Plant Cover Crops

Learning about the benefits of planting cover crops.

Search Results for: Appin Turnips

Cover Crop Turnips – A Good Choice Over Radishes?

Cover Crop Radishes or Turnips as a Cover Crop – or Both?

Cover crop radishes certainly receive a lot of press. I have researched them quite a bit over the past four years. On this blog alone I have over 20 posts about radishes. They are fun to take photos of, dig around in, research, and even play baseball with.

It is hard to pick up a publication that mentions cover crops and not read about radishes and their benefits.  Some industry and university cover crop research leaders like Steve Groff and Dr. Ray Wiel (University of Maryland) have researched radishes for over 10 years.You might say that cover crop radishes are the “Rock Star” of cover crop species these days.

What About Turnips?

The Oats are nearly 30" tall and the turnips are around 18" in this Oactober photo. The Cereal Rye was about 6" tall at this time. This mixture was planted in late August and the photo was taken Oct 22 - approximately 8 weeks after planting. My daughter Grace was the model..
The Oats are nearly 30″ tall and the turnips are around 18″ in this Oactober photo. The Cereal Rye was about 6″ tall at this time. This mixture was planted in late August and the photo was taken Oct 22 – approximately 8 weeks after planting. My daughter Grace was the model..

Why are turnips used as a cover crop so little compared to radishes? Are they the “ugly step-sister” of the Brassica family?

Let’s look at some of the benefits of turnips. Some newer varieties (Appin in particular) provide a bulb that is almost entirely in the soil and a deep root system (though a smaller bulb/tuber than the radish).

Benefits of Turnips

  • Turnips are very palatable for grazing cattle and sheep.
  • Most turnips survive the winter and hold onto nutrients into the spring (longer than radishes).
  • Turnips sequester nutrients in a similar fashion and amount as radishes (see data below).
  • Turnips are easy to kill in the spring.
  • Turnips do not have the odor problems that radishes have (therefore they can be planted more “safely” in areas closer to towns or neighbors).

“Problems” with Turnips

  • Not all turnips are created equal. The old purple top (or that type) turnip and even the tankard type turnips have very little of the bulb in the soil – thus less soil activity.
  • Most turnips survive the winter and then need to be killed in the spring. Yes this can also be a benefit.
  • The turnips “bolt” in the spring and want to produce seed. Kill them as early as possible.

    Turnips will overwinter in the spring. The turnips above flowered out in March 2012 in central Indiana. This is nearly 5 weeks before “normal”

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. If we mix turnips and radishes together, is that okay?  YES – for grazing or for just using as a cover crop.
  2. If we plant turnips instead of radishes is that okay?  Yes – just be aware of the differences and that the turnips will most likely survive the winter.
  3. What if we are just looking to graze and only care some about the cover crop?  Choose turnips.
These three brassica types were collected from a Loundonville, OH farm in the fall. Pasja Hybrid Brassica (L); GroundHog Cover Crop Radish (C); and Appin Turnip (R). Note the difference in tops versus tubers.

 

Nitrogen tested in Radishes/acre from Loudonville, OH dairy farm  averages 200 units of N (data collected November 2010)

Nitrogen tested in Appin Turnip/acre from Loudonville, OH dairy farm showed nearly 300 units of N (data collected November 2010)

The turnip tops had nearly 200 units of N/acre.  This was NOT scientific but it is instructive that turnips are an excellent scavenger of N.

New articles out on Cover Crops in the Upper Midwest

During the week of March 18-21 I spoke at the Legacy Seeds Cover Crop Meetings to over 150 people in three Wisconsin towns

Appin Turnips make an outstanding cover crop and forage crop too!
Appin Turnips make an outstanding cover crop and forage crop too.

about cover crops.  During each meeting I showed why folks should consider using cover crops (erosion control, nutrient management, compaction reduction, aeration/infiltration, etc…).  I also implored producers to be creative about applying cover crops (aerial application, Hi-boy type spreaders, maybe interseeding into short corn, etc…).  Lastly I showed how many farmers are reporting increased profitability by using  cover crops.

Many farmers attending the meetings had at least some experience with cover crops and those that talked to me personally had very good experiences.  It was fun to talk to farmers that are excited about both soil health and profitability.

At the meeting in Sparta, Agri-View Newspaper Crops Editor, Jane Fyksen was present and taking notes for a story she was writing for the publication.  Jane did a great job in her reporting of what I said.  I want to share those articles with you.  The first article is entitled “Finding a cover crop mix to fit every need” and the second one is entitled “Aerial and overseeding of cover crops: Making it work“.

I have conducted over 40 cover crop talks this year from Omaha to Ontario and from Syracuse, NY to Chippewa Falls, WI.  I am amazed how far this cover cropping idea has come.  I am also very excited to see what will happen in another 8-10 years.

I cannot wait for warmer temperatures so we can see what cover crops survived this past record setting-cold winter.
I cannot wait for warmer temperatures so we can see what cover crops survived this past record setting-cold winter.

 

 

 

 

Cover Crops to the Rescue!

A Huge Problem

Brad, TJ, and Andrew inspecting on of Brads many cover crop fields that were planted in July 2013.on prevented planting acres.
Brad, TJ, and Andrew inspecting one of Brads many cover crop fields that were planted in July 2013 on prevented planting acres.

Recently I was in Minnesota with Brad Hagen, T.J. Kartes, and Andrew Heath looking at Brad’s 1,000+ acres or cover crops.  Brad had not intended on planting any of theses acres to cover crops in July, 2013…his intentions were to plant them in August or early September.  But spring 2013 rains and floods kept Brad from planting corn or soybeans on most of his 1,700 acres near Ellendale, MN (about an hour SW of Rochester, MN ).  Brad attended a cover crop meeting TJ set up for me to speak at on behalf of Legacy Seeds last March and as I spoke I could see Brad’s mind working.  When the spring rains came so did phone calls from Brad to TJ and from TJ to Andrew or me (or both)…”what can I do to build soil during this disaster?” was the theme of the