GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF QUINOA
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (since quinoa is a very small seed it could have difficulty surfacing) as well as excessively sandy soils that would cause stress to the plant with the arrival of the summer heat (unless you decide to irrigate the crop). In pre-sowing use the same fertiliser that is applied to the cereal.
SOWING PERIOD
The ideal sowing period is (broadly speaking) from mid-January to the end of March/beginning of April in central-southern Europe, even from the end of January in the southernmost areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). In central-northern Europe, the sowing time is (in broad terms) from march to mid may. Obviously, we must consider the soil and climatic conditions in each micro-area. It is important to bear in mind that any significant frosts at a very early stage can cause damage to the plant (although during the late frosts of 2017 and the frost of 2021, when the thermometer reached -6 ° C on 7th April in Italy, we did not encounter this type of problem). Excessively late sowing can cause difficulties in the emergence phase due to lack of rain and, above all, a delay in ripening and therefore a difficulty in withering, especially at higher altitudes and latitudes (the varieties proposed by Tuttoquinoa have a cycle of about 120/150 days). Furthermore, late sowing can have negative effects in the event of attacks by Altica sp. (a parasitic flea beetle that tends to attack with rising temperatures) as the plants would be attacked in an emergence phase, causing even serious damage. If the beetle attacks the plant starting from the stage of 4-6 true leaves, it does not cause damage to the plant. Finally, sowing too late risks subjecting the plant to temperatures above 30°C during full flowering (which occurs 40/60 days after emergence for the varieties proposed by Tuttoquinoa), which could cause difficulties in the fruit setting phase.
SOWING
Sowing can be done using different techniques based on the equipment you have. It is possible to carry out precision sowing or broadcast sowing (the latter allows to distribute the plants evenly on the ground and to compete with the weeds). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 10 kg with broadcast sowing, while with precision sowing it is possible to reduce the quantity of seeds by 30%-40% using the micro-granulator and even more than 50% using a monogerm planter. Some farmers use the continuous row technique using a wheat planter(for weed management it is the riskiest technique).
Precision sowing (monogerm o micro-granulator): The recommended distance between the rows is 40/50 cm (if you have weeders capable of working at shorter distances, you can reduce the distance between the rows), while in the row you can sow even at very high densities (it is recommended to use the micro-granulator because the quinoa seeds release a dust that tends to clog the holes in the discs of the seeder). Precision sowing will make it easier to get rid of weeds by weeding. If the farm has equipment for growing corn and sunflower (planter and weeder) with rows spaced 75 cm apart, they can be used by slightly reducing the amount of seeds per hectare, in which case double weeding may be necessary.
Broadcast sowing: In our opinion, broadcast sowing is one of the best techniques on land that does not present particular complexity in terms of the presence of weeds. Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertiliser spreader but sowing with a grain planter (given the small amount of seed required, a pneumatic system is more suitable than a mechanical one), by detaching the tubes that carry the seed to the milling cutter, so that it falls out without going on the row. This ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between rows (which is where weeds would grow). It is advisable to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep.
Sowing with a wheat seeder: With the planter and wheat technique, the weeds will be less aggressive than with a 45 cm inter-row, but it will not be possible to intervene mechanically to remove them, so in the case of a massive presence they could overwhelm the crop. Being a small seed, regardless of the sowing technique, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 2 cm). However, precision sowing is recommended, which guarantees important advantages: savings on the quantity of seed; greater uniformity in emergencies as it allows you to control the sowing depth; possibility to carry out a weeding for the removal of weeds.
(For more details and more precise information on sowing and fertilising, please read this article => “‘Sowing Quinoa, How and When? Here are our tips’”)
IRRIGATION
Quinoa has no specific water needs; in particularly dry years the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater yields (as for the 2022 campaign).
