Cover Crops: 16 demonstration plots and their seed mixes

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on cover crops and their seed mixes, based on a demonstration by Kevin Shelley from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cover crops play a vital role in improving soil health, preventing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural systems. This guide will walk you through the various cover crop species showcased in the demonstration plots and their applications.

Step 1: Understanding Cover Crops

Cover crops are plants grown primarily to improve soil health rather than for harvest. They can provide numerous benefits:

• Increase soil organic matter
• Prevent soil erosion
• Suppress weeds
• Improve nutrient cycling
• Enhance water infiltration

Familiarize yourself with these benefits to determine how cover crops can fit into your agricultural practices.

Step 2: Explore Demonstration Plots and Seed Mixes

The demonstration included 16 different cover crop seed mixes. Here’s a breakdown of the species and their combinations:

1. Medium Red Clover
2. Berseem Clover and Crimson Clover
3. Berseem Clover, Annual Ryegrass, and Daikon Radish
4. Berseem Clover, Spring Barley, and Dwarf Essex Rape
5. Field Pea, Spring Barley, and Dwarf Essex Rape
6. Purple Top Turnips and Oats
7. Buckwheat and Cowpeas
8. Cowpeas
9. Sorghum-Sudangrass and Cowpeas
10. Chickling Vetch
11. Buckwheat
12. Annual Ryegrass
13. Winter Cereal Rye
14. Japanese Millet
15. Spring Triticale
16. Sunn Hemp

Use this list to choose appropriate cover crops based on your specific soil and climate conditions.

Step 3: Selecting Cover Crops for Your Needs

When selecting cover crops, consider the following factors:

• Soil Type: Different crops thrive in different soil conditions.
• Climate: Choose crops that are suitable for your local climate.
• Purpose: Determine whether you need crops for erosion control, nutrient management, or weed suppression.
• Growth Cycle: Consider whether you want annuals or perennials based on your management practices.

By matching your goals with the right species, you can maximize the benefits of cover crops.

Step 4: Planting and Management Practices

Implement the following practices for effective cover crop management:

• Timing: Plant cover crops at the right time to maximize growth. Typically, this is after the main crop harvest and before the winter season.
• Seeding Rate: Follow recommended seeding rates for each species to ensure adequate coverage and competition against weeds.
• Termination: Plan for termination before planting your next crop. Methods include mowing, herbicides, or tilling, depending on your goals.

Conclusion

Cover crops are a powerful tool for enhancing soil health and improving agricultural sustainability. By understanding the various species and their applications, you can select the right cover crops for your needs. Remember to consider your soil type, climate, and management practices to ensure the successful integration of cover crops into your farming system. For further information on cover crops and related practices, visit the University of Wisconsin Integrated Pest and Crop Management website.