Mandatory catch crop after maize: New rules for derogation on clay and peat in NV areas

“From 2023 onwards, in NV areas, farmers are obliged to grow catch crops on clay and peat soil after corn cultivation,” says Freddy Keurhorst, Manure & Minerals advisor at DLV Advies. Some details of these new conditions regarding catch crops after maize have recently been announced. The obligation for catch crops after maize previously applied to all companies that grew maize on sandy and loess soil. This year, all derogation companies that grow maize on clay and peat soil in 'Nutrient contaminated areas' (NV areas) must also comply with this obligation. “If a catch crop is sown immediately after corn cultivation, it is permitted to destroy this catch crop from February 1,” Freddy indicates. “However, if the catch crop is sown later, it must remain as the main crop for the following year. This applies to winter grains and spelt.” Regarding the conditions for derogation farms on clay and peat soil in NV areas, Freddy explains that these are less strict than those for sand and ...