A farmer who does not take advantage of the benefits of intercrops loses out in many fields – he loses big money and reduces the yield potential of the soil. With succession crops you will meet the requirements for EU subsidies. You can also get into the carbon program.
– Caring for the soil is the basis for using all inputs. Looking at the sins of Polish farmers, first of all, it is necessary to focus on maintaining the proper pH, and return to the rotation, or decent crop succession – says Prof. Tomasz Piechota, who cites intercropping as a great opportunity for the soil and the farmer.
– The soil is the most important. It is the very beginning. How to take care of it? There are two basic ways to do it – to mix in the soil mechanically as little as possible, and to make the soil as long as possible, and as strong in vegetation as possible – said Prof. Piechota during a field day organized by one of the Polish companies specializing in breeding new crop varieties.
The scientist’s words are corroborated by agronomist Maciej Kobus – a representative of HeavyFinance, pointing to taking the direction of regenerative agriculture as a solution. – When balancing between the volume of production and the costs incurred for it, we must take into account many factors, but it should start with the soil – its pH and humus levels, and even weather data from recent months and years. Proper planning and taking the necessary measures leads to improving the condition of the land, but at the same time to increasing the profitability of production – emphasizes Maciej Kobus.
“The farmer generally spoils the land”
– Stepping away from the plough would be a powerful event, while even if we use it, let’s not do it too deeply, not too often, unnecessarily. Only as much as is really necessary – notes Prof. Piechota. He also stresses the importance of the aforementioned plant cover, which can be provided by intercrops in an easy way that is also very beneficial for the farmer. – They can compensate for the many inconveniences of farming. One should be aware that the farmer generally spoils the land. This is an unkind statement, but it must be said to oneself. Of course, he doesn’t want to do it, but he simply has to in order to produce. Therefore, the intercrop here is an excellent cure for the soil, providing it with additional organic matter, building humus, structure and covering it, preventing erosion – explains the scientist in the interview. He adds another advantage of intercrops – useful especially for growers – is that they are a great addition to the main crop, able to produce a dozen or sometimes tens of tons of green matter per hectare.
What plants to choose for intercropping?
What plants to choose for intercropping? There are plenty of possibilities. However, as Prof. Piechota notes, mixtures are always best. – At least 3 species of plants from different botanical groups. Of course, it should also be noted that if there is a large number of cereals in the rotation, we should not add a large number of cereal plants. Bean plants, on the other hand, are very valuable. And when it comes to the most convenient plants – colloquially speaking, it is worth betting on cruciferous plants, i.e. brassicas – such as mustard – enumerates Prof. Piechota.
Intercrops, and subsidies
Crops sown after the main crop has been harvested make it possible to meet the requirements of GAEC 6 (Minimum Soil Cover at the Most Sensitive Periods) and GAEC 7 (Crop Rotation and Diversification on Farmland) standards, while fitting into the ecoscheme – Carbon Agriculture and Nutrient Management. To meet the mentioned requirements, of course, certain regulations must be followed. First of all, it is a matter of observing sowing dates and maintaining plants on the field. For stubble intercrops, sowing must take place between July 1 and August 20. Plants must remain in the field until October 15 (or eight weeks if a declaration is made). As for winter intercrops, on the other hand, sowing must be done between July 1 and October 1. Plants must remain in the field until February 15. Mulching is allowed after November 15. However, it does not include GAEC 6.
Intercrops, and carbon certificates
Improving the condition of the soil and meeting the requirements for obtaining EU subsidies is not enough. Intercropping can also help a farmer earn additional revenue from yet another source. It is about carbon certificates. According to Erik Frontczak – head of the carbon program at the aforementioned company HeavyFinance, which deals with this topic in our market, the certificates – also known as carbon credits – can entail a subsidy of about PLN 200 per hectare per year.
– It is about nothing more than the use of agricultural practices that aim to maximize the soil’s uptake of carbon dioxide. To join the program, a farmer must use at least two regenerative farming practices. We’re talking about reducing mineral fertilization, using reduced tillage, leaving crop residues in the field, and just using intercrops. Frontczak explains. He emphasizes that the topic of carbon certificates is still new. However, he is confident that the first payments related to it will reach farmers as early as next year. And these will not be small amounts. – We will have millionaires in Poland obtained precisely thanks to carbon certificates, he concludes.
