Catch & Cover Crops
Catch crops are widely and successfully used in Germany and The Netherlands to significantly improve the output of arable and energy crop rotations.
SAATEN UNION have led development of the catch crop systems by providing the market with a succession of excellent varieties and a wealth of technical expertise developed by the team at specialist plant breeder, PH PETERSEN. Elsoms are now working closely with SAATEN UNION’S team to make the same varieties and services available to UK farmers and growers.
What are Catch and Cover crops?
Catch and Cover crops can make as important a contribution to a farm’s overall income as major crop types through their effect on long term soil health. As a result, Catch and Cover crops warrant as much attention and input the main combinable and root crops their use is designed to support. Soil quality directly effects the yield potential of the crops that are grown in and on it and the objective of growing a Catch and Cover crop is to improve soil quality and hence yield and income potential. Catch and Cover cropping improves soil quality by protecting soil against erosion, locking in nitrogen, preventing nutrient loss, promoting biological activity and improving soil structure.
The Benefits of Catch and Cover crops
1. Soil Nutrients
Catch and cover crops improve the content and management of nutrients in the soil. Losses of existing nutrients due to leeching are reduced whilst through incorporation and/or through the nature of the Catch and Cover crop nutrient levels can be increased and released back into the soil at a time when the next crop can use them.
2. Soil Structure
The vigorous, extensive and deep rooting habits of Catch and Cover crops such as CONTRA RADISH can significantly improve the structure and quality of soil.
3. Soil Health
Catch and Cover crops can have a very beneficial effect on soil health with respect to pests and diseases such as, for example, Take All, Beet Cyst Nematode, Potato Cyst Nematode etc. They can also prevent the build-up of diseases such as club root.
4. Water Management
A vigorous Catch and Cover crop will provide excellent ground cover that will significantly reduce soil moisture loss due to evaporation during the summer. The water holding capacity of soil can be considerably improved as a result of an increase in humus content produced by the use of a Catch and Cover crop. For example increasing the soil humus content by 0.5% can lead to soil being able to hold an additional 70 m3 of water per ha whilst improvements in soil structure will improve the rate at which soil drains.
5. Reduced risk of soil erosion
The presence of a Catch and Cover crop with a strong root structure and good ground cover will significantly reduce the risk of soil erosion whilst a crop is growing as well as over the longer term. This is of particular importance on fens and light, sandy soils.
6. Weed Control
Catch and Cover crops perform an excellent role in suppressing weeds and volunteers by smothering them with their dense canopies and vigorous growth. Companion seeding between crops can reduce the requirement for herbicides.
7. Bees and Insects
Catch and Cover crops can provide a much needed and plentiful source of late fodder for bees and other beneficial insects.
8. Bio Mass
As well as improving the yield potential of other crops, Catch and Cover crops can provide a direct tangible benefit by improving the bio mass available for AD plants and silage for livestock.
Types of Catch & Cover Crop
Choose a Catch & Cover Crop category:
- Phacelia
Phacelia is not related to the major agricultural crop types and belongs to the Hydrophylloideae family. As such this makes it an ideal catch crop, especially for arable rotations containing Oilseed Rape and vegetable brassica rotations, where including radish and mustard could be problematic. Rapidly establishing and deep rooted, Phacelia performs an excellent role in reducing soil erosion and improving soil structure. It can perform a valuable role in controlling club root as it is not a host plant for this disease. Phacelia can also contribute to the management of slugs.
- Forage Rye
Incredibly vigorous, with a wide sowing window and very high biomass yield, Rye is the ideal low input catch crop to precede a late spring sown crop.
- Saia Oat
Rapidly establishes high yields of biomass and has a beneficial effect on reducing Root Lesion and Stubby Root Knot Nematode. Faster establishing than annual ryegrass Saia Oats are ideal for weed suppression and reducing soil erosion, making them an ideal choice for light sandy soils.
