Solving the Soil Health Puzzle? We Have you Covered.  Cover crops are an important piece to soil health and future profit. We know it takes work and is puzzling at times. Soil First® provides quality products plus tips, tools and solutions to help cover crops work for you. As challenges arise, we are ready with the pieces you need to succeed.

GrassLopata

Soil First 101 Cover Starter Mix

A practical, low-risk option for both early adopters and growers looking for more flexibility.

91% Guardian Winter Rye
9% Tillage Radish

Soil First® 101 Cover Starter cover crop mix is a simple and practical, low-risk option for both early adopters and growers looking for more flexibility.

 

CHARACTERISTICS:

Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

Compaction Alleviation: 5
Weed Suppression: 5
Biomass Production: 5
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 2
P & K Cycling: 4
Ease of Establishment: 4

Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger

Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

Crude Protein: 10-13
DM Tons/Acre: 2-5
Days to First Harvest: 45-50
Days to Next Harvest: Spring

Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Best
Baleage: Good
Chop: Better

 

SEEDING:

Planting Time:
Aug-Sept.

 

Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 30-35
Forage (lbs./acre): 40-50

Seeding Info:
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4-1
Germination Soil Temp.: 45 F
Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 48
Aerial Application Rate: 30-40

 

MANAGEMENT:

Considerations:

When seeded early in summer, additional grains or grass will need to be added to compete against radish growth. Rye can tie up nitrogen and other nutrients. Controlling rye early results in less nutrient tie-up and conserves more water.

Termination:

Rye can be controlled with traditional glyphosate rates prior to 12-18 in. growth. 2 ft. tall rye should be controlled with roller or crimper. If mowing, wait until rye begins to flower. Radish will terminate with multiple nights in the teens. If radish survive, glyphosate and 2,4-D offer an effective control method.

Masterline

Ratings

Scale 1-9, where 9 = best or most pronounced

Compaction Alleviation
Weed Suppression
Biomass Production
Erosion Control
Disease/Pest Control
Pollinator/Beneficials
P & K Cycling
Ease of Establishment
  • Meets the objectives of nutrient scavenging, erosion control, weed suppression and soil building
  • Perfect for the first time cover cropper; radish winterkills in many regions & cereal rye is fairly easy to control
  • Works well in multiple parts of the country and in marginal soil environments
  • Ideal after silage harvest or before/after fall manure applications