ProtaPlus Management manual
ProtaPlus is a product for short-term forage production (6-12 months). It can be used as an intercrop between arable crops like corn, cereals or cotton. ProtaPlus can be harvested 2-3 times and used as silage, hay or as fresh feed, which is directly fed to animals. Grazing is also possible, as long as rotational- or strip-grazing is applied. This crop management manual provides you with the necessary information to get the most out of your ProtaPlus.
Sowing recommendations
| Sowing temperature | Annual clovers need a warm period to establish, so don’t sow too early or late in the season: soil temperature should be > 12 °C. |
| pH | Annual clovers require a minimal pH of 5.5 – 6.0. For lower soil-pH liming is recommended. |
| Sowing conditions | Sowing in humid soil, very fine seedbed, comparable to sugar beets or lucerne. |
| Sowing period | August – October (Mediterranean climates) April – August (Mild/oceanic climates) |
| Seed rate | 30 kg/ha |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 - 1.0 cm. After sowing use a roller to compress the soil |
Harvesting
| ProtaPlus can be harvested 2-3 times per season (4-6 weeks interval). |
| Cut before the clover starts to bloom. |
| Don’t cut too low: cutting height no lower than 7-8 cm. |
| Tedding and raking should be done smoothly, to prevent losses from cloverleaves. |
| Make sure the sward isn’t longer than 15 cm before winter. |
Fertilising
| As a starter fertilization special attention should be paid to P, K and S. |
| N-fertilization isn’t necessary. Possibly apply max. 25 kg/ha N before the 1st cut. |
| Animal manure/slurry to be applied before sowing. |
| Artificial fertilizer to be applied from two weeks after sowing onwards (spring/summer sowing), or shortly after winter (autumn sowing). |
More questions about grassland management?
The portfolio of grassland seeds from Barenbrug is available through a network of specialized distributors, who also advise about the various applications. To find a specialized distributor in your area, please select your country.