- Oil Radish
Oil Radish combines early establishment with a vigorous growth habit, deep root structure and dense foliage. Depending on the variety chosen, oil radish can contribute significantly to the management of soil borne pests and diseases such as Beet Cyst Nematodes, Root Knot Nematode and Tobacco Rattle Virus.
- White Mustard
White (Forage) Mustard such as ASCOT has been used for many years by farmers as a cheap, easy and effective short term catch crop following the cereal harvest. In addition to the classical white mustard segment, farmers are now able to select varieties such as MASTER that can be very effective in controlling soil borne diseases such as Beet Cyst Nematode (BCN). In addition both types of mustard can play an important role in reducing levels of rhizoctonia in the soil whilst their ability to assist in the control of soil borne pathogens in the horticultural industry is attracting strong interest from growers looking for an alternative to chemical sterila
- Viterra® Green Manure
Individual catch crops can significantly improve the efficiency and output of an overall rotation. Working closely with farmers and growers, SAATEN UNION'S catch crop specialists at PH PETERSEN have successfully developed a number of specialist mixes that combine different catch crop species to excellent effect in a range of Green Manure blends.
- Blue Lupin
- Buckwheat
Speak to our specialists:
Sam Tyrrell
Parsnip Crop Manager, and Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Vegetable Specialist
Jack Holgate
Crop Manager - Break and Cover Crops
Or get in touch with another member of the agricultural sales team
PhaceliaAngelia
This thin stemmed variety has become a firm favourite with growers for green manure and erosion control catch crops. ANGELIA establishes rapidly suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. It is a nematode neutral crop and it's deep roots have a beneficial effect on soil structure as well as combining with it's dense ground cover to actively reduce the risk of soil erosion.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetAngelia
- Ideal for Oilseed Rape and vegetable brassica rotations
- Rapid establishment and growth
- Thin stemmed variety
Overview
Angelia
This thin stemmed variety has become a firm favourite with growers for green manure and erosion control catch crops. ANGELIA establishes rapidly suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. It is a nematode neutral crop and it's deep roots have a beneficial effect on soil structure as well as combining with it's dense ground cover to actively reduce the risk of soil erosion.
Angelia
- Ideal for Oilseed Rape and vegetable brassica rotations
- Rapid establishment and growth
- Thin stemmed variety
Forage RyeLunator
LUNATOR delivers high dry matter yields with excellent quality at an early harvest date before maize sowing. Exclusively marketed through Agrii
Further InfoDownload tech sheetLunator
- Ideal for energy crops
- Very early wholecrop harvest
Overview
Lunator
LUNATOR delivers high dry matter yields with excellent quality at an early harvest date before maize sowing. Exclusively marketed through Agrii
Lunator
- Ideal for energy crops
- Very early wholecrop harvest
Saia OatTradex
Further InfoDownload tech sheetTradex
- Ideal for arable and root crop rotation
- Impressive all-round qualities
- Rapid early establishment
Overview
Tradex
Tradex
- Ideal for arable and root crop rotation
- Impressive all-round qualities
- Rapid early establishment
Oil RadishContra
An impressive multi - resistant variety, CONTRA is quick to establish, late to flower and provides all the benefits of classic oil radishes by been extremley deep rooted improving soil structure and stability. Its multi-resistant qualities make it a powerhouse in the management of nematodes in many vegetable and arable crop rotations with specific qualities in root crop and sugar beet crops.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetContra
- Impressive multi-resistant variety
- Long vegetable growth
- Deep/intensive roots
OverviewGallius
Further InfoGallius
- Very effective classic type
- Establishes rapidly, deep root structure
- Suppresses weeds and improves soil structure
OverviewConcorde
Further InfoDownload tech sheetConcorde
- Level 2 control of BCN
- Very rapid initial development
- Long vegetable growth
OverviewComet
Further InfoDownload tech sheetComet
- Level 1 control of BCN
- Deep and fine rooting system
- Strong initial development
Overview
Contra
An impressive multi - resistant variety, CONTRA is quick to establish, late to flower and provides all the benefits of classic oil radishes by been extremley deep rooted improving soil structure and stability. Its multi-resistant qualities make it a powerhouse in the management of nematodes in many vegetable and arable crop rotations with specific qualities in root crop and sugar beet crops.
