Description

Product Description:
Chicory (Cichorium intybus), particularly the Choice variety, is a perennial herb known for its deep taproot, high-quality forage, and exceptional warm-season dry matter production. A versatile summer crop, it offers substantial benefits in dairy systems, including high protein feed, excellent regrowth potential, and adaptability to summer dry conditions. Depending on soil conditions, Choice chicory can persist for 2–4 years, making it a valuable addition to rotational grazing and pasture improvement programs.

Product Characteristics Summary:

🌱 Agronomic Information:

• Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus (Choice variety).
• Plant Type: Perennial herb with a deep taproot.
• Growth Habit: High dry matter production, excellent regrowth potential, and resilience in hot, dry conditions.
• Lifespan: 2–4 years under optimal soil and management conditions.

🌾 Key Features:

• High-Quality Forage: Protein-rich, multi-graze crop ideal for dairy cows and livestock.
• Exceptional Growth: High dry matter yields, particularly in summer.
• Adaptability: Thrives in summer dry environments and continues to provide feed after other crops are finished.
• Soil Health: Improves soil fertility and structure through its deep taproot.

🌞 Resilience & Adaptability:

• Climate Suitability: Grows in a wide range of soil types, provided drainage is adequate and fertility is high.
• Drought Tolerance: Deep taproot enables growth in extended dry periods.
• Cold Hardiness: Requires care to avoid damage from pugging in winter and spring.
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

🌍 Suitability:

• For Dairy Systems: Reliable summer crop, providing high-quality feed in dry conditions.
• Pasture Improvement: Can be sown alone, mixed with grass and clover, or oversown into existing pastures.
• Crop Rotation: Excellent as a six-month crop in pasture renovation programs.

🌱 Sowing and Establishment:

• Optimal Conditions: Sow in spring into warm soils (12°C+). Avoid late-autumn planting to prevent grazing delays.
• Depth and Spacing: Sow at 10 mm depth, ensuring minimal competition from other plants during the first three months.
• Weed Management: Pre-sow elimination of weeds is crucial as post-emergence herbicide options are limited.

🌟 Management Tips:

• Grazing: Graze when chicory reaches 20–25 cm height and down to a residual of 4 cm.
• Rotation: Allow 2–4 leaves to regrow between grazings (21–35 day rotation).
• Fertilisation: Apply nitrogen fertiliser (e.g., 60 kg/ha of urea) after each grazing for optimal growth.