# Main-crop and second-crop sowing

> Main-crop sowing is spring sowing of the field’s principal crop for the season; second-crop sowing takes place in the same year after another crop, usually a cereal, has been harvested.

- Source page: <https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/main-crop-and-second-crop/>
- Türkçe sürüm: <https://casseed.com.tr/sozluk/ana-urun-ikinci-urun/>

_This document is a plain-text version of the page for AI tools and readers; the source page holds the current, authoritative information._

## In detail

In Türkiye, main-crop maize is usually sown in April–May, while second-crop maize following winter cereals such as wheat or barley is sown in June–July. Second-crop maize has a shorter growing season and matures closer to the autumn cold.

Earlier varieties (lower FAO numbers) are therefore generally preferred for second-crop sowing. For main-crop sowing, later-maturing varieties can be considered where the growing season is long enough.

## Why does it matter when choosing seed?

The sowing date directly determines the maturity group to choose. Where a sheet says "main crop", the variety is primarily suited to spring sowing.

## Related terms

- [FAO maturity group](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/fao-maturity-group/): The FAO maturity group is a numerical scale that classifies maize varieties by the time they need to mature; the higher the number, the later the variety matures.
- [Physiological maturity (black layer)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/physiological-maturity/): Physiological maturity is the growth stage at which maize kernels reach maximum dry matter accumulation and a black layer forms at the kernel base.
- [Dry-down](https://casseed.com.tr/en/glossary/dry-down/): Dry-down is the rate at which maize kernels lose moisture in the field after physiological maturity.

## Related CasSeed varieties

- [TCS-906 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-906/): A late-maturity grain hybrid with fast dry-down and outstanding standability.
- [TCS-1634 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-1634/): A flinty red-grained hybrid with high protein and complete tip fill.
- [TCS-8716 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-8716/): A widely adapted grain hybrid with high test weight, suited to wider spacing.
- [TCS-8808 (FAO 700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/tcs-8808/): Complete tip fill, high test weight and a hybrid that rewards denser planting.
- [KALE (FAO 650)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/kale/): Broad ears and a strong stalk — a mid-late hybrid for both grain and silage.
- [ADA-523 (FAO 650–700)](https://casseed.com.tr/en/products/ada-523/): 265–300 cm plant height and 9–10 t/da silage yield; also suited to starch and feed industries.