Appin - Leafy Turnip
Appin is a high yielding leafy turnip offering cost effective feeding solutions in summer, autumn or winter for either sheep or cattle.
Main uses
- Catch crops for overcoming summer grazing shortfalls
- Versatile autumn/winter grazing that reduces concentrate feeding period
- Valuable source of fresh (worm-free) grazing for lambs
Key benefits
- Easy to establish (undersown or scratched into stubbles)
- Early vigour varieties suitable for May sowing (July feeding)
- Good resistance to bolting
- Excellent regrowth potential
- Wide sowing window
Usage Guide – Appin Stubble Turnip
Sowing rate 2 to 3 kg/acre (if broadcasting use higher sowing rate)
Sowing Time April – September
Sowing Depth 10 mm
Sowing Instructions Soil test approximately 8 weeks prior to sowing. Cultivate to achieve a fine, firm seed bed. Ploughing will help level rough fields. Apply lime as per soil test results. Sow in good conditions (warm with rain forecast), no deeper than 10 mm. Roll well after sowing to ensure good soil/seed contact. Apply N, P & K as per soil test results and nitrates rules.
After sowing Monitor for pest attack and seek advice where a problem arises
Fertiliser Rate N, P and K guidelines for swedes and turnips (kg/ha) (Source: Teagasc Green Book)
| Soil Index | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| N (kg/ha)1 | 90 | 70 | 40 | 20 |
| P (kg/ha) | 70 | 60 | 40 | 402 |
| K (kg/ha) | 250 | 200 | 170 | 125 |
1Top-dressings are not usually required, however, following wet seasons where crops are backward, top dress with up to 30kg/ha N
2If soil P value is above 15 mg/l, no fertiliser P is necessary
Uses Dairy – Y
Cattle – Y
Sheep – Y
Grazing Management
- Brassicas are low in iodine, copper, cobalt and selenium – a slow-release bolus will ensure animals receive adequate minerals
- Supplementary fibre (e.g. silage, hay or straw) should account for 30% of the diet, with 70% coming from the brassica
- Introduce stock to brassicas gradually (build up from 1-2 hours access per day to full time access over 10-14 days)
- Always ensure animals have access to fresh water