Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of growing a cash crop?
What is the primary purpose of growing a cash crop?
What is the ideal soil pH for growing kale?
What is the ideal soil pH for growing kale?
How long does it take for kale to mature?
How long does it take for kale to mature?
What is the purpose of strip grazing in kale production?
What is the purpose of strip grazing in kale production?
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What is the recommended ratio of kale to silage/hay in a kale diet?
What is the recommended ratio of kale to silage/hay in a kale diet?
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What is the name of the soil-borne fungus that can affect kale crops?
What is the name of the soil-borne fungus that can affect kale crops?
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Study Notes
Types of Crops
- Cash crops are grown for profit and sold in the market.
- Catch crops are fast-growing crops grown between main crops, often used for animal feed.
- Energy crops are grown for energy production, such as Miscanthus, which is processed into fuels like bioethanol or biogas.
Kale
- Kale prefers free-draining loam or sandy soil with a pH of 6-7.
- Kale is typically sown between April to July.
- Kale takes 5-6 months to mature.
- Kale is often used as a fodder crop, usually grazed in situ by cattle or sheep.
- Kale can be harvested using a zero-grazing or strip-grazing system.
Grazing Systems
- Strip grazing is a popular method, but requires suitable land to avoid poaching.
- Zero grazing involves cutting the crop and bringing it to housed animals.
Kale Nutrition
- Kale should make up 70% of an animal's diet, supplemented with 30% silage or hay.
Storage and Advantages
- Kale can be stored as bales of 'kaleage' through ensiling.
- Kale reduces winter feed and housing costs, is high in crude protein, prevents soil erosion, reduces nitrogen leaching, increases soil organic matter, and enhances biodiversity.
Disadvantages and Pest Management
- Kale is susceptible to pests and diseases, and may cause land poaching if grazed in situ.
- Club Root, a soil-borne fungus, can be controlled through crop rotation and resistant varieties.
- Flea Beetle can be controlled using contact insecticide.
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Description
This quiz covers different types of crops, such as cash crops, catch crops, and energy crops, and provides information on kale farming, including its soil suitability and growing time.