FERTILISATION
Quinoa is a plant that is very sensitive to fertilisation, so it is necessary to fertilise generously in order to obtain a good result. In organic farming, we recommend organic fertilisation with a high phosphorous and organic substance content in pre-sowing, leaf fertilisers and biostimulants afterwards. In conventional agriculture, a good phosphoric fertilisation in pre-sowing, similar to what is done on wheat (diammonium phosphate for example), and one or two nitrogen fertilisations, for a total of at least 100 nitrogen units (topdressing). Potassium is also important, especially when the plant has excessive vigour; in fact, a potassium deficiency could favour allurement.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on Quinoa, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise the weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: Altica sp. (parasitic flea beetle) has so far been the biggest problem in central and southern Europe. However, if the plant is attacked when it is already in an advanced vegetative phase (4-6 true leaves), the damage is limited or null. In contrast, if the attack occurs in the first stage of development, the damage can be serious (especially if in conjunction with an accentuated drought that slows down the development of the plant). Also for this reason, as already mentioned, it is advisable not to delay sowing too much. Another problem can be bedbugs and aphids that attack the seeds directly on the plant (presently only in some areas of the north there have been problems with these insects). Cassida viridis, in exceptional cases, can also pose a threat.
Diseases: Quinoa is sensitive to downy mildew (with the exception of the “Puno” variety which is tolerant). To date, we have encountered only few problems in central-southern Europe but in South America there have been major attacks by this fungus. Normally, the downy mildew that attacks Quinoa is of a different nature from that that attacks the vine, it stops on the basal leaves and tends to disappear with the first heat without causing serious damage.
Phytosanitary treatments:There are no phytosanitary products registered for Quinoa, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
Ungulates: To the best of our knowledge, no ungulates have shown interest to the crop.
HARVEST
The phenological cycle of these varieties is around 120/150 days (it can vary depending on the season, and sowing time). Harvesting can be done with a combine harvester (with an alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but, above all, to avoid excessive moisture. Quinoa has a gradual ripening, normally the moisture of Quinoa at the time of harvest is around 15%/16% (a lower humidity would lead to excessive seed loss). If harvested in a period that is still hot, the humidity manages to drop below 12% in a natural way (keeping the seed dry and ventilated for a few days). It is essential to allow Quinoa to dry quickly after harvesting. A good option for solving moisture problems can be mowing the plant and subsequent threshing with a pick-up header, after the plant and weeds have dried on the ground.
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF TEFF
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. As with all small seeds (and Teff is very small), soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (being a very small seed it may have difficulty surfacing). It is advisable to roll the soil before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep.
SOWING PERIOD
Teff planting time is from mid-March to mid-May for spring sowing. In the second harvest, the sowing normally takes place at the end of spring; in this case the plant obviously needs irrigation.
It is important to pay attention to the temperatures since Teff needs a soil temperature above 15°C and moisture to germinate properly.
SOWING
Teff is sown with a classic wheat seeder (Teff is a cereal). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 10 kg/ha, its size makes sowing complex as it is necessary to mix the seed with inert material or have seeders capable of sowing extremely small seeds (8/10 times smaller than the clover or alfalfa, for example). Being a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Broadcast sowing: Broadcasting with a fertiliser spreader is only possible if you have highly technological machinery capable of managing such small quantities and dimensions of seed.
IRRIGATION
If Teff is sown in the second harvest, irrigation is essential both at the moment of sowing, to facilitate the emergence of the seed, and during the entire vegetative cycle, up to the formation of the seed.
FERTILISATION
In organic farming, in addition to the basic organic fertilisation, foliar and biostimulant fertilisations are recommended. In conventional agriculture, a pre-sowing fertilisation, equivalent to that applied to wheat, and an application with 50kg/ha of nitrogen as a cover are advisable (an excess of nitrogen can favour entrapment).
WEED MANAGEMENT
Teff, if sown at an adequate density, can cover the soil very well and suffocate weeds. In any case, an intervention with a harrow during tillering can be useful both to remove any weeds and to oxygenate the roots of the plant.
