crucifers, viterra UNIVERSAL can also be used in rape seed crop rotations Universally usable due to drought stress tolerant components Quick shadowing preserves tilth and suppresses weed Binds remaining nitrogen in the ground and other nutrients in zones close to the roots viterra UNIVERSAL increases biodiversity and interrupts diseases life cycles Phacelia and clover blossom attract many insects 40

41 Soil fertility mixtures viterra BODENGARE EFA- compliant in Germany Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops BODENGARE % Blue bitter lupin, 14 % Common vetch, Ratio of seeds 16 % Berseem clover, 5 % Spring forage pea, 25 % Phacelia, 37 % Persian clover, 1 % Sunflower Sowing period Mid June to mid August Sowing rate 50 kg/ha Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets viterra RAPS crops RAPS Ratio of seeds 47 % Phacelia ANGELIA, 24 % Linseed JULIET, 19 % Persian clover, 10 % Berseem clover Sowing period Early July to late August Sowing rate 15 kg/ha high share of legumes for better soil fertility Promotes tilth, revegetation and crumb formation for increased soil fertility Consistent tilth supports flow of air and water and prevents capping Enhances plant community and habitat for insects and other beneficial organisms Collects additional nitrogen due to high share of legumes Suitable for intercropping for soil regeneration after early harvest, free of grasses Free of crucifers, therefore especially suitable for rape seed crop rotation EFA- compliant in Germany frost-susceptible blend without crucifers Blend of phacelia ANGELIA, linseed JULIET, persian clover and berseem clover, free of crucifers Undemanding blend, not related to main crops (change of crops): ideal for crop rotation with cereal or rape seed Dense rooting increases structure and supports air exchange in the soil Phacelia and flax blossom are useful for bees and other insects Components that freeze off easily enable undisturbed sowing of the following crop No restrictions regarding nitrogen fertilization because of small share of legumes, < 30 % (e.g. Lower Saxony) 41

42 Biomass mixtures viterra biomass mixtures can be used for biomass production for biogas plants or for cattle feeding. Spring cereal blends are cultivated as a second crop after early-ripening cereal species. Winter-hardy blends can provide biomass as a cover crop or main crop. New additions to the programme are grass blends for cover crop cultivation. viterra GRANOpur WCS (whole crop silage) usage before winter For biomass production after WCS or an early cereal harvest with usage before winter Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets GRANOPUR Weight percentages 40 % Spring triticale, 20 % Spring rye 20 % Saia oat PRATEX, 20 % Oat Sowing period Early March to late May or early July to early August Sowing rate kg/ha Harvest date June/July when sown in spring October/November when sown in summer Harvest Standing crop at dough stage crops Increased crop reliability through a balanced composition of different cereal components Maintenance of the soil tilth throughout summer Being a pure cereal blend, viterra GRANOPUR is also excellent for potato crop rotation viterra GRANOLEG WCS (whole crop silage) usage before winter For biomass production after WCS or an early cereal harvest with usage before winter Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets GRANOLEG Weight percentages 35 % Spring triticale, 20 % Spring rye, 20 % Oat, 15 % Common vetch, 10 % Saia oat PRATEX Sowing period Early March to late May or early June to early August Sowing rate kg/ha Harvest date June/July when sown in spring October/November when sown in summer Harvest Standing crop at dough stage crops viterra GRANOLEG supplies additional nitrogen to stressed sites thanks to its common vetch content and keeps the crop longer green (optimized harvesting window) Increased crop reliability through a balanced composition of different cereal components Good shading promotes tilth and maintains soil life 42

43 Biomass mixtures viterra WICKROGGEN and viterra WICKROGGEN TURBO winter-hardy WCS (whole crop silage) blend Winter-hardy biomass legume blend For high-yield WCS use with high protein and energy content Recommendation WICKROGGEN / WICKROGGEN TURBO Weight percentages Sowing period Sowing rate Harvest date Harvest Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets t/ha WCS fresh matter yields are possible depending on the site The winter-hardy vetch provides additional nitrogen Optimal erosion protection Prevents nitrogen loss during winter viterra WICKROGGEN TURBO also contains the stress-tolerant WCS hybrid rye PHÖNIX. WICKROGGEN: 90 % Winter rye MATADOR, 10 % Winter vetch WICKROGGEN TURBO: 72 % Hybrid rye PHÖNIX, 18 % Winter rye INSPECTOR, 10 % Common vetch Mid - September to mid - October 100 kg/ha At dough stage, mid to end of June From standing crop; side knives are recommended crops viterra LUNDSGAARDER GEMENGE EFA- compliant in Germany Recommendation Lundsgaarder Gemenge Weight percentages Sowing period Sowing rate Harvest date Harvest Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets Suitable as a cover crop for green manure and soil improvement or for fodder production Balanced combination of nitrogen multipliers and decreasers has a positive effect on plant growth and soil life Italian rye grass uses growing periods during winter Winter vetch and winter forage pea are valuable protein components for fodder crops 31 % Italian ryegrass, 29 % Crimson clover, 20 % Winter vetch, 20 % Winter forage pea late August to mid-september or in spring as undersown crop for maize 50 kg/ha April to early May As green forage with loader wagon, for silage use with loader wagon or with chopper after prewilting phase winter-hardy, EFA-compliant in Germany with possible usage as fodder 43

