Horlica is a fast-maturing and high-yielding winter cover crop of the Brassicaceae family, used as green manure, forage, and honey-producing plant. It is characterized by cold and drought resistance, allowing successful cultivation under various climatic conditions. The 'Horlica' variety was developed through selection at the National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine and yields 250-400 kg of green mass per hundred square meters, significantly improving soil fertility.
This crop actively enhances the physical and phytosanitary properties of soil: it loosens and structures the soil, increases aeration and water retention. Dense horlica stands suppress weeds, and the decomposition of plant residues creates favorable conditions for soil microorganisms and earthworms. The biomass serves as food for these organisms, which helps reduce plant diseases and increases yields of subsequent crops.
Horlica cultivation requires no special care: sowing is conducted from early spring to the second decade of August on moist, level soil at a rate of 1 kg per 10 hundred square meters. For successful winter survival, the rosette must have 5-6 leaves formed. The plant does not flower or produce seeds with spring sowing, but seeds can be obtained by sowing in August with maturation occurring in June. To increase yields on poor soils, nitrogen-containing organic fertilizers and effective microorganisms are recommended. Horlica should be cut for soil fertilization in autumn at the stage of fully developed rosette, which promotes faster fermentation and enriches the soil with nutrients.