Pests and insects: To date, no attacks by parasites or insects have been reported in central and southern Europe.
Diseases: In central-southern Europe no diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Ungulates: To the best of our knowledge, no ungulates have been reported to be attracted to the crop.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no phytosanitary products registered for Teff, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
HARVEST
Harvesting normally takes place 110/130 days after emergence for spring sowing, about 90/100 days after emergence for late sowing, in second harvest. Two harvesting techniques can be used:
Classical: using a combine harvester (with appropriate sieves, such as for alfalfa or clover).
Mowing and Threshing: in particularly wet seasons, on plots where weeds are present (Teff normally does not have weed problems) or in case of lodging, an excellent option is mowing the plant that is not completely dry, followed by threshing once it has dried (the ideal would be a Pick up header on the combine harvester, but it can also be done very well with a normal grain header trying to mow not too close to the ground).
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF AMARANTH
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (being a very small seed it could have difficulty surfacing).
SOWING PERIOD
The ideal sowing period is from mid-March to mid-May in central-southern Europe, from mid-February to the end of April in the southernmost European areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). It is important to pay attention to the temperatures since Amaranth needs a soil temperature above 15°C to germinate well and absolutely does not tolerate frost.
SOWING
Sowing Amaranth requires great attention and precision, as the quantity of seed required is minimal (from 2 to 4 kg/ha according to the technique used). It is possible to carry out precision sowing, classic sowing with a grain seeder or broadcast sowing (again with a grain seeder). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 3/4 kg with broadcast sowing or cereal-type sowing, which can be reduced up to 2 kg/ha (using the micro-granulator) with precision sowing. Regardless of the technique used, it is recommended to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep. Being a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Precision sowing: The recommended distance between rows is 45/50 cm, while on the row it is possible to sow even with very high densities. It is recommended to use the micro-granulator. Precision sowing will allow us to intervene with weeding, even if it is important, especially in organic farming, to do a good job of preparing the soil, with adequate false sowing to reduce weeds as much as possible and prevent them from invading the crop. In fact, after the emergence, Amaranth has a stall period of about 20 days, during which it grows at a very slow pace and could be suffocated by an excessive presence of weeds. If the farm has equipment for growing corn and sunflower (seeder and weeder), in rows spaced 75 cm apart, it can use them by slightly reducing the amount of seed per hectare.
Sowing with a wheat seeder: With the wheat seeder (a pneumatic one is more suitable than a mechanical one) the weeds will be less aggressive than a 45 cm inter-row, but it will not be possible to intervene mechanically to remove them. Therefore, in the case of a massive presence they could suffocate the crop. It may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material if the seeder used is unable to sow such small quantities.
Broadcast sowing: Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertiliser spreader (given the small amount of seed and its size), but sowing with a grain seeder (pneumatic is always recommended), by detaching the tubes that carry the seed to the disc, so that it falls out without going on the row. Again, it may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material. This technique ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between rows (which is where the weeds would grow).
IRRIGATION
Amaranth has no specific water needs, in particularly dry years (as for the 2022 campaign) the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater yields.
FERTILISATION
Since there is no herbicide registered on Amaranth, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on Amaranth, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: Until now, in central and southern Europe, the parasitic flea beetle (Altica sp.) has been the only problem, especially in the first phase.
Diseases: In central-southern Europe no diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no phytosanitary products registered for Amaranth, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
Ungulates: As far as we know, no ungulates seem to be attracted to the crop.
Harvesting can be done with a combine harvester (with an alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but, above all, to avoid excessive moisture. Amaranth has a gradual ripening, and the plant is hardly able to dry completely before harvesting, which therefore affects the humidity of the seed. Furthermore, if you wait for the complete maturation of the entire panniculus, you risk losing too much seed. It is necessary to find a compromise between a good degree of ripeness and minimal seed loss. Once the seed has been collected, it must be dried, which can be done naturally by spreading it on the ground on a concrete platform (if the quantity is not too much).
