Cultivation

Oilseed Radish as Green Manure

Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.

Oilseed radish is valued as a green manure crop for its powerful taproot system, acting as a 'biological plow,' and its high rate of biomass accumulation over a 45–50 day growing period.

In the reference 59 varieties crop Oil radish, where this is mentioned in the description.

Oilseed radish effectively loosens and drains compacted clay soils due to its deep root system, which does not form tubers. The crop surpasses many other green manures in growth rate and the volume of above-ground and below-ground biomass accumulation, while remaining resistant to frosts down to –3...–4°C.

The phytosanitary properties of the crop are provided by the content of essential oils, which contributes to the suppression of soil nematodes, pathogens of late blight (Phytophthora), and the active inhibition of weeds, including couch grass (Elymus repens). Compared to other cruciferous crops, oilseed radish shows increased resistance to clubroot.

When used in crop rotation, one should consider the crop's membership in the Brassicaceae family and avoid sowing it after or before related species due to the accumulation of common diseases and pests. The crop is optimal for post-harvest and post-mowing plantings as an intermediate link.

General information about the subject — on the page Green manures.

Sources8

Varieties of Oil radish mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.