Albert Lea Seed House 2018 Cover Crop Seed Guide | Page 9

Dwarf Essex Rape
• A succulent, leafy and quick-growing fall brassica
• Good biomass accumulation; especially ideal for fall
grazing. Leafier and taller than turnips
• We like dwarf essex rape in cover crop blends for its
rapid and vigorous growth, low cost and high seeds/lb
• Has tested better than radishes for aerial application
under dry soil conditions
Conventional___________________$.90/lb

$45/50 lb bag
Cover Crop Radish*
• Vigorous growth and taproot growth accumulates
leachable nutrients, protects soil, improve infiltration
and mitigate compaction
• Well adapted to all soil types, except wet areas
• Plants will break down completely by spring; no need
for aggressive fall or spring tillage. Plan on light field
cultivation in the spring for optimum seedbed prep
• Winterkills in the Upper Midwest
• Not suitable for spring planting; will bolt and shed seed
Price/lb
Carwoodi Oilseed
Radish NEW!
• European variety developed for nematode suppression
• Branching root system is excellent at trapping excess
nitrates in soil
• More lateral roots than daikon radish, concentrated closer
to soil surface
• Allow 60 days for maximum biomass production.
• Will winterkill at 20-25° F
Conventional__________________ $2.20/lb
1-499
lb
500-1999
bags
2000+
lbs
Conventional $1.60 $1.45 $1.30
Organic $3.20 $3.05 $2.90
Tillage Radish
• The radish that started it all; daikon radish bred specifically
for its long taproot
• Breaks up plowpan & loosens soil
• Excellent scavenger of N, P & Ca
• Non-bolting if planted in the fall
Price/lb
Conventional
1-499
lb 500-1999
lb 2000+
lbs
$2.60 $2.45 $2.30
Yellow Mustard*
• Economical choice for cover cropping
• Good fit if frost-seeded before soybeans or flown in fall
• Very fast growing, potential for smoother crop
• Control plant at first flower to avoid seed set and
volunteer weed issues
Conventional__________________ $1.20/lb

$60/50 lb bag
Pacific Gold Mustard
• Certified, Non-GMO variety of brown mustard bred
specifically for cover cropping
• Excellent biomass production and rapid growth. Good
competitive ability with weeds
• High levels of plant glucosinolates can reduce
pathogenic soil fungi and nematodes. Chop or mow
the mustard prior to incorporation to maximize effect
• Mustards do not thrive in mixtures with other cover crops
• Control plant before seed set to avoid volunteer weed issues
Conventional Certified Blue Tag______ $2.90/lb

$72.50/25 lb bag
Purple Top Turnips
• Hardy, leafy, large-rooted brassica that produces
abundant biomass above and below ground
• Excellent fall grazing potential
• Good competitor with weeds. Thrives on all soil types.
• Will scavenge N and other excess nutrients in the soil
and prevent them from leaching
Conventional__________________ $1.50/lb

$75/50 lb bag
Organic______________________ $2.40/lb

$120/50 lb bag
Do Radishes Plug Tile Lines?
Although rare, occasionally farmers report plant roots plugging their main tile lines and
laterals. Most clogged tile line problems show up in late spring after the dead cover-
crop roots start to slough off and accumulate at lateral junctions in tile lines. Farmers
may assume their cover crop radishes are to blame. It is true that radishes planted
in June or July can develop large and aggressive root systems that put tile lines –
especially shallow lines – more at risk; however, corn, wheat, and annual ryegrass roots
occasionally can plug tile lines, too.
If you’re concerned about roots infiltrating and
clogging tile lines here are some tips:
• Lower the radish seeding rate to 1 lb – 2 lbs / acre
• Rather than pure stands of radish, plant a cover crop mixture.
• Delay seeding radish in the Upper Midwest until mid-August
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