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 | 2.50-3.0kg/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 before sowing. Cultivate to achieve a fine, firm seedbed. Ploughing will help level rough fields. Apply lime and N, P & K as per soil test results and nitrates rules. Sow in good conditions (warm with rain forecast), no deeper than 10mm. Roll well after sowing to ensure good soil/seed contact. |
| 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)