When is the time for the rapeseed harvest?
In July, dark pods formed from the yellow sea of flowers, which can now be harvested and processed. Since the rapeseed harvest is highly dependent on the weather conditions, the suitable time varies from place to place and from year to year. On top of that, the rapeseed variety is also crucial.
also read
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Requirements for harvest
- brown pods
- black seeds
- Humidity below 11%
Experience and a keen sense are required
Naturally, not all oilseed rape plants ripen at the same rate. Especially with this plant, the flowering period lasts a full four weeks. The main shoots form first, later the side shoots. accordingly, these are not yet fully developed in July, but the main shoots are ripe for harvest. The influence of wind and sun is also decisive for the ripening process of the rapeseed flower, so that the shoots above turn brown faster. Therefore, farmers always focus on the top pods.
Disadvantages of even green pods
- less oil content
- rubber-like grains stick together the engine of the combine harvester
- the rape is still too wet
- general loss of harvest due to unusable grains
set priorities
Rash action and early harvest can mean great losses for rapeseed production. Successful earnings require a certain amount of experience. But even the trained farmer is not always entirely sure and plays a little with luck. Weather forecasts are a helpful guide. It also makes the workload easier if the rapeseed is brought in before the wheat. Again, this can have a negative impact on the crop yield. In this case it is entirely up to the farmer whether he opts for more practical working conditions or the highest possible profit.