Contra
- Impressive multi-resistant variety
- Long vegetable growth
- Deep/intensive roots
Gallius
Gallius
- Very effective classic type
- Establishes rapidly, deep root structure
- Suppresses weeds and improves soil structure
Concorde
Concorde
- Level 2 control of BCN
- Very rapid initial development
- Long vegetable growth
Comet
Comet
- Level 1 control of BCN
- Deep and fine rooting system
- Strong initial development
White MustardAscot
Further InfoDownload tech sheetAscot
- Establishes and develops rapidly
- Excellent weed suppression
- Drought tolerant
OverviewMaster
Further InfoDownload tech sheetMaster
- Effective against BCN
- Rapid initial development
- Good erosion control
Overview
Ascot
Ascot
- Establishes and develops rapidly
- Excellent weed suppression
- Drought tolerant
Master
Master
- Effective against BCN
- Rapid initial development
- Good erosion control
Viterra® Green ManureRAPS
The undemanding drought tollerant blend, RAPS is a mix of Phacelia ANGELIA, flax ZOLTAN, Persian and Egyptian clover. An ideal partner to brassica and cereal rotations, this blend is crucifer free, drought tollerant and not related to the main production crops so disrupts the disease cycle whilst improving soil struture. The Phacelia and flax flowers provide nectar for bird and insects and the mix freezes off reliably for easier preperation for the following crop.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetRAPS
- Frost susceptible Green manure - no crucifers or cereals
- Phacelia, Linseed and Clovers
- Ideal for OSR and vegetable brassica rotations
OverviewUntersaat
This grass blend of Italian and German ryegrass is designed for undersowing of maize crops. Vigourous Italian ryegrass combined with later German ryegrass ensure good growth throughout the season. UNTERSAAT stabilises the soil protecting it from errosiona nd run off over winter and binds any remaining available nitrogen.
Further InfoUntersaat
- Undersowing Maize blend
- Blend of Ryegrass stabilises soil during maize growth and after harvest
- Protects soil from erosion
OverviewBiene
An annual bee/fallow mix for agricultural environmental areas that is free from Crucifers and grasses for more varied rotations. BIENE is a blend of 11 components selected for their biodiverse properties with a long flowering period
Further InfoDownload tech sheetBiene
- Annual Bee/Insect mix - Crucifer and grass free
- Blend with 11 different components
- Rapidly establishing
OverviewBlühzauber
This visually pleasing blend of over 40 individual varieties combine to provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and insects. BLUHZAUBER flowers continuously from May into autumn improving the image of the landscape where it is sown.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetBlühzauber
- Wildflower mixture
- Over 40 varieties with different colors and shapes
- Source of nectar for bees and insects *not suitable for broad acre sowings*
OverviewPotato
A specially selected blend of different species, this mix is designed to improve and enhance the soil. POTATO is a combination of species designed to improve soil structure and enrich it for optimum health prior to intensive potato cultivation. Blue Lupin ILDIGO and common vetch improve the nitrate availability in the soil while oil radish CONTROL penetrates the soil with its deep roots opening up the structure. Saia oat PRATEX and flax JULIET provide rapid inital develpment offering soil protection whilst knitting the soil surface together to reduce erosion.
Further InfoPotato
- Soil fertility blend for light to medium soils with medium pH values
- Multi resistant and nematode resistant oil radishes plus Saia oat, Blue lupins and Linseed
OverviewBeet (Rube)
A profesional blend designed for high performance nematode control. RUBE is a mix of 2 nematode resistant oil radishes and white mustards selected for their optimum control characteristics. A high plant density of 160 plants/m2 allows active nemetode control at the highest level. RUBE is suited for mid to late sowings across all soil types with its roots penetrating deep into the lower soil layers to reduce nematodes deep in the profile.