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques./span>
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF CHIA
SOIL PREPARATION
the soil must be carefully prepared and the seedbed must be well refined. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (since chia is a very small seed emergence could be tough). It is advisable to carry out at least two false sowings to reduce weed competition.
The ideal sowing time is from mid-April to mid-May in northern Italy, from mid-March to the end of April in the southernmost European areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). It is important to pay attention to temperatures, chia absolutely does not tolerate cold and frost.
SOWING
Sowing chia requires a lot of attention and precision, as the quantity of seed needed is minimal (from 2 to 6 Kg/Ha depending on the technique used, the type of soil and the quality of the seedbed). Precision sowing, classic sowing with a cereal planter or broadcast sowing (always with a cereal planter) can be carried out. The quantity of seed per hectare is approximately 5-7 kg with broadcast sowing or cereal sowing, with precision sowing (inter-row distance 45-50 cm) the quantity can be reduced to 2 – 2.5 Kg/Ha (using the micro-granulator). It is advisable to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep. Since it is a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Precision sowing: The recommended distance between the rows is 45/50 cm, while the row can also be sown with a very high density. We recommend using the micro-granulator. Precision sowing will allow us to intervene with weeder, although it is important, especially in organic farming, to carry out a good job of preparing the soil, with adequate false sowing to reduce weeds as much as possible and prevent them from overtaking the crop. If the farm has equipment for the cultivation of corn and sunflower (seeder and weeder) with rows spaced 75 cm apart, they can be used by slightly reducing the quantity of seed per hectare, in this case it will be more difficult to fight weeds between the rows.
Sowing with wheat technique: With the wheat planter (a pneumatic one is more suitable than a mechanical one) the weeds will be less aggressive than with a 45 cm inter-row spacing, but it will not be possible to use a weeder to remove them, so in the event of a massive presence they could suffocate the crop. It may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material if the planter used is not capable of sowing such small quantities.
Broadcast sowing: Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertilizer spreader (given the small quantity of seed and its size), but rather sowing with a cereal planter (a pneumatic one is always recommended), detaching the tubes that conduct the seed to the disc, so that it comes out by falling without going onto the row. Even in this case it may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material. This technique ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between one row and another (which is where weeds are born).
Chia does not have particular water needs, in particularly dry years the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater guarantees in dry years.
FERTILIZATION
In organic farming, in addition to basic organic fertilization, we recommend foliar fertilizations and biostimulants; in conventional agriculture, fertilisation can be done in pre-sowing with 40-50 units of phosphorus (P) and on cover with 50-60 units of nitrogen ( N), possibly applied in 2 stages.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on chia, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise the weeds can only be fought by pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: In Europe, no parasites have been detected to date. Snails can BE a threat. Do not sow Chia in fields with the presence of dodder, as it is a host plant.
Illnesses: In Europe no particular diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no registered plant protection products for chia.
Ungulates: not attracted by the crop
Harvesting can be done with a cereal combine harvester (with alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but above all to avoid bringing excessive humidity. Chia has a gradual maturation, and the plant is difficult to dry completely before harvesting, this therefore affects the humidity of the seed. Once the seed has been collected, if it is excessively humid, it will have to be dried, this can happen naturally, by spreading it on the ground on a concrete platform (if the quantity is not excessive), or by using air dryers.
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques./span>
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF QUINOA
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (since quinoa is a very small seed it could have difficulty surfacing) as well as excessively sandy soils that would cause stress to the plant with the arrival of the summer heat (unless you decide to irrigate the crop). In pre-sowing use the same fertiliser that is applied to the cereal.
