BBCHskalaen

The BBCH scale is a system used in agriculture and horticulture to describe the phenological developmental stages of plants. BBCH stands for Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry. This standardized scale allows for precise identification and communication of plant growth stages across different species and geographical locations. It is particularly useful for research, crop management, and the application of pesticides and fertilizers, as many agricultural practices are timed according to specific developmental phases.

The scale is divided into ten main growth stages, numbered 0 to 9. Each main stage represents a significant period in the plant's life cycle, such as germination, leaf development, flowering, fruit development, and maturity. Within each main stage, there are further subdivisions, often indicated by a decimal point, allowing for a more granular description of the plant's progress. For example, stage 1 indicates leaf development, while 1.2 might represent the development of the second set of true leaves.

The BBCH scale is applicable to a wide range of crops, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and oilseed rape. While the general principles are the same, specific codes and descriptions are tailored to the unique developmental patterns of different plant types. This standardization ensures that growers, researchers, and regulatory bodies can refer to the same growth stages, facilitating consistent data collection and effective decision-making in agricultural practices.