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Cover crop options
for unseeded fields
For unseeded fields, the key benefits of cover crops are weed suppression, soil protection from sun and rain, and building organic matter. They can also be a source of forage and bedding.
When selecting a cover crop consider the cropping system needs, herbicide or fertilizer previously applied and resources that are readily available. For example, carrying over treated soybean seed is not considered a good practice in Ontario due to the potential for significant decline in germination. Treated soybean seed can make a good addition to a cover crop planting.
Cropping system needs – Field will be planted to winter wheat in the fall of 2019 – Cover crop options:
1. Oats Seed at 30 to 50 lbs per acre. Use the higher end of the seeding range if broadcasting and incorporating the seed. Oats are less likely than barley to carry disease to the succeeding wheat crop.
2. Combine oats (30 to 50 lbs/acre) with leftover treated soybean seed Spread the soybean seed out across the acres to be planted.
3. Oats (25-30 lbs/acre) and daikon radish (no more than 2 lbs/acre)
Control the cover crop two weeks prior to seeding winter wheat.
Alternatively, there is the option to plant nothing, and leave the field bare. Weeds would be controlled through herbicides or tillage, but both options cost money, won’t protect the soil from rain and sun damage and are less effective at managing weeds than cover crops in combination with herbicides.
Field NOT intended for winter wheat in the fall of 2019 – Cover crop options:
1. Oats Seed at 30 to 50 lbs per acre. Use the higher end of the seeding range if broadcasting and incorporating the seed.
2. Combine oats (30 to 50 lbs/acre) with leftover treated soybean seed Spread the soybean seed out across the acres to be planted.
3. Oats (25-30 lbs/acre) and daikon radish (no more than 2 lbs/acre). Daikon radish (i.e. Tillage radish, Nitro radish, etc.) will be slow to flower but if flowers are observed the cover crop should be mowed or terminated to prevent seed set.
4. Oats (25-30 lbs/acre) and Clover (3 lbs/acre). Crimson clover will flower and rarely over winter. Double cut red clover will over winter if not terminated.
Cover crops planted in early July have the potential for significant top growth by fall and in the case of radish, seed set. Manage cover crops or terminate to avoid seed set and potential weed problems next year. All these cover crop options will respond well to manure application and will scavenge nutrients.
For full article, please visit website – fieldcropnews.com/2019/07/cover-crop-options-for-unseeded-fields
Written by the OMAFRA Field Crop Team
