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Questions and Answers
What is the main fungal disease threatening kale crops, and how long can it survive in the soil?
The main threat is club root, and it can persist in the soil for up to 20 years.
What rotation strategy is recommended to manage club root levels in kale cultivation?
A one in five year rotation for brassicas is suggested to keep club root levels low.
Identify a critical weed control method used during the kale cultivation process.
Spraying glyphosate prior to sowing is essential to remove weeds.
Which insect poses the greatest threat to kale, particularly in warmer weather?
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What is the significance of soil structure for successful kale cultivation?
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What is the primary function of a cover crop like kale in agriculture?
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In what way does a catch crop differ from a cash crop?
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What are the benefits of incorporating a catch crop like kale back into the soil?
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Why might farmers choose kale as a catch crop?
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Mention one downside of using kale as a catch crop.
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Study Notes
Threats to Kale Crops
- Club root is the main fungal disease threatening kale crops.
- Club root can persist in soil for up to 20 years, posing a long-term risk.
Management Strategies
- Implement a one in five year rotation of brassicas to manage club root levels effectively.
Weed Control
- Spraying glyphosate prior to sowing is essential for removing weeds that compete with kale.
Pest Threats
- The diamond back moth caterpillar is the most damaging pest to kale, especially during warm weather.
Soil Structure Importance
- Well-structured soils facilitate good seedbed preparation and support healthy plant establishment for kale.
Purpose of Cover Crops
- Cover crops like kale protect the soil, focusing on soil health rather than being harvested.
Catch Crop vs. Cash Crop
- A catch crop is grown between main crops for quick growth, whereas a cash crop is cultivated expressly for profit.
Benefits of Incorporating Catch Crops
- Ploughing a catch crop, such as kale, back into the soil enhances soil structure and fertility.
Reasons for Planting Kale as a Catch Crop
- Kale is fast-growing and serves as winter feed for animals, making it an attractive catch crop option.
Disadvantages of Kale as a Catch Crop
- Grazing kale in-situ may lead to land poaching, causing soil degradation.
Characteristics of Kale
- Kale is suitable as both a catch and cover crop due to its rapid growth and effective soil coverage.
Alternative Catch Crops
- Cabbage is another example of a catch crop that can be grown in similar contexts.
Energy Crops
- Energy crops are cultivated specifically for combustion and energy production, differing from catch crops that focus on enhancing soil health.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fungal threats to kale crops, particularly the effects of club root, which can persist in the soil for up to 20 years. Explore effective strategies for managing club root levels and controlling weeds in kale cultivation. This quiz focuses on the best practices for successful kale farming.
