Which catch crops to consider for GLAS

Friday 22.07.2022 , News

The Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS Scheme 2022) and Greening rules are driving demand for catch crops (also known as cover crops or green manure). Germinal grass and forage expert Niall Laffan sheds light on how best to use catch crops under Irish conditions.

Examples of catch crops

Niall explains: “Catch crops work by scavenging nitrogen and other nutrients available in the soil and holding them in place during the autumn and over winter. Some crops also provide cover for the soil (hence the name cover crops), helping to reduce weeds and soil erosion.

“Introducing a variety of root structures improves soil drainage, and the additional organic matter supports overall soil health. Some catch crops can also provide low-cost forage in the later winter months (from 1 December onwards), and they all contribute to pest and disease management.”

Germinal’s four catch crop mixes comply with GLAS and greening rules and offer all the soil health and nutritional benefits described above:

 Species includedRapid establishmentSoil conditioningReduce nutrient leachingIncrease soil organic matterSuppress weedsFix nitrogenControl nematodes
Soil Booster Pro*

Phacelia

Vetch

YYYYYY 
Soil Booster Max

Tillage radish;

Vetch;

Phacelia

YYYYYYY
Soil Booster Plus

Tillage radish;

Forage rape;

Phacelia

YYYYY Y
Soil Booster Graze**

Forage rape;

Leafy turnip

YYYYY  

* Brassica-free so ideal for use where a brassica is being used in an arable rotation

** GLAS participants can graze after 1 December

Sowing catch crops

“The sooner you can establish catch crops after harvest the better, as more sunlight and warmer ground temperatures help with establishment.

“Catch crops can be drilled directly into stubble or broadcast onto cultivated ground. The variety of seed sizes within a mix means a sowing depth of 1.5-3 cm is recommended, and rolling is crucial for good seed-to-soil contact.

“If sowing a catch crop under Greening requirements, ideally no or minimal fertiliser should be applied. Where it is intended for grazing, applications of N and P are essential to increase DM yield.

"Typically catch crops are not killed off by winter temperatures in Irish soils, so it is recommended to burn them off or cut them (after 1 December) before incorporating by discing. Don’t allow catch crops to set seed as it can cause weed problems in future crops.”

Using catch crops for GLAS Scheme 2022

The general guidance for using catch or cover crops under GLAS is:

  • Catch crops must be sown by 15 September
  • Use a mixture of at least two crops from the specified list – see below
  • Ploughing is not permitted – use light cultivation techniques only
  • Catch crops must remain in place until 1 December
  • Grazing catch crops is not permitted before 1 December

The specified crops required to meet the GLAS Scheme 2022 and greening obligations are the same but there are some differences between the two schemes. For details of all the requirements, click here.

Prescribed catch crop seeds and their suitability for Irish systems

All the prescribed catch crops are available from Germinal as straights in addition to the Germinal Catch Crop Mixtures. Their individual benefits, species type and suitability to Irish conditions are outlined in the table below:

Catch cropBenefitsSowing rate kg/haTypeSuitability for Irish systems
Forage rapeFast-growing, high-energy forage for cattle and sheep3-5Brassica5/5
Tillage radishDeep roots improve soil structure and drainage5Brassica5/5
Leafy turnipDeep roots act as a good soil conditioner5Brassica5/5
MustardFast growing and suppresses weeds6-10Brassica3/5
Common vetchFixes nitrogen and rapidly produces a large canopy able to suppress weeds12Legume4/5
Hairy/Winter VetchBetter winter hardiness than common vetch. Increases protein content of arable silage12Legume5/5
PeasNitrogen-fixing crop able to be sown in an Ecological Focus Area (EFA)30Legume1/5
Crimson and Berseem/Egyptian cloversNitrogen-fixing and quick to establish. Suitable as green manure10-15Legume2/5
BeansNitrogen-fixing crop able to be sown in an Ecological Focus Area (EFA)90-100Legume1/5
Oats/Black oatsCover reduces soil erosion and suppresses weeds. Works well with hairy vetch75-100Cereal3/5
Forage ryeDeep and extensive roots condition soil and reduce erosion. Suitable for grazing in early spring65-80Cereal3/5
PhaceliaFast-growing crop with a beneficial root structure. Works best within a mixture of cover crops2-5Other5/5
BuckwheatQuick to establish and suppress weeds. Good phosphate absorption30-40Other2/5
Squarrose clover*Crop producing a large amount of biomass, good for soil structure10-15Legume3/5
Balansa clover*Quick to establish in warm conditions, producing a deep tap root5-8Legume3/5

* Not GLAS approved

Niall concludes: “With a good range of catch crops or cover crops available under GLAS and Greening, you can pick the right one for your system. For bespoke advice, contact our grass and forage experts or learn more about the different types of catch crops by using our Catch crops guide.”