Derbyshire and Lancashire Gliding Club

Field Crops - for Glider Pilots

Oilseed Rape is sown in August or early September and initially has the appearance of a cabbage like plant
(which is unsurprising as it is of the same family).
 

In March the crop commences a period of very rapid growth from 15cm to 2 metres within a couple of months and during April it flowers with the distinctive yellow petals. After flowering the crop returns to a dull green colour but by then will be tall and tangled so keep watching here to monitor progress.

Early August

1000-1500ft

Surface

All the oilseed rape has been harvested by now and the fields show as almost white colour due to the chopped straw lying on the surface as can be seen in the image on the right. Oilseed rape stubble has a much coarser texture than wheat or barley.

Mid July

1000-1500ft

Surface

Much of the winter Oilseed rape crop has been swathed in the East midlands and, as can be seen, it is still far to tall to land in.
Note the relatively narrow gaps between the rows (1/3gap-2/3 row) compared to combined straw rows (2/3gap-1/3row).
You have been warned - this crop will damage your glider and wallet if you land in swathed crop.
Some Oilseed rape is desiccated prior to direct harvesting and this crop will appear a dirty grey/brown colour until harvest. Oilseed rape stubble has a much coarser texture than wheat or barley.

Late June

1000-1500ft

Surface

The flowers have fallen off and the crop has  a coarse texture and pale green colour which is fading fast. 
This is the most dangerous phase of the crop growth for glider pilots as the field has lost it's warning colour.

During the next fortnight the crop will take on a grey/green colour and shortly after that it is ready for swathing this is normally in the middle of July in the East midlands.

Mid June

1000-1500ft

Surface

The flowers have fallen off and the crop has  a coarse texture and pale green colour which is fading fast but with isolated flowers remaining for another week. 
This is the most dangerous phase of the crop growth for glider pilots as the field has lost it's warning colour.

Early June

1000-1500ft

Surface

Sorry no aerial photo

Apologies for the lack of decent aerial image here. Most of the flowers have fallen off and the crop has  a coarse texture and pale green colour but with isolated flowers remaining for another week or two.  This is the most dangerous phase of the crop growth for glider pilots as the field has lost it's warning colour.

Late May

1000-1500ft

Surface

Past full flower in East Midlands and over 1.8metres tall. The bright yellow colour will start to fade over the next couple of weeks as most plants finish flowering but some flowers will be visible for several weeks to come.

Mid May

1000-1500ft

Surface

Sorry no aerial photo

I told that it grows quickly. In full flower in East Midlands and over 1.5metres tall.

Late April

1000-1500ft

Surface

I told that it grows quickly. Now 120cm tall and starting to flower.

Mid April

1000-1500ft

Surface

Too tall land in at around 70-80cm high. Note  The crop is in its rapid growth phase (grown 30cm in last 7 days) KEEP WATCHING. Yellow flowers will be appearing in midlands this next week and are probably already showing in the South of England.

Late March

1000-1500ft

Surface

Too tall land in  at around 50cm high 
Note  The crop has begun its rapid growth phase KEEP WATCHING.

Links to other Field Crop Pages

Return to Home Page