SOWING PERIOD
The ideal sowing period is (broadly speaking) from mid-January to the end of March/beginning of April in central-southern Europe, even from the end of January in the southernmost areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). In central-northern Europe, the sowing time is (in broad terms) from march to mid may. Obviously, we must consider the soil and climatic conditions in each micro-area. It is important to bear in mind that any significant frosts at a very early stage can cause damage to the plant (although during the late frosts of 2017 and the frost of 2021, when the thermometer reached -6 ° C on 7th April in Italy, we did not encounter this type of problem). Excessively late sowing can cause difficulties in the emergence phase due to lack of rain and, above all, a delay in ripening and therefore a difficulty in withering, especially at higher altitudes and latitudes (the varieties proposed by Tuttoquinoa have a cycle of about 120/150 days). Furthermore, late sowing can have negative effects in the event of attacks by Altica sp. (a parasitic flea beetle that tends to attack with rising temperatures) as the plants would be attacked in an emergence phase, causing even serious damage. If the beetle attacks the plant starting from the stage of 4-6 true leaves, it does not cause damage to the plant. Finally, sowing too late risks subjecting the plant to temperatures above 30°C during full flowering (which occurs 40/60 days after emergence for the varieties proposed by Tuttoquinoa), which could cause difficulties in the fruit setting phase.
SOWING
Sowing can be done using different techniques based on the equipment you have. It is possible to carry out precision sowing or broadcast sowing (the latter allows to distribute the plants evenly on the ground and to compete with the weeds). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 10 kg with broadcast sowing, while with precision sowing it is possible to reduce the quantity of seeds by 30%-40% using the micro-granulator and even more than 50% using a monogerm planter. Some farmers use the continuous row technique using a wheat planter(for weed management it is the riskiest technique).
Precision sowing (monogerm o micro-granulator): The recommended distance between the rows is 40/50 cm (if you have weeders capable of working at shorter distances, you can reduce the distance between the rows), while in the row you can sow even at very high densities (it is recommended to use the micro-granulator because the quinoa seeds release a dust that tends to clog the holes in the discs of the seeder). Precision sowing will make it easier to get rid of weeds by weeding. If the farm has equipment for growing corn and sunflower (planter and weeder) with rows spaced 75 cm apart, they can be used by slightly reducing the amount of seeds per hectare, in which case double weeding may be necessary.
Broadcast sowing: In our opinion, broadcast sowing is one of the best techniques on land that does not present particular complexity in terms of the presence of weeds. Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertiliser spreader but sowing with a grain planter (given the small amount of seed required, a pneumatic system is more suitable than a mechanical one), by detaching the tubes that carry the seed to the milling cutter, so that it falls out without going on the row. This ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between rows (which is where weeds would grow). It is advisable to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep.
Sowing with a wheat seeder: With the planter and wheat technique, the weeds will be less aggressive than with a 45 cm inter-row, but it will not be possible to intervene mechanically to remove them, so in the case of a massive presence they could overwhelm the crop. Being a small seed, regardless of the sowing technique, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 2 cm). However, precision sowing is recommended, which guarantees important advantages: savings on the quantity of seed; greater uniformity in emergencies as it allows you to control the sowing depth; possibility to carry out a weeding for the removal of weeds.
(For more details and more precise information on sowing and fertilising, please read this article => “‘Sowing Quinoa, How and When? Here are our tips’”)
IRRIGATION
Quinoa has no specific water needs; in particularly dry years the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater yields (as for the 2022 campaign).
FERTILISATION
Quinoa is a plant that is very sensitive to fertilisation, so it is necessary to fertilise generously in order to obtain a good result. In organic farming, we recommend organic fertilisation with a high phosphorous and organic substance content in pre-sowing, leaf fertilisers and biostimulants afterwards. In conventional agriculture, a good phosphoric fertilisation in pre-sowing, similar to what is done on wheat (diammonium phosphate for example), and one or two nitrogen fertilisations, for a total of at least 100 nitrogen units (topdressing). Potassium is also important, especially when the plant has excessive vigour; in fact, a potassium deficiency could favour allurement.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on Quinoa, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise the weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: Altica sp. (parasitic flea beetle) has so far been the biggest problem in central and southern Europe. However, if the plant is attacked when it is already in an advanced vegetative phase (4-6 true leaves), the damage is limited or null. In contrast, if the attack occurs in the first stage of development, the damage can be serious (especially if in conjunction with an accentuated drought that slows down the development of the plant). Also for this reason, as already mentioned, it is advisable not to delay sowing too much. Another problem can be bedbugs and aphids that attack the seeds directly on the plant (presently only in some areas of the north there have been problems with these insects). Cassida viridis, in exceptional cases, can also pose a threat.
