COVER CROPS
Our goal is to make farms as efficient as possible. While “cover crops” may seem like a new-age buzzword, they have real benefits for row crops. So planting cover crops gets you the most out of your land in both cover and row seasons.
Cover crops create complex interactions in the soil that release nutrients and also retain them in the rooting profile. You can increase topline revenue, while also ensuring that your fertilizer, soil nutrients, and water don’t go to waste.
Major benefits
Water infiltration
Erosion control
pH buffering
Nutrient creation (N)
Carbon Dioxide Capture
Rebuild of soil O horizon
Nutrient recycling and retention
Increase in soil microbes and biology
Nematode controls
COVER CROP SEEDS
BRASSICAS
Brassicas are an important component to add to any cover crop mixture. They act as a great rotational tool since many rows crops are not in this family. Fast growing and quick shade help with weed and erosion control in early fall. Big taproots help alleviate compaction and provide aeration to the soil. They are fast to take excess fertility in the soil especially nitrogen. Lastly, they are well known for their nematocidal properties: they can be used to reduce certain types of nematodes especially when used as a biofumigant.
LEGUMES
Legume cover crops produce Nitrogen and add balance to many cover crop blends. Up to 120 lbs. of nitrogen can be fixed using various legume species. Their lower C:N ratio makes them perfect to pair with small grain species since they release their nutrients much faster. Legumes cannot be planted as late as some other cover crop species, but early planting ensures quick establishment and aids in surviving cold winters. Their presence in the soil aids in biological activity and softens the top few inches, where they act as a soil conditioner.
CEREAL CROPS
Grass cover crops are the foundation of cover cropping. Nothing can compare in terms of reliability, biomass and rooting depth. They can be planted later than any other species and have the best cold tolerance. This makes them one of the most popular options. Small grain cover crops scavenge nitrogen and potash particularly well. They reduce erosion and capture plenty of carbon to be released back into the soil. Most of our small grain cover crops are grown in-house.
CUSTOM MIXES
Scout Seed’s custom mixes can support a wide range of soil needs and profiles. If you’re looking to maximize nitrogen production with a corn combination of corn friendly covers, consider our KING CORN MIX. For placement before soybeans, cotton, or peanuts, you might want our RECYCLER MIX, with a nice combination of Quality Cereal Rye and Cover Crop Radish to reduce nitrogen tie-up and help with compaction. For our experienced cover croppers, the BIG LEAGUE MIX will get you excellent biomass above and below ground. Check out our Cover Crop Seed Guide for details, or give us a call to talk through what’s best for your farm.
Our cover crop team has a working knowledge of seeding methods, planting dates, and how to make the most of your fertility and soil. Send us a message below when you’re ready to get started.
