The oil radish is an annual plant in the cruciferous family. It can grow in almost any conditions and does not require complex maintenance. This variety can withstand frost and drought.
Oil radish can grow up to 2 m in height. It has dense and branched green foliage and a strong root system. Developed roots are able to absorb moisture even from deep soil layers. Intensive growth allows the radish to suppress the appearance of weeds. Such green manure is effective even in the fight against wheatgrass.
Radish is grown as a green manure to improve the soil
Heavy clay soil is best suited for planting oil radish. The root system of the plant will improve its structure and quality composition. Radish is capable of destroying pathogenic bacteria that cause diseases of many plant crops. After it, it is best to grow:
- potatoes – oil radish copes with the manifestation of scab;
- grapevine – it will develop and grow more actively;
- non-cruciferous crops.
Growing radish is possible under any climatic conditions that exist in central Russia. Its resistance to bad weather allows you to get crops constantly. The biomass of green seedlings, growing in large volumes, contributes to the saturation of soils with organic matter and mineral components. An active production of humus begins. The strong root system makes the soil loose. This allows air and moisture to penetrate deeper layers.
It is best to plant oil radish from April to August. During the season, the crop can be harvested up to 3 times. After 40 days, a sufficient amount of greenery grows. The mown green mass is used to fertilize the upper layers of the soil or mulch the beds. Soils are well suited for radish:
- loamy;
- clayey;
- drained;
- sandy;
- cultivated peat bogs.
The radish is sown in bulk or in rows immediately after plowing the soil. The seeds can be mixed with sand and buried 3 cm deep in the ground. The first harvest brings the most greenery. With each subsequent volume of green mass is gradually reduced. Cultivating a culture is easy. It is unpretentious to care for and is resistant to pests.
Oil radish is grown for soil health. It improves its structure, destroys harmful bacteria and increases the content of beneficial organisms.