As the subject of cover crops becomes more and more widespread, it’s important for growers to understand their options. Here at FS, we carry a full lineup of cover crops for every need.
When determining the right cover crop solution, the main question to ask yourself this: “What am I trying to achieve?” Once you have a clear understanding of the goal, it becomes much easier to choose seed.
Here’s a look at five of our newest cover crop options and the benefits they offer:
• CCM 10 – Oats/Radish Mix (90/10)
o Non-chemical control (no termination plan needed)
• CCM 20 – HiRye 500/Radish Mix (93/7)
o Nutrient Management
o Soil erosion
• CCM 30 – Fall Triticale/Radish Mix (85/15)
o Forage/grazing
• CCM 40 – Fria Annual Rye/Radish Mix (65/35)
o Soil compaction
• Radishes/Crimson clover/Annual Ryegrass
o Nitrogen fixation
Cover crops intended for fall grazing should have quick, strong emergence. On the other hand, cover crops meant for spring grazing should be winter hardy. And remember, any cover crop solution that’s going to survive through to spring must also include a termination plan. After all, you don’t want it to compete with the corn or soybean seed in the spring.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to cover crops. Ask your FS Crop Specialist about the many high quality cover crop solutions FS offers.
Bruce Weatherly serves the FS System as GROWMARK Forage and Turf Product Manager. He can be reached at bweatherly@growmark.com.