Kale
Maris Kestrel
Maris Kestrel is a high-quality, cost-effective winter feed for all classes of stock.
The leading kale variety in Ireland, it is high-yielding with a high leaf-to-stem ratio and its success lies in livestock being able to use the whole plant. Ideal for outwintering, it can also help overcome late-season grazing deficits.
Product benefits
- High digestibility driving intakes
- Vigorous early growth
- Resistance to lodging
- Long utilisation period and good winter hardiness
Usage instructions
| Rate | 2.00-3.0kg/acre (if broadcasting increase to 3.0kg/acre) |
| Time | May-June |
| Depth | 10-15mm |
| Yield | 10-12t DM/ha |
| Utilisation period | November to February |
| Process | Soil test approximately 8 weeks prior to sowing. Cultivate to achieve a fine, firm seedbed. 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. |
| Comments | Monitor for pest attack and take immediate action where necessary. Graze the new swards frequently and low covers to assist in tillering and help create a dense sward. For brassica grazing management best practices, visit our guide here. |
Available NPK for kale1, 2 (kg/ha)
| Soil index | N | P | K |
| 1 | 150 | 60 | 220 |
| 2 | 130 | 50 | 210 |
| 3 | 100 | 30 | 170 |
| 4 | 70 | 0 | 0 |
1 For late-sown crops, reduce N by 20% if sown after April.
2Advice assumes a yield of 40 tonnes/ha per cut, fresh weight. If yields are expected to be smaller, reduce the P and K application by 0.5 and 4 kg/ha for each tonne below 40.
Source: Teagasc Green Book, 2020 (revised edition)
Uses: Dairy – Y; Cattle – Y