Diseases: Quinoa is sensitive to downy mildew (with the exception of the “Puno” variety which is tolerant). To date, we have encountered only few problems in central-southern Europe but in South America there have been major attacks by this fungus. Normally, the downy mildew that attacks Quinoa is of a different nature from that that attacks the vine, it stops on the basal leaves and tends to disappear with the first heat without causing serious damage.
Phytosanitary treatments:There are no phytosanitary products registered for Quinoa, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
Ungulates: To the best of our knowledge, no ungulates have shown interest to the crop.
HARVEST
The phenological cycle of these varieties is around 120/150 days (it can vary depending on the season, and sowing time). Harvesting can be done with a combine harvester (with an alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but, above all, to avoid excessive moisture. Quinoa has a gradual ripening, normally the moisture of Quinoa at the time of harvest is around 15%/16% (a lower humidity would lead to excessive seed loss). If harvested in a period that is still hot, the humidity manages to drop below 12% in a natural way (keeping the seed dry and ventilated for a few days). It is essential to allow Quinoa to dry quickly after harvesting. A good option for solving moisture problems can be mowing the plant and subsequent threshing with a pick-up header, after the plant and weeds have dried on the ground.
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF TEFF
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. As with all small seeds (and Teff is very small), soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (being a very small seed it may have difficulty surfacing). It is advisable to roll the soil before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep.
SOWING PERIOD
Teff planting time is from mid-March to mid-May for spring sowing. In the second harvest, the sowing normally takes place at the end of spring; in this case the plant obviously needs irrigation.
It is important to pay attention to the temperatures since Teff needs a soil temperature above 15°C and moisture to germinate properly.
SOWING
Teff is sown with a classic wheat seeder (Teff is a cereal). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 10 kg/ha, its size makes sowing complex as it is necessary to mix the seed with inert material or have seeders capable of sowing extremely small seeds (8/10 times smaller than the clover or alfalfa, for example). Being a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Broadcast sowing: Broadcasting with a fertiliser spreader is only possible if you have highly technological machinery capable of managing such small quantities and dimensions of seed.
IRRIGATION
If Teff is sown in the second harvest, irrigation is essential both at the moment of sowing, to facilitate the emergence of the seed, and during the entire vegetative cycle, up to the formation of the seed.
FERTILISATION
In organic farming, in addition to the basic organic fertilisation, foliar and biostimulant fertilisations are recommended. In conventional agriculture, a pre-sowing fertilisation, equivalent to that applied to wheat, and an application with 50kg/ha of nitrogen as a cover are advisable (an excess of nitrogen can favour entrapment).
WEED MANAGEMENT
Teff, if sown at an adequate density, can cover the soil very well and suffocate weeds. In any case, an intervention with a harrow during tillering can be useful both to remove any weeds and to oxygenate the roots of the plant.
Pests and insects: To date, no attacks by parasites or insects have been reported in central and southern Europe.
Diseases: In central-southern Europe no diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Ungulates: To the best of our knowledge, no ungulates have been reported to be attracted to the crop.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no phytosanitary products registered for Teff, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
HARVEST
Harvesting normally takes place 110/130 days after emergence for spring sowing, about 90/100 days after emergence for late sowing, in second harvest. Two harvesting techniques can be used:
Classical: using a combine harvester (with appropriate sieves, such as for alfalfa or clover).