44 Biomass mixtures Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets viterra FUTTER crops FUTTER Weight percentages 55 % Italian ryegrass, 45 % Crimson clover Sowing period Mid to late September as winter cover crop, late July to early August as summer cover crop Sowing rate 40 kg/ha Harvest date April until early May; if sowed early, cutting before winter is possible As green forage with loader wagon, for silage use Harvest with loader wagon or with chopper after prewilting phase EFA- compliant in Germany grass-clover blend for harvest after winter Stable yields for fodder and biogas Suitable for second-crop forage in combination with maize or sorghum Nutrient uptake before hibernation and in early spring prevents leaching Organic material consisting of roots and stubble improves humus balance Not recommended for arid locations and soil with low water retention capability Recommendation SOMMERFUTTER / SOMMERFUTTER A2 Weight percentages Sowing period Sowing rate Harvest date Harvest viterra SOMMERFUTTER und viterra SOMMeRFUTTER A2 Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops viterra SOMMERFUTTER: 34 % Italian ryegrass (tetr.), 34 % Annual ryegrass (dipl./tetr.), 32 % Persian clover viterra SOMMERFUTTER A2: 67 % Italian ryegrass (tetr.), 33 % Annual ryegrass (dipl./tetr.) late June to July viterra SOMMERFUTTER: 30 kg/ha viterra SOMMERFUTTER A2: 45 kg/ha October As green forage with loader wagon, for silage use with loader wagon or with chopper after prewilting phase forage blend for harvest in first growing year EFA- compliant in Germany Provides additional quality fodder as a summer cover crop Annual ryegrass provides sufficient structure, persian clover is high in proteins Vigorously growing italien ryegrass makes a winter vegetation after harvest possible High effect as preceding crop value due to good root penetration and tilth This blend is also available as viterra SOMMERFUTTER A2 without persian clover. 44

45 Special mixtures viterra special mixture are used for special applications, for example greening of field verges and set-asides. They can also be used as undersown crops with maize or for biofumigation. viterra UNTERSAAT EFA- compliant in Germany Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops Untersaat ++ Weight percentages 50 % Italian ryegrass (tetraploid), 50 % Perennial ryegrass (diploid, late, forage type) Sowing period 6-8 weeks after maize sowing, to 6-8 leaf stage of maize Sowing rate kg/ha for sustainable maize cropping Grass blend of italien ryegrass (tetraploid) and perennial ryegrass (diploid) for use as undersown crop in maize After the maize harvest, the grass continues to develop and binds available nitrogen Stabilizes humus balance even during tight maize crop rotations Protects effectively against wind and water erosion in winter Early growing italien ryegrass combined with late developing perennial ryegrass guarantees a high crop reliability Increases soil sustainability and reduces dirt on the roads during harvest Recommendation viterra MULTIKULTI und viterra MULTIKULTI KRUZIFERENFREI Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops MULTIKULTI + + +* + MULTIKULTI: 1 % Blue bitter lupin, 1 % Common vetch, 1 % Sunflower, 28 % Phacelia ANGELIA, 32 % Persian Ratio of seeds clover, 16 % Berseem clover, 7 % Linseed, 2 % Oil radish ADAGIO, 5 % White mustard FORUM, 7 % Seradella MULTIKULTI KRUZIFERENFREI: without White mustard and Oil radish, with Marigold and Borage Sowing period Early April to late August Sowing rate 25 kg/ha annual feast for bees and eyes Both mixtures EFA- compliant in Germany Flower blend for high biodiversity and with multiple usage Forms roots in different soil layers and stabilizes the soil Free of grasses for trouble-free growth control in the subsequent crop Effective protection against erosion and drying up As a cover crop after WCS or cereal harvest Variant viterra MULTIKILI KRUZIFERENFREI is especially suitable in crop rotation with intensive cultivation of rape seeds. * only appliable for MULTIKULTI KRUZIFERENFREI 45