Further InfoBeet (Rube)
- Blend for active control of BCN
- Nematode resistant oil radishes and nematode resistant white mustard
OverviewTrio
This frost sensitive green manure blend is ideally suited to later sowings in arable rotations. TRIO is ideal for areas coming out of cereals and going into sugar/beetroot cropping. It is fast to establish with a mixture of root sizes throughout the profile. Its components reliably freeze down to leave a mulch base that offers good erosion protection untill sowing in spring.
Further InfoTrio
- Green manure crop
- Phacelia, clover, BCN oil radish
- Sugar beet, maize, OSR and cereals
OverviewMulch
Further InfoMulch
- Green manure crop - no legumes
- Black oat and BCN oil radish
- Maize, sugar beet, potatoes and cereals
OverviewUniversal Winter
This crucifer free over winter cover blend is suitable for sowing in a wide variety of situations. UNIVERSAL WINTER is an evergreen crop which is fast to establish. Its non inclusuion of crufifer and legume species make it an ideal over winter cover for rotations of spring planted brassica and legume crops. It quickly binds nitrogen in the soil protecting groundwater and stabilises soil structure reducing over winter erosion.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetUniversal Winter
- Frost hardy green manure - no crucifers or legumes
- Saia oat, ryegrass and phacelia
- Ideal for OSR/vegetable brassica rotations where over winter cover is required
OverviewGranoleg
An excellent whole crop blend for biomass/silage production after an early cereal harvest. GRANOLEG maintains soil tilth over summer and contains a summer field pea that provides aditional nitrogen for the stressed soil that keeps its cereal partners greener for longer.
Further InfoGranoleg
- Whole crop cereal blend with vetch
- Triticale, rye, Saia oats, oats and field pea
- Ideal for low fertility sites
OverviewMultikulti
An annual bee/fallow mix for agricultural environmental areas. MULTIKULTI consists of 12 species selected for their good biodiversity and useage. The roots penetrate the soil at different levels stabilising the structure and its 'grass free' nature allows for easier cultivations further in the rotation.
Further InfoMultikulti
- Diverse flowing mix - no grasses
- Ideal for bee pastures/verges
- Stablises and protects soil
OverviewWickroggen
This winter hardy biomass blend is suitable for both cover and fodder use. WICKROGGEN is a mix of MATADOR rye and winter vetch. The rye is fast to establish and grows aggressively with an extensive root structure and high biomass. This is complemented by the vetch which improves soil fertility and improves the performance of the rye also fixing nitrogen to be available for the following crop. Ideal for late sowing, it can be used in rotations before brassica, beet and cereal crops.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetWickroggen
- Winter hardy whole crop blend
- Winter rye and vetch
- Ideal for late sowing
OverviewIntensiv
The high performance blend for intensive cropping programs, INTENSIV is a mix of two very powerful varieties for optimum performance. An excellent combination of multi resistant oil radish DEFENDER and Saia oat PRATEX make it a power house for the improvement and stabilisation of soil structure, weed suppression and improvement of organic matter. DEFENDER maintains the positive nemetode control atributes of multi resistant radish combined with the control of Pratylenchus spp. from PRATEX. Suitable for inclusion in all crop rotations with particular benefit to potato, beet and intensive root crop rotations.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetIntensiv
- Recovery mix for intensive root vegetable and potato crop rotations
- Saia oat and multi-resistant oil radish
- Impressive effect on stabilising soil structure and catching nutrients
OverviewGranopur
An excellent whole crop blend for biomass/silage production after an early cereal harvest. GRANOPUR maintains soil tilth over summer and is idealy suited to subsequent following potato and vegetable rotations. With no crucifers or legumes it allows more flexibility in the following rotation.
Further InfoGranopur
- Excellent whole crop cereal blend
- Triticale, rye and Saia oat
- Rapidly establishing
OverviewUniversal
A crucifer free, fast growing green manure/cover blend. UNIVERSAL is a mix of Phacelia ANGELIA and Saia oat PRATEX combined with clover and Vetch. With a wide sowing window from April to September, it is suitable for late spring to late summer sown cover that provides dense ground cover supressing weeds. the inclusion of legumes can help to improve soil notrogen and when planted early can help to retain soil moisture over the summer. Suitable for brassica, beet and cereal rotations. A legume free version is also available for pea/bean crop rotations.
