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Cover Cropping Systems for the South. www.homesweetfarm.com. Purpose: Erosion Control Nitrogen Fixation Biomass (Green Manure) Reduce Soil Compaction Weed Suppression Forage Habitat. Cover Cropping Systems.
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Cover Cropping Systems for the South www.homesweetfarm.com
Purpose:Erosion ControlNitrogen FixationBiomass(Green Manure)Reduce Soil CompactionWeed SuppressionForageHabitat Cover Cropping Systems
Considerations:Soil TypeDrainageRotational PeriodPalatability for ForageSeasonSoil PreparationIrrigation Cover Cropping Systems
Warm Season Cover Crops:March – JulyCowpeasLablabSorghum - SudanBuckwheat Cover Cropping Systems
CowpeasMarch-July40-50 lbs/acreIron & Clay PeasPurple Hull PeasBlackeye PeasFixes Nitrogen (150-250 #/ac.)Excellent Weed SuppressionExcellent ForageEasy to ManageSandy & Clay Soils Cover Cropping Systems
LablabMarch – July20lbs/acreFixes NitrogenExcellent Weed SuppressionExcellent Forage (goats, deer)Easy to ManageAlkaline Clay SoilsExtremely Drought TolerantInterplant with Sudan, Millet or Corn Cover Cropping Systems
Sorghum - SudanMarch-May10-25 lbs/acreExcellent BiomassExcellent Forage/hayImproves Soil StructureEnhances Soil BiologyDrought TolerantInterplant with cowpeas or lablabTANNIC ACID!RESEEDS! Cover Cropping Systems
BuckwheatMarch-July50 lbs/acreRapid Growth (7-10 WEEKS)Sandy or Clay SoilsExcellent Forage for poultryBeneficial Insect HabitatPOOR WEED SUPPRESSIONTOXIC TO HORSES Cover Cropping Systems
Cool Season Cover Crops:late Sept - NovRyegrassElbon RyeOatsCloverVetchField PeasFava BeansOilseed Radish Cover Cropping Systems
Ryegrasslate Sept – Nov20-40 lbs./acreQuick Cover!Excellent ForageWeed SuppressionInterplant with CloversRESEEDSDIFFICULT TO ELIMATE Cover Cropping Systems
Elbon Ryelate Sept - Nov 25-50 lbs/acreSuppresses Harmful NematodesExcellent BiomassAcid/Sandy SoilsInterplant with Peas, Vetch and CloversRESEEDS Cover Cropping Systems
Oatslate Sept - Nov150 lbs/acreExcellent ForageExcellent BiomassGood Weed SuppressionInterplant with Peas, Vetch and CloversRESEEDSDIFFICULT TO ELIMINATE Cover Cropping Systems
Cloverslate Sept – NovBall Clover, 2-3 lbs/acreCrimson Clover, 15-20 lbs/acreNitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect HabitatEdible blossomsRESEEDSExcellent ForageInterplant with Vetch, Peas, Ryegrass, Elbon Rye and Oats Cover Cropping Systems
Vetchlate Sept – Nov20-25 lbs/acreNitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect HabitatRESEEDSInterplant with Clover, Peas, Ryegrass and Oats Cover Cropping Systems
Austrian Field Peaslate Sept – Nov35-40 lbs/acreNitrogen FixationExcellent BiomassBeneficial Insect HabitatEdible tendrilsInterplant with Vetch, clover, Ryegrass and Oats Cover Cropping Systems
Fava Beanslate Sept – Oct10 lbs/1000 sqftNitrogen Fixation (140#/ac)Excellent BiomassEdible pods and foliageEdible dry beans Cover Cropping Systems
Oilseed Radishlate Sept - Nov40 - 50 lbs/acreAcid/Sandy SoilsSuppresses Harmful NematodesExcellent BiomassMines for NutrientsFair Weed SuppressionRESEEDS Cover Cropping Systems
Increase productivity with foliar sprays!Molasses 2 gal/acreHydrolyzed Fish Emulsion 1 gal/acreCompost TeaApply every 4 weeks Cover Cropping Systems
Increase productivity with portable irrigation! Cover Cropping Systems
Warm Season RotationsMarch-April: plant cowpeasJune: graze/mow, till/disc into the soil, spray compost tea, molasses, Efficient Microbes to help break downJuly: plant cowpeas and irrigateSept: graze/mow, till/disc into the soil, spray compost tea, molasses, Efficient Microbes to help break down mid-Oct: Plant broccoli, cabbage, etc. Cover Cropping Systems
Warm Season RotationsMarch-April: interplant lablab/cowpeas with sorghum-sudanMay: graze/mow/baleJuly: graze/mow/baleEarly Nov: graze/mow/bale, till/disc into the soilLate Jan-Feb: Plant spring veggies or irish potatoes Cover Cropping Systems
Cool Season RotationsLate Sept-Oct: Interplant peas, vetch and cloverLate Feb: graze/mow, till/disc into the soil, spray compost tea, molasses, Efficient Microbes to help break downMar-April: Build beds/rows plant warm season veggiesLate Sept-Oct: Interplant peas, elbon rye and cloverLate Feb: graze/mow, till/disc into the soil, spray compost tea, molasses, Efficient Microbes to help break downApril-May: Build beds/rows plant sweet potatoes Cover Cropping Systems
Seed Sources:BWI – Dallas/Ft Worth 1-800-752-6632BWI – Schulenburg 1-800-460-9713BWI – Texarkana 1-800-442-8443Johnny Seeds - johnnyseeds.comPeaceful Valley – groworganic.comK-Line Pod Irrigation System:ATS Irrigation – Brenham (979)836-2197 HOMEsweetFARM.com