46 Special mixtures Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops HORRIDO % Buckwheat, 3 % Saia oat, 19 % Seradella, 11 % Berseem clover, 23 % Persian clover, 1 % Sunflower, Ratio of seeds 3 % Linseed, 6 % Phacelia, 1 % Oil radish, 2 % Winter vetch, 18 % Italian ryegrass, 3 % Marrowstem kale, 2 % Winter forage rape, 3 % Turnip rape Sowing period Seed drilling, March until June Sowing rate 30 kg/ha viterra HORRIDO EFA- compliant in Germany biennial game cover blend Suitable for all native ground game species Blossoms are a magnet for numerous insects Tasty grazing for feathered game Winter-hardy components offer grazing and coverage for rabbits, roe deer and other ground game species during winter at frost EFA-compliant in Germany for organic priority areas Cropping tip: sow parts of the areas with double grain distance in order to create attractive space for pheasants and partridges Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets viterra BIOFUMIGATION crops BIOFUMIGATION Ratio of seeds 50 % Multiresistant oil radish DEFENDER, 50 % Indian mustard ENERGY Sowing period Early May to mid September Sowing rate 15 kg/ha EFA- compliant in Germany against soil-borne harmful organisms Control of soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia by use of biologically active plant substances (principle of biofumigation). Quickly developing blend for crop rotation that supply only a small time frame for intercropping Development of leafy biomass Shred plants as finely as possible at the time of full flower (7-8 weeks after sowing) and incorporate it into the soil 46

47 Special mixtures viterra RANDSTREIFEN New composition the field edge blend Perennial blend with high amount of grass Very suitable for greening of buffer- forest- and field edges when used as organic priority areas No special care requirement Recommendation RANDSTREIFEN Ratio of seeds Sowing period Sowing rate Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets For greening 67 % Red fescue, 33 % White clover Mid March to late July 15 kg/ha Weed and weed grasses are being sufficiently suppressed A renewed cultivating is no problem crops viterra BLÜHZAUBER Recommendation BLÜHZAUBER Ratio of seeds Sowing period Sowing rate Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops Not recommended for arable farming Marigold, Cornflower, Garden cosmos, California poppy, Godetia, Flax weed, Baby blue eyes, Summer daisy, Corn poppy, Forget-me-not, Sunflowers and many more April to mid June 5-7 g/m² the flower meadow Impresses the observer with the multitude of blossom colours and shapes of more than forty flowering species Offers pollen and nectar to bees, bumblebees, butterflies and many other insects Consistent flowering from the end of May until autumn Boosts the image of agricultural landscape Cultivating tip: the volume can be increased and distribution of the seeds can be improved by adding sawdust or sand 47

48 Organic mixtures ÖKO SAATGUT viterra organic mixture are an important component for intact crop rotations in organic farming. The main focus is on optimization of nutrient flow within crop rotations. Early-growing components in the reliable blends enable good weed suppression. viterra INTENSIV ÖKO Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops INTENSIV ÖKO Weight percentages 70 % Saia oat PRATEX, 30 % Multi-resistant oil radish DEFENDER Sowing period Mid July to late August Sowing rate kg/ha the health blend Control of migratory root nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and prevention of corky ringspot in potatoes with multi-resistant oil radish DEFENDER and saia oat PRATEX Fast-growing with effective weed suppression Abundant organic matter boosts the beneficial organisms in the soil The cluster root of PRATEX and the taproot of DEFENDER supplement each other by rooting the whole topsoil Containing the nematode resistant oil radish DEFENDER, this blend is well suited as previous crop before sugar beets viterra BODENGARE ÖKO the nitrogen supplier Promotes plant growth by supplying essential nitrogen through rhizobia Increases availability of main and trace nutrients by mobilization in the soil Recommendation BODENGARE ÖKO Ratio of seeds Sowing period Sowing rate Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets % Blue bitter lupin, 40 % Common vetch, 28 % Forage pea, 7 % Berseem clover, 2 % Phacelia, 1 % Sunflower Mid June to mid August 70 kg/ha crops Stimulates soil life activity with accompanying biological engineering for better soil fertility Complementary, diverse root types promote tilth and ideal soil structure Suitable as cover crop for soil regeneration after early harvest Free of crucifers, therefore especially suitable for crop rotation with oil seed rape 48