Further InfoDownload tech sheetUniversal
- Frost susceptible green manure - no crucifers
- Phacelia, Saia oat and Clovers
- Ideal for OSR and vegetable brassica rotations
Overview
RAPS
The undemanding drought tollerant blend, RAPS is a mix of Phacelia ANGELIA, flax ZOLTAN, Persian and Egyptian clover. An ideal partner to brassica and cereal rotations, this blend is crucifer free, drought tollerant and not related to the main production crops so disrupts the disease cycle whilst improving soil struture. The Phacelia and flax flowers provide nectar for bird and insects and the mix freezes off reliably for easier preperation for the following crop.
RAPS
- Frost susceptible Green manure - no crucifers or cereals
- Phacelia, Linseed and Clovers
- Ideal for OSR and vegetable brassica rotations
Untersaat
This grass blend of Italian and German ryegrass is designed for undersowing of maize crops. Vigourous Italian ryegrass combined with later German ryegrass ensure good growth throughout the season. UNTERSAAT stabilises the soil protecting it from errosiona nd run off over winter and binds any remaining available nitrogen.
Untersaat
- Undersowing Maize blend
- Blend of Ryegrass stabilises soil during maize growth and after harvest
- Protects soil from erosion
Biene
An annual bee/fallow mix for agricultural environmental areas that is free from Crucifers and grasses for more varied rotations. BIENE is a blend of 11 components selected for their biodiverse properties with a long flowering period
Biene
- Annual Bee/Insect mix - Crucifer and grass free
- Blend with 11 different components
- Rapidly establishing
Blühzauber
This visually pleasing blend of over 40 individual varieties combine to provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and insects. BLUHZAUBER flowers continuously from May into autumn improving the image of the landscape where it is sown.
Blühzauber
- Wildflower mixture
- Over 40 varieties with different colors and shapes
- Source of nectar for bees and insects *not suitable for broad acre sowings*
Potato
A specially selected blend of different species, this mix is designed to improve and enhance the soil. POTATO is a combination of species designed to improve soil structure and enrich it for optimum health prior to intensive potato cultivation. Blue Lupin ILDIGO and common vetch improve the nitrate availability in the soil while oil radish CONTROL penetrates the soil with its deep roots opening up the structure. Saia oat PRATEX and flax JULIET provide rapid inital develpment offering soil protection whilst knitting the soil surface together to reduce erosion.
Potato
- Soil fertility blend for light to medium soils with medium pH values
- Multi resistant and nematode resistant oil radishes plus Saia oat, Blue lupins and Linseed
Beet (Rube)
A profesional blend designed for high performance nematode control. RUBE is a mix of 2 nematode resistant oil radishes and white mustards selected for their optimum control characteristics. A high plant density of 160 plants/m2 allows active nemetode control at the highest level. RUBE is suited for mid to late sowings across all soil types with its roots penetrating deep into the lower soil layers to reduce nematodes deep in the profile.
Beet (Rube)
- Blend for active control of BCN
- Nematode resistant oil radishes and nematode resistant white mustard
Trio
This frost sensitive green manure blend is ideally suited to later sowings in arable rotations. TRIO is ideal for areas coming out of cereals and going into sugar/beetroot cropping. It is fast to establish with a mixture of root sizes throughout the profile. Its components reliably freeze down to leave a mulch base that offers good erosion protection untill sowing in spring.
Trio
- Green manure crop
- Phacelia, clover, BCN oil radish
- Sugar beet, maize, OSR and cereals
Mulch
Mulch
- Green manure crop - no legumes
- Black oat and BCN oil radish
- Maize, sugar beet, potatoes and cereals
Universal Winter
This crucifer free over winter cover blend is suitable for sowing in a wide variety of situations. UNIVERSAL WINTER is an evergreen crop which is fast to establish. Its non inclusuion of crufifer and legume species make it an ideal over winter cover for rotations of spring planted brassica and legume crops. It quickly binds nitrogen in the soil protecting groundwater and stabilises soil structure reducing over winter erosion.