Mowing and Threshing: in particularly wet seasons, on plots where weeds are present (Teff normally does not have weed problems) or in case of lodging, an excellent option is mowing the plant that is not completely dry, followed by threshing once it has dried (the ideal would be a Pick up header on the combine harvester, but it can also be done very well with a normal grain header trying to mow not too close to the ground).
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF AMARANTH
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil can be prepared by carrying out the same operations as for wheat and trying to carefully refine the soil to create an ideal seedbed. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (being a very small seed it could have difficulty surfacing).
SOWING PERIOD
The ideal sowing period is from mid-March to mid-May in central-southern Europe, from mid-February to the end of April in the southernmost European areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). It is important to pay attention to the temperatures since Amaranth needs a soil temperature above 15°C to germinate well and absolutely does not tolerate frost.
SOWING
Sowing Amaranth requires great attention and precision, as the quantity of seed required is minimal (from 2 to 4 kg/ha according to the technique used). It is possible to carry out precision sowing, classic sowing with a grain seeder or broadcast sowing (again with a grain seeder). The quantity of seed per hectare is about 3/4 kg with broadcast sowing or cereal-type sowing, which can be reduced up to 2 kg/ha (using the micro-granulator) with precision sowing. Regardless of the technique used, it is recommended to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep. Being a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Precision sowing: The recommended distance between rows is 45/50 cm, while on the row it is possible to sow even with very high densities. It is recommended to use the micro-granulator. Precision sowing will allow us to intervene with weeding, even if it is important, especially in organic farming, to do a good job of preparing the soil, with adequate false sowing to reduce weeds as much as possible and prevent them from invading the crop. In fact, after the emergence, Amaranth has a stall period of about 20 days, during which it grows at a very slow pace and could be suffocated by an excessive presence of weeds. If the farm has equipment for growing corn and sunflower (seeder and weeder), in rows spaced 75 cm apart, it can use them by slightly reducing the amount of seed per hectare.
Sowing with a wheat seeder: With the wheat seeder (a pneumatic one is more suitable than a mechanical one) the weeds will be less aggressive than a 45 cm inter-row, but it will not be possible to intervene mechanically to remove them. Therefore, in the case of a massive presence they could suffocate the crop. It may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material if the seeder used is unable to sow such small quantities.
Broadcast sowing: Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertiliser spreader (given the small amount of seed and its size), but sowing with a grain seeder (pneumatic is always recommended), by detaching the tubes that carry the seed to the disc, so that it falls out without going on the row. Again, it may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material. This technique ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between rows (which is where the weeds would grow).
IRRIGATION
Amaranth has no specific water needs, in particularly dry years (as for the 2022 campaign) the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater yields.
FERTILISATION
Since there is no herbicide registered on Amaranth, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on Amaranth, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise weeds can only be fought in pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: Until now, in central and southern Europe, the parasitic flea beetle (Altica sp.) has been the only problem, especially in the first phase.
Diseases: In central-southern Europe no diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no phytosanitary products registered for Amaranth, therefore it is not possible to carry out treatments. Basalt powder can be useful against Altica sp. attacks.
Ungulates: As far as we know, no ungulates seem to be attracted to the crop.
Harvesting can be done with a combine harvester (with an alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but, above all, to avoid excessive moisture. Amaranth has a gradual ripening, and the plant is hardly able to dry completely before harvesting, which therefore affects the humidity of the seed. Furthermore, if you wait for the complete maturation of the entire panniculus, you risk losing too much seed. It is necessary to find a compromise between a good degree of ripeness and minimal seed loss. Once the seed has been collected, it must be dried, which can be done naturally by spreading it on the ground on a concrete platform (if the quantity is not too much).
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques./span>
GUIDELINES FOR THE CULTIVATION OF CHIA
SOIL PREPARATION
the soil must be carefully prepared and the seedbed must be well refined. Soils that tend to create a superficial crust are not recommended (since chia is a very small seed emergence could be tough). It is advisable to carry out at least two false sowings to reduce weed competition.
