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.
Soil First 175 AccuSpread cover crop mix has coated clover and coated ryegrass to equate more uniform spread patterns and consistent germination in broadcast applications.
Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent
Compaction Alleviation: 5
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 4
Disease/Pest Control: 4
Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
P & K Cycling: 4
Ease of Establishment: 4
Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Both
Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity
Crude Protein: 10-16
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
Planting Window:
Aug.-Sept.
Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 20-25
Forage (lbs./acre): 25-30
Seeding Info:
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4-1/2
Germination Soil Temp.: 45 F
Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 35
Aerial Application Rate: 25-30
Considerations:
Any time annual ryegrass is used, spring management has to be a main priority. Keep ryegrass from going to seed at all costs. Annual ryegrass not terminated can have adverse effects on any subsequent grass crops. The use of ryegrass blends have given ryegrass a bad reputation – make sure it is a single, respected variety. Multiple maturities make control even more complex. The addition of crimson clover may attract voles and may need termination even earlier to decrease the residue. See FAQ #8 in the Soil First® Management Guide.
Termination:
Radish will terminate with multiple nights in the teens. If radish overwinter, glyphosate and 2,4-D provide effective control. Crimson clover should winterkill north of Zone 7; if crimson overwinters, control with glyphosate and 2,4-D. For annual ryegrass termination, glyphosate by itself or with other grass killers can be used, but several key management criteria need met to ensure success. For more information, see page 14 in the Soil First® Management Guide.
Scale 1-9, where 9 = best or most pronounced