Image Nematode Radish Brassica

Image Nematode Radish brassica cover crop is excellent at scavenging residual nitrogen and other nutrients.

CHARACTERISTICS:

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

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

Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger

Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

Crude Protein: 18
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: .73
ADF%²: 26
NDF%³: 21
TDN: 70
DM Tons/Acre: 2-4
Days to First Harvest: 45
Days to Next Harvest: –

¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Best
Baleage: Not Rated
Chop: Good

SEEDING:

Planting Time:
Aug.-Sept.

Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 8-12
Mix (lbs./acre): 3-8
Forage (lbs./acre): 8-12

Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): Tops- 9:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
Seeds/lb.: 30-40,000
Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 44
Aerial Application Rate: 6-12
Germination Soil Temp.: 45 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9
Days to Emergence: 3-5

MANAGEMENT:

Considerations
Brassica Crops can cause animal health disorders if not grazed properly. Introduce grazing animals to brassica pastures slowly (usually over 3-5 days). With extremely high forage values, brassicas can cause problems if hungry animals are turned out into predominate brassica pastures. Even though traditional recommendations allow for 2/3, we actually recommend keeping brassicas to under 1/3 of the grazing animal’s diet- always supplement brassicas with dry hay or other grasses (higher in fiber).