Universal Winter
- Frost hardy green manure - no crucifers or legumes
- Saia oat, ryegrass and phacelia
- Ideal for OSR/vegetable brassica rotations where over winter cover is required
Granoleg
An excellent whole crop blend for biomass/silage production after an early cereal harvest. GRANOLEG maintains soil tilth over summer and contains a summer field pea that provides aditional nitrogen for the stressed soil that keeps its cereal partners greener for longer.
Granoleg
- Whole crop cereal blend with vetch
- Triticale, rye, Saia oats, oats and field pea
- Ideal for low fertility sites
Multikulti
An annual bee/fallow mix for agricultural environmental areas. MULTIKULTI consists of 12 species selected for their good biodiversity and useage. The roots penetrate the soil at different levels stabilising the structure and its 'grass free' nature allows for easier cultivations further in the rotation.
Multikulti
- Diverse flowing mix - no grasses
- Ideal for bee pastures/verges
- Stablises and protects soil
Wickroggen
This winter hardy biomass blend is suitable for both cover and fodder use. WICKROGGEN is a mix of MATADOR rye and winter vetch. The rye is fast to establish and grows aggressively with an extensive root structure and high biomass. This is complemented by the vetch which improves soil fertility and improves the performance of the rye also fixing nitrogen to be available for the following crop. Ideal for late sowing, it can be used in rotations before brassica, beet and cereal crops.
Wickroggen
- Winter hardy whole crop blend
- Winter rye and vetch
- Ideal for late sowing
Intensiv
The high performance blend for intensive cropping programs, INTENSIV is a mix of two very powerful varieties for optimum performance. An excellent combination of multi resistant oil radish DEFENDER and Saia oat PRATEX make it a power house for the improvement and stabilisation of soil structure, weed suppression and improvement of organic matter. DEFENDER maintains the positive nemetode control atributes of multi resistant radish combined with the control of Pratylenchus spp. from PRATEX. Suitable for inclusion in all crop rotations with particular benefit to potato, beet and intensive root crop rotations.
Intensiv
- Recovery mix for intensive root vegetable and potato crop rotations
- Saia oat and multi-resistant oil radish
- Impressive effect on stabilising soil structure and catching nutrients
Granopur
An excellent whole crop blend for biomass/silage production after an early cereal harvest. GRANOPUR maintains soil tilth over summer and is idealy suited to subsequent following potato and vegetable rotations. With no crucifers or legumes it allows more flexibility in the following rotation.
Granopur
- Excellent whole crop cereal blend
- Triticale, rye and Saia oat
- Rapidly establishing
Universal
A crucifer free, fast growing green manure/cover blend. UNIVERSAL is a mix of Phacelia ANGELIA and Saia oat PRATEX combined with clover and Vetch. With a wide sowing window from April to September, it is suitable for late spring to late summer sown cover that provides dense ground cover supressing weeds. the inclusion of legumes can help to improve soil notrogen and when planted early can help to retain soil moisture over the summer. Suitable for brassica, beet and cereal rotations. A legume free version is also available for pea/bean crop rotations.
Universal
- Frost susceptible green manure - no crucifers
- Phacelia, Saia oat and Clovers
- Ideal for OSR and vegetable brassica rotations
Blue LupinIldigo
Further InfoDownload tech sheetIldigo
- Rapid initial development and high dry matter yields
- Ideal green manure crop
Overview
Ildigo
Ildigo
- Rapid initial development and high dry matter yields
- Ideal green manure crop
BuckwheatHajnalka
Further InfoDownload tech sheetHajnalka
- Rapid establishment
- Good soil cover and weed suppression
- Low cultivation and nutrient requirements
Overview
Hajnalka
Hajnalka
- Rapid establishment
- Good soil cover and weed suppression
- Low cultivation and nutrient requirements