Oilseeds and root crops > FODDER KALE

FODDER KALE

Fodder kale belongs to the cruciferous family. It is one of the most productive annual forage plants cultivated in Poland. The green mass of fodder kale contains 19-22% of digestible proteins in dry leaf mass, and ca. 12% in stumps, i.e. more than any non-legume forage plant. Fodder kale is mostly grown as secondary crop, and less frequently as a stubble after crop. Green mass yields of fodder kale in secondary crop vary between 300-500q of green mass, and 5-11q of raw protein per 1 ha. As stubble after crop, fodder kale rarely yields more than 250q/ha. As main crop, it yields 600-800 q/ha of green mass. Fodder kale normally requires very fertile, nutrient-rich soils in good culture. However, in wet conditions it can be grown on lighter soils if adequate mineral fertilization is provided.