Forage First Guide      I      Summer Select Guide

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    GrassLopata

    Rapeseed Brassica

    Deep, fibrous root system, scavenging both nitrogen and soluble phosphorus

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    A Rapeseed brassica cover crop is an upright, cool season and/or winter annual broadleaf. This brassica is versatile enough to be planted in the spring for a summer cover, or may be utilized in the fall for a winter cover crop. Rapeseed brassica works great as a dual-purpose crop, adapting to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Rapeseed tends to be extremely drought-tolerant and stands frost better than many brassicas. Because of its winter hardiness, it’s common for growers to get multiple grazing cycles when feeding rapeseed brassica.

     

     

    CHARACTERISTICS:

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

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

    Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger

    Nutritional Value:
    Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

    Crude Protein: 14
    NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: TBD
    ADF%²: 28
    NDF%³: 41
    TDN: 57
    DM Tons/Acre: 1.5-4
    Days to First Harvest: 60-80
    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: Good
    Baleage: Better
    Chop: Best

     

     

    SEEDING:

    Planting Time:
    Apr.-May; Aug.-Sept.

    Seeding Rate:
    Mono (lbs./acre): 4-6
    Mix (lbs./acre): 2-4
    Forage (lbs./acre): 6-8
    Aerial (lbs./acre): 5-8

    Seeding Info:
    Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): 20:1 – 22:1
    Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4-1/2
    Seeds/lb.: 145,000
    Bulk Density (lbs./ft.³): 45
    Aerial Application Rate: 5-8
    Germination Soil Temp.: 41 F
    USDA Hardiness Zone: 5
    Days to Emergence: 4-10

     

     

    MANAGEMENT:

    Considerations

      • Rapeseed can be more difficult to control with glyphosate
      • Prefers soils with a pH 5.8-8.0
      • Rapeseed may attract some non-beneficial pests

    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).

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    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
    • Deep, fibrous root system, scavenging both nitrogen and soluble phosphorus
    • Strong biomass production makes it great for fall and winter grazing
    • Offers the most grazing cycles of brassica when planted in late summer/early fall