49 Organic mixtures ÖKO SAATGUT All viterra organic mixtures fulfil the requirements of EU Council Regulation No. 834/2007. The mixtures are checked by the supervising department DE-SH B. The certificates are available at or viterra DEPOT ÖKO Recommendation Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets DEPOT ÖKO % Oil radish SILETINA, 46 % Saia oat PRATEX, Ratio of seeds 10 % White mustard, 10 % Phacelia ANGELIA, 4 % Sunflower Sowing period Late July to late August Sowing rate 25 kg/ha crops the nutrients store Vigorously growing plants take up nutrients, store them during winter and provide them to the following crop Efficient weed suppression because of fast initial development Excellent rooting of the soil by plants with deep and shallow root systems, stabilizes the soil structure and improves soil infiltration Especially suitable for crop rotation with legumes as main crop viterra LUNDSGAARDER GEMENGE ÖKO Recommendation LUNDSGAARDER GEMENGE ÖKO Ratio of seeds Sowing period Sowing rate Harvest date Harvest Cereal Suitable for crop rotations with Rape seed Sugar beets crops 31 % Italian ryegrass, 29 % Crimson clover, 20 % Winter vetch, 20 % Winter forage pea Late August to mid September or in spring as an undersown crop for maize 50 kg/ha April to early May As green forage with loader wagon, for silage use with loader wagon or with chopper after prewilting phase winter-hardy blend of grasses and legumes for fodder usage Suitable as winter cover crop for green manure or forage production Balanced combination of nitrogen producers and nitrogen users has a positive effect on plant growth and soil life Italian ryegrass uses growth phases during winter Winter vetch and winter forage pea are valuable protein components in fodder Increase in the agri-ecological value due to the large flowering component 49

50 Cultivation recommendation Preceding crop The previous main crop already influences the development of the cover crop. Most important is how well the preceding crop has developed and how much nutrient content it has removed from the soil. Tillage Professional, clean tillage is a prerequisite for a reliable and successful performance, even in years with unfavourable weather conditions. Sowing Drill seeding after careful soil preparation promotes good and uniform crops with fast root penetration and maximum utilisation. The selection of the sowing process depends on the site, the sowing time and the crop rotation. The sowing depth should be 1-4 cm depending on the mixture. Especially when sowing blends or small seeds we prever sowing like cash crops. Fertilisation Cover crops are generally able to cope well with a low nutrient supply. Mineral or organic fertilisation can be very helpful in promoting soil fertility (observe the fertiliser ordinance). CAUTION! If the cover crop is to be calculated as EFA then only organic fertilisation (with the exception of slurry) is permitted in accordance within the fertilisation ordinance. Subsequent working With brittle, rough material and preceding deep soil preparation in summer / autumn mulch seeding is possible directly or after minimal soil tillage. Chemical or intensive mechanical measures (e.g. ploughing) can be used for cover crops that do not freeze off. Further information can be found in the internet:

51 Breeding is the future New approvals P. H. PETERSEN is constantly breeding new varieties that meet the current requirements in the field. Beginning with crossing suitable parent plants, the valuable characteristics such as nematode resistance, flowering tendency, field emergence, biomass formation and many other characteristics, are seen in the following 3 to 6 generations. Promising candidates are propagated in isolation, to prevent cross-pollination and are registered at the Federal Plant Variety Office for approval. Depending on the type of culture, the Federal Plant Variety Office compares and tests the elite candidates of all cultivars on approx. 15 locations throughout Germany. If a variety candidate can prove after the test time that it is new, homogenous, consistent and better than all varieties approved to date, it is included in the descriptive variety list. For the multi-resistant oil radish varieties, the new approval ANGUS is an exceptional variety, which combines the resistance of CONTRA with the vigorous growth of DEFENDER. AMIGO was approved as a nematode-resistant oil radish of the highest resistance with improved cultivation properties. In the range of nematode resistant white mustards, in the future the new varieties KATINA and CLINT will be available, in addition to the conventional variety CLASSIC. All three varieties not only demonstrate a very convincing initial development but also delayed flowering, which makes sowing more flexible. The four newly approved saia oat varieties are an interesting addition to the variety offers. CODEX is the saia oat with the best vegetative development and offers a higher sowing flexibility within the earlier sowing dates. TRADEX features the highest DM yields in combination with improved lodging resistance and thus is best suited as a biomass producer for biogas, fodder or soil. The lodging-resistant varieties MILEX and BALEX complete the range and are particularly suited for cover crop blends. New in the programme are particularly small-seeded field beans. A considerably reduced TGW and vigorous initial growth are characteristic of the varieties ADLON and AVALON. This new combination makes their use as pure cover crop as well as a component in a cover crop blend possible. The programme is completed by the variety approvals for forage rye. Here, with TRAKTOR, a particularly high yielding variety was registered with excellent pre-winter development. Its strong soil coverage in autumn and a good root development means TRAKTOR actively promotes erosion protection and preserves nutrients during the winter period for better soil fertility. The high dry matter yields provide economical biomass just in time for maize sowing. All newly registered varieties are currently being multiplied. Certified seeds will be available very soon. 51