s Undersowing mixtures for maize

Undersowing mixtures for maize

The benefits of under-sowing a cover crop into maize

  • Reduced nitrate leaching
  • Potential for improved digestate utilisation
  • Improve soil structure
  • Can help to reduce soil erosion
  • Improve organic matter levels
  • Can create winter grazing for livestock

technisward grass eed logo with green grass blade

Concerns around the environmental impact of growing a maize continues to cause debate. Agrovista can now offer undersowing mixtures which under current legislation comply with the SFI SAM 2 Multi species winter cover crop option.

The deep rooting species used in SoilMax and EnviroMax have been shown to benefi t soil structure, prevent nutrient leaching and protect the soil surface from mechanical damage and soil erosion. Under current legislation this makes both mixtures eligible for use under the SFI SAM 2 Multi species winter cover crops option. To qualify the cover crop must remain in place throughout the winter months of December, January and February. Grazing of the crop is permitted as long as sufficient cover is maintained to protect the soil surface.

Undersowing the maize crop with a grass seed mixture designed specifically for that purpose has proved to be successful when done correctly. It is imperative to sow at the right time with the right species so the growing crop isn’t afftected.


TechniSward - Soil Max

Tall fescue plus
Tall fescue
Cocksfoot
Sow at 7.5 - 12.5kg per hectare

  • Specifically designed to being drilled at the same time as the maize crop (inter-row)
  • The slow growing tall fescue and tall fescue plus will help to suppress weed emergence without competing with the maize
  • As the grasses mature the root mass develops, helping retention of any residual nutrients which are left in the soil post-harvest
  • The deep rooting grass species help to improve soil structure

TechniSward - Enviro Max

Tetraploid late perennial ryegrass
Tall fescue plus
Cocksfoot
Sow at 7.5kg - 12.5kg per hectare

  • An under-sown mix which is more suited to be sown inter-row once the maize has established and is at the 4-6 leaf stage
  • The inclusion of perennial ryegrass helps to ensure the quicker and more reliable establishment needed to survive in the growing maize crop
  • It is important that the grass has established before the maize canopy fully develops
  • Excellent ground cover postharvest with a fibrous root system for soil stabilisation
  • Capable of providing high quality winter grazing

To download the Agrovista 2024 maize brochure click here.