Fall is approaching which means it's almost time to plant cover crops. But are you ready? If you haven't already started preparing for your cover crop planting, then now is the time. There are many things to consider and prepare for when it comes to cover cropping, such as planting method and timing, seed selection and sourcing, and equipment preparation.
- Planting Method and Preparation - Will seed be drilled or broadcast? If broadcast will it be by ground, or would aerial application be more suitable? Drilling seed requires a lower seeding rate than broadcast application. Using existing equipment may limit the options available for cover crops, but many conservation districts have no-till drills and other equipment for rent. Click Here for information on the Flint River District's no-till drill rental and click here for a list of rental equipment through the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts. If you plan on renting equipment, don't wait until planting time to reserve a date for your rental to ensure there is one available when you plan to use it. If using your own planter, make sure it is calibrated to the type and size seed you plan to plant.
- Timing - Consider termination timing and the optimal size of the cover crop to determine when to plant. The cover crop needs to be mature enough at termination that you'll get the intended benefits, but not so mature that termination and planting of the next cash crop is troublesome. Consider planting your cover crop before harvest if harvest time is later than the desired planting date of the cover crop.
- Seed Selection and Sourcing - Many factors go into seed selection. Consider what issues are present that you are trying to alleviate whether it be compaction, runoff, moisture retention, lack of organic matter, etc. Another major factor is what will be the following cash crop. For example, if your next crop is a legume such as peanuts then it may be better to focus on cover crops that will scavenge phosphorus and potassium rather than a nitrogen building legume cover crop. Seed cost is another factor to consider. A single species cover may be cheaper than a multispecies blend, but a multi species blend will provide a larger range of benefits. Whether you're planting a single species or multi species mix, don't wait until planting time to contact your seed dealer and place your order to ensure that seed will still be available for purchase.
Many more helpful cover crop tools and resources can be found online. Click the following links for more information:
USDA NRCS field office technical guide (EFOTG)