Albert Lea Seed House 2017 Organic Seed Guide | Page 34

ORGANIC COVER CROPS 2017

ORGANIC BIOMASS COVER CROPS
Organic Cover Crop Radish *
• Economical oilseed radish excellent for cover cropping
• Bred for taproot production
• Planting within the recommended window will minimize bolting
• Has performed equivalently to other crop radish brands in field testing
• Plant Aug . 1 – Sept . 15
• Seed 6-10 lbs ./ acre alone , 2-3 lbs ./ acre in a mixture
Organic Medium Brand Oats *
• Economical , fast-growing and competitive oat blend specifically for cover cropping and forage
• Oats are fast establishing , cold tolerant and have a vigorous root system
• Can be drilled , broadcast or aerially applied
• Plant early spring or Aug . 1 – Sept . 15
• Seed 2-3 bu ./ A alone ( 64-96 lbs ./ acre )
Organic Annual Ryegrass *
• An economical choice for fall cover cropping
• Rapid-growing plant with an extensive deep root structure
• Excellent for fall grazing and forage
• Can be drilled , broadcast or aerially applied
• Can survive the winter in mild environments or in northern climates with plenty of snowfall
• Plant Aug . 1 – Sept . 15
• Seed 15-30 lbs ./ acre
Organic Buckwheat *
• Broad-leaved summer annual most often used as a green manure crop
• Fast establishment , thrives in poor soils
• An excellent weed suppressor and soil builder
• Can produce 2-3 tons of dry matter in 6-8 weeks
• Grain matures in 10-12 weeks and can yield 800-1,500 lbs ./ acre
• Not frost tolerant ; plant after all danger of frost has passed
• Plant May 15 – July 15
• Seed 50-100 lbs ./ acre
NEW
Organic Dwarf Essex Rape *
• Succulent , leafy brassica
• Quick-growing and good biomass accumulation
• Excellent fall cover crop option
• Persists well after the first frost
• Leafier and taller-growing than turnips or radish
• Excellent forage crop for grazing
• Plant early spring or Aug . 1 – Sept . 15
• Seed 4-8 lbs ./ acre alone , 1-2 lbs ./ acre in a mixture
NEW
Organic Purple Top Turnips *
• Hardy , large-rooted brassica
• Good biomass production above and below ground
• Good competitor with weeds
• Excellent forage quality for grazing in the fall
• Excellent N scavenger
• Thrives on varied soil types including low-fertility soils
• Plant early spring or Aug . 1 – Sept . 15
• Seed 4-8 lbs ./ acre alone , 1-2 lbs ./ acre in a mixture
Pacific Gold Mustard
Untreated , Non-GMO
• Certified , non-GMO variety of brown mustard bred specifically for cover cropping
• Excellent biomass production and rapid growth
• Good competitive ability with weeds
• High level of plant glucosinolates that can suppress pathogenic fungi , nematodes and insects
• Seed 15-20 lbs ./ acre
Phacelia *
Untreated , Non-GMO
• Non-leguminous , annual broadleaf plant
• Excellent cold and drought tolerance ( better than buckwheat )
• Widely used as cover crop and bee forage in Europe
• Produces abundant biomass and conditions soil , leaving excellent structure and aggregation
• Utilizes excess N in the soil to prevent leaching
• Will winterkill in the Upper Midwest
• Seed must be planted ; avoid broadcasting
• Drill 7-12 lbs ./ acre at 1 / 8 to ¼ in . depth
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