Cover Crop Management

The use of cover crops helps improve soil health, save nutrients, prevent erosion, and present challenges for the upcoming growing season. Cover crop management continues into the spring, so it’s time to look back at your intended purpose for the cover crop, what species was used, the planting method, and the spring strategy.

Was the cover crop intended as an additional source of forage? If so, the harvest schedule will be based on quality and desired quantity depending on if it is a dairy feed, a replacement feed, or a forage for beef cattle. When using as a forage, some additional spring fertility will help increase the opportunity for both quality and quantity by adding 75 – 100 pounds of Nitrogen with 12 – 15 pounds of Sulfur and 30 – 60 pounds of Potassium at green up or early tiller.

Will corn or other row crops be planted into the stubble? Remember, when it comes to weed suppression, the addition of Glyphosate will reduce growth, but be aware of crop emergence and Glyphosate tolerance. If you’re not going to use your rye cover crop and you’re going to plow down, make sure you monitor spring growth and evaluate the species growth potential. Winter rye can get unruly fast, so plan a burn down at less than 18 inches of growth. It’s important to remember that Glyphosate is the only thing that suppresses winter rye.

When planting into a rye cover crop following rolling or crimping, try to plant in the same direction as the rolling or crimping operation. Good soil – seed contact on the crop you are planting into the cover crop will insure better germination and uniform plant growth.

If the winter grain is to be harvested as seed and / or straw, be sure to address nutrient needs, and control weeds and potential diseases with proper application of crop protection materials. For more information about rye cover crops, please contact your local CaroVail location.

Take a look at the attached newsletter for more information on spring soil testing, seed delivery, timing of tillage, and planter maintenance.

Newsletter 040618