Fodder Crop

Swedes Crop

Swedes like oats prefer a cool, moist climate and have good winter hardiness. When grown under dry conditions, yields can be low. In areas with little sunshine, Swedes do better than fodder beet. The crop can be grazed in situ, especially suitable for sheep. It can be harvested, stored and fed whole or chopped. Some varieties are grown for human consumption.

Dry Matter yield: 6 – 9 t/ha

Fresh yield:  60 – 90 t/ha

Dry Matter: 8 – 10 %

Crude Protein: 10 – 11 %

Varieties

RUTA OTOFTEA variety with dark purple skin and globe-shaped roots that consistently yields well. This is the usual choice for animal consumption.
GOWRIEHighest yield variety. Purple skin, Suitable for human consumption
MAGRESGood yield and good resistance to powdery mildew. Dark purple skin which suits the fresh market.
MARIANMedium dry matter with purple skin and globe shaped roots, Suitable for human consumption

Swedes Crop Husbandry

April to June. Swedes for human consumption can be sown from early April. The optimum sowing time for animal feed is mid May.

Seeding rate depends on sowing conditions, type of seed and method of sowing

RUTA OTOFTE (Ordinary Seed) at 5kg/ha (2kg/acre).

Magres, Marian & Gowrie at 0.5 – 1.0kg/ha (0.2 – 0.4kg/acre)

Target pH of 6.2-7.0 NPK requirements depend on soil analysis and boron must be applied.

N 40-90 kg/ha (32-72 units/Ac); P 40-70 kg/ha (32-56 units/Ac);

K 60-100 kg/ha (48-80 units/Ac). e.g. 7 x 50 kg/Ac 8-5-18+Boron

Choice of herbicides includes Butisan S, Fusilade Max, Stratos Ultra and Dow Shield 100. Flea Beetles, Slugs, Cabbage Aphids and Leatherjackets are the most likely pests.

Insecticide products approved include Decis EC. Cabbage Root Fly can also cause problems in crops for human consumption.

Club root – Very susceptible to attack; good crop rotation will avoid the problem. Powdery Mildew – Variety choice is important. Control with Folicur at 1L/ha

Most Swedes grown in Ireland are grazed in situ by sheep, but some are pulled and fed to cattle. Swedes taint milk and should be fed to cows in limited amounts after milking. Teeth losses in sheep can be a problem. Swedes are low in protein and roughage therefore it is important to ensure that diets are balanced properly. Silage or hay should always be part of the diet and extra protein supplementation may be required. Ensure suffi cient minerals are being fed.