Especially during the spring months of May and June, when hoeing is typically done in the fields, frequent rain makes work difficult or impossible. Suitable cover crops, sown at the optimal time in the cornfield, are intended to minimize weed competition from the outset. It is also important to determine the yield losses that must be accepted as a result of these cover crops.
The aim of this scientific work is to determine the optimal time for establishing cover crops in organically managed maize fields. Firstly, the selection of the cover crop is of great importance, and secondly, the timing of sowing is crucial. Many cover crops are simply not suitable, as maize plants are extremely susceptible to competition, especially in their early stages. The question of when to sow the cover crop requires careful consideration. Sowing too early results in overly vigorous development of the cover crop, leading to excessive competition with the maize; sowing too late can result in the cover crop struggling to establish itself within the maize. Insufficient cover cropping offers no protection against weeds; a poorly developed cover crop may only fully develop after the maize harvest and, under certain circumstances, provide ideal winter cover.
In arid regions, the question of undersowing usually doesn't arise due to water scarcity, while in wetlands with more than 900 mm of rainfall, water competition shouldn't normally be a problem. However, weeds repeatedly cause difficulties in wetlands. Mechanical weed control, using a harrow or hoe, is often impossible due to heavy and recurring rainfall, and manual weeding is not feasible.
Under such climatic conditions, farmers must employ other measures. Undersowing is absolutely essential in these situations, provided it is implemented correctly. This scientific study is being conducted to gather data on this issue.
