Fertilisation of maize after catch crops, based on the improved valorisation of organic fertilisers

Problem

Maize is one of the most important crops in Germany (approx. 22% of arable land), especially on dairy farms and farms with biogas production. Due to an often-inefficient use of available organic fertilisers, additional inorganic fertilisers are often applied as well. This often leads to nitrate leaching.

Solution

Nitrogen (N) can be used more efficiently and inorganic fertiliser usage can be reduced through the use of organic fertilisers, slurry injection and catch crops (whether these are leguminous or not) in maize cropping systems. Indeed, the implementation of catch crops mitigates nitrate leaching during the winter and keeps it available for the following crop.