The ideal sowing time is from mid-April to mid-May in northern Italy, from mid-March to the end of April in the southernmost European areas (Andalusia, Sicily, southern Greece). It is important to pay attention to temperatures, chia absolutely does not tolerate cold and frost.
SOWING
Sowing chia requires a lot of attention and precision, as the quantity of seed needed is minimal (from 2 to 6 Kg/Ha depending on the technique used, the type of soil and the quality of the seedbed). Precision sowing, classic sowing with a cereal planter or broadcast sowing (always with a cereal planter) can be carried out. The quantity of seed per hectare is approximately 5-7 kg with broadcast sowing or cereal sowing, with precision sowing (inter-row distance 45-50 cm) the quantity can be reduced to 2 – 2.5 Kg/Ha (using the micro-granulator). It is advisable to pass with a roller before sowing to prevent the seed from going too deep. Since it is a very small seed, it must remain on the surface (maximum depth 1 cm).
Precision sowing: The recommended distance between the rows is 45/50 cm, while the row can also be sown with a very high density. We recommend using the micro-granulator. Precision sowing will allow us to intervene with weeder, although it is important, especially in organic farming, to carry out a good job of preparing the soil, with adequate false sowing to reduce weeds as much as possible and prevent them from overtaking the crop. If the farm has equipment for the cultivation of corn and sunflower (seeder and weeder) with rows spaced 75 cm apart, they can be used by slightly reducing the quantity of seed per hectare, in this case it will be more difficult to fight weeds between the rows.
Sowing with wheat technique: With the wheat planter (a pneumatic one is more suitable than a mechanical one) the weeds will be less aggressive than with a 45 cm inter-row spacing, but it will not be possible to use a weeder to remove them, so in the event of a massive presence they could suffocate the crop. It may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material if the planter used is not capable of sowing such small quantities.
Broadcast sowing: Broadcast sowing does not mean sowing with a fertilizer spreader (given the small quantity of seed and its size), but rather sowing with a cereal planter (a pneumatic one is always recommended), detaching the tubes that conduct the seed to the disc, so that it comes out by falling without going onto the row. Even in this case it may be necessary to mix the seed with inert material. This technique ensures that the plants cover the ground evenly, avoiding the space between one row and another (which is where weeds are born).
Chia does not have particular water needs, in particularly dry years the possibility of emergency irrigation can give greater guarantees in dry years.
FERTILIZATION
In organic farming, in addition to basic organic fertilization, we recommend foliar fertilizations and biostimulants; in conventional agriculture, fertilisation can be done in pre-sowing with 40-50 units of phosphorus (P) and on cover with 50-60 units of nitrogen ( N), possibly applied in 2 stages.
WEED MANAGEMENT
Since there is no herbicide registered on chia, the only method to fight weeds is mechanical weeding, intervening with weeding in the case of precision sowing, otherwise the weeds can only be fought by pre-sowing with false sowing.
ADVERSITIES
Pests and insects: In Europe, no parasites have been detected to date. Snails can BE a threat. Do not sow Chia in fields with the presence of dodder, as it is a host plant.
Illnesses: In Europe no particular diseases have been recorded on the plant.
Phytosanitary treatments: There are no registered plant protection products for chia.
Ungulates: not attracted by the crop
Harvesting can be done with a cereal combine harvester (with alfalfa or clover sieve). It is important that weed control is carried out in a workmanlike manner to avoid the presence of excessive impurities and foreign seeds, but above all to avoid bringing excessive humidity. Chia has a gradual maturation, and the plant is difficult to dry completely before harvesting, this therefore affects the humidity of the seed. Once the seed has been collected, if it is excessively humid, it will have to be dried, this can happen naturally, by spreading it on the ground on a concrete platform (if the quantity is not excessive), or by using air dryers.
IMPORTANT: These guidelines have been drawn up based on experiences gained in Italy and Spain. They do not represent a model to be followed exclusively, but a starting point on which to make evaluations and take inspiration for improving and refining cultivation techniques./span>
