Cover Crops, Take 2
Jul 17, 2024
The cover crop planting window is open. And, as discussed in last month’s article, your options – and the benefits they provide – are many.
Cover crops supply nutrients and the ever-important nitrogen that soils need, especially in prevent plant situations.
At this point in the season, weeds are staging to set seeds and it’s “time to get things done,” according to Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. Left alone, those weed seeds will generate weeds in higher populations to compete with next year’s crop.
“Cover crops are the bridge for making sure your soil biology doesn’t senesce,” said Carlson. Soil health is dependent upon a living root, and without it, future crops can take an economic yield hit. Cover crops also foster the soil fungus mycorrhiza, which is an “extension of the living root” that helps with nutrient absorption.
Cover crops – especially blends, including grasses – improve soil health in the otherwise fallow times.
Federated’s main source for cover crop seed is Aggasiz, and “they can deliver relatively quickly,” said Carlson, providing “just-in-time delivery” of one of their stock blends, or your custom blend.
Photo shows cover crop from years past, planted with a no-till drill. Carlson noted that the Great Plains No-Till Drill – a “phenomenal seeder” – is available for rent from the Kanabec, Pine, and Chisago County soil and water conservation people (NCRS) in those areas. He added that “working it up and broadcast seeding” the cover crop is also a viable option.
Talk to us, your Federated Agronomists, to discuss your best cover crop options.
Cover crops supply nutrients and the ever-important nitrogen that soils need, especially in prevent plant situations.
At this point in the season, weeds are staging to set seeds and it’s “time to get things done,” according to Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. Left alone, those weed seeds will generate weeds in higher populations to compete with next year’s crop.
“Cover crops are the bridge for making sure your soil biology doesn’t senesce,” said Carlson. Soil health is dependent upon a living root, and without it, future crops can take an economic yield hit. Cover crops also foster the soil fungus mycorrhiza, which is an “extension of the living root” that helps with nutrient absorption.
Cover crops – especially blends, including grasses – improve soil health in the otherwise fallow times.
Federated’s main source for cover crop seed is Aggasiz, and “they can deliver relatively quickly,” said Carlson, providing “just-in-time delivery” of one of their stock blends, or your custom blend.
Photo shows cover crop from years past, planted with a no-till drill. Carlson noted that the Great Plains No-Till Drill – a “phenomenal seeder” – is available for rent from the Kanabec, Pine, and Chisago County soil and water conservation people (NCRS) in those areas. He added that “working it up and broadcast seeding” the cover crop is also a viable option.
Talk to us, your Federated Agronomists, to discuss your best cover crop options.