Albert Lea Seed House 2016 Cover Crops & Winter Grains Catalog | Page 6

FALL BIOMASS COVER CROPS
(C) – Oilseed radish bred specifically for cover cropping. Its large and
fast-growing taproots have shown significant benefits in enhancing
soil quality by mitigating compaction, and cycling nutrients. Tillage
Radish scavenges N, P and Ca from deep in the soil profile making the nutrients more
available for future cash crops. Plant July 15th - September 15th at 6-10 lbs/acre.
Cover Crop Radish* (O,C) – Economical oilseed radish that will mitigate compaction and scavenge nutrients. Bred for taproot production. Should not bolt in the fall.
Plant July 15th – September 15th at 6-10 lbs/acre.
Winter Rye* (O,C) – Winter rye is the most winter-hardy fall-planted grain. It can
be grazed deep into the fall, competes heavily with weeds and produces lots of forage/green manure in the spring. It will germinate down to 35°F and performs well on
low fertility and/or droughty soils. Excellent feed value as forage with protein levels
up to 18%. Average yields for grain range from 35-55 bu/acre. Seed 50-100 lbs/acre
for cover cropping and 100 lbs/acre for grain/spring forage.
Medium Brand Oats* (O,C) – Economical, fast-growing and competitive oat blend
specifically for cover cropping and forage. Oats are fast establishing, cold tolerant
and have a vigorous, fibrous root system. Can be drilled, broadcast or aerially applied.
Seed 3 bu/acre straight and ½ to 2 bu/acre in a mixture from August 1st - Sept. 15th.
Spring Barley* (C) – A cheap option for cover cropping. Excellent for fall grazing
and forage. Plant 2 bu/acre straight or ½ - 1½ bu/acre in a mixture from August 1st –
September 15th. Limited quantity. First come, first served.

Annual Ryegrass* (O,C) – An economical choice for cover cropping. Rapid growing plant with extensive root structure. Excellent for fall grazing and forage. Plant
August 1st – September 15th at 15-25 lbs/acre.
Pacific Gold Mustard (C) – Certified variety of brown mustard bred specifically for
cover cropping. Excellent biomass production and rapid growth. Good candidate for aerial application. Kill plants at or before first flower. Plant August 1st September 15th at 15-20 lbs/acre.
Yellow Mustard* (C) – Economical yellow mustard for cover cropping. Can be frost
seeded before soybeans or flown on in the fall. Plant August 1st-September 15th at 1520 lbs/acre. Can also be frost seeded early in the Spring.
Phacelia* (C) – Non-leguminous, annual broadleaf plant with fringed leaves. Excellent cold and drought tolerance. Widely used as a cover crop and bee forage in Europe. Produces good amounts of biomass and conditions soil, leaving excellent structure and aggregation. Scavenges excess soil N. Will winterkill in the upper-Midwest.
Do not broadcast. Drill July 15th – September 1st at 7-12 lbs/acre.
Purple Top Turnips* (C) – Hardy, large-rooted brassica that produces abundant biomass above and below ground. Thrives on varied soil types. Excellent grazing option.
Plant August 1st-September 15th at 4-6 lbs/acre.
Dwarf Essex Rape* (C) – Succulent, leafy brassica. Quick growing and persists well
after frost. Leafier than turnips or radishes. Plant August 1st-September 15th at 4-8 lbs/
acre.
-6-

Bulk Loads/Semi Loads Available!