Brassicas
Radish (Nitro)
Radishes are well known cover crops due to their impressive, deep taproot and ability to break up compaction. The Nitro radish is a daikon radish, which is the common radish used in cover crop mixes. Rapid fall growth in short windows allows radishes to fit perfectly into a traditional corn and soybean rotation. Radish residue breaks down very quickly in the spring leaving a clean seed bed. The residue has been proven to inhibit small seeded annual weeds from germinating. Nutrients, especially nitrogen and sulfur, that were scavenged are readily released back into the soil for the subsequent crop. A field planted in radishes, will allow the soil to dry and warm faster in the spring. The large root channel left behind is rich in nutrients. It allows tremendous water infiltration and reduces water erosion by creating a path for crops roots to follow through compacted soil layers. During decomposition radish biofumigates the soil which can reduce pest and nematode populations.
from $1.55 per lb
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African Cabbage
African cabbage is a robust and rapidly growing brassica. Different from other brassicas, African cabbage is more drought and heat tolerant making it a great addition to summer cover crop mixes. It is, however, less palatable to livestock compared to other brassicas such as forage collards or turnips. What sets it apart is its unique ability to stand tall and keep its leaves even in the face of cold weather, making it an exceptional choice for a snow-catching cover crop. Its enduring residue and strong root system enable captured snow to seep into the soil, enriching the moisture content in your land. African cabbage can also be used to help control nematodes.
from $2.38 per lb
- Out of Stock
Daikon Radish (Aerifi)
Rapid fall growth in short windows, allows radishes to fit perfectly into a traditional corn and soybean rotation. Radish residue breaks down very quickly in the spring, leaving a clean seed bed until early April. The residue has been proven to inhibit small seeded annuals from germinating. Nutrients that were scavenged are readily released back into the soil for the subsequent crop. A field planted in radishes, will allow the soil to dry and warm faster in the spring. The large root channel left behind is rich in nutrients, allows tremendous water infiltration, reduces water erosion, and a path for crops roots to follow through compacted soil layers. During decomposition, radish biofumigates the soil which can reduce pest and nematode populations.
from $1.65 per lb
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Arugula (Roquette)
What is usually known as a salad green, arugula can also be used in cover crop mixes. Arugula is a dense, low growing brassica other than its white flower when it bolts. The bitter taste and smell of arugula is an indication that the glucosinolates give it a natural biofumigant use similar to mustards. Arugula is a very long season plant and if spring planted will stay green late into the fall.
from $2.25 per lb
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Winter Camelina
Winter Camelina is the most cold tolerant brassica with the ability to overwinter in most areas. This brassica grows a small rosette in the fall and then grows upright after winter dormancy. This is a good brassica to add to later planted fall mixes in cases after fall harvested cash crops. Camelina can be a great addition ahead of spring cash crops with its ability to scavenge nitrogen and phosphorus.
from $2.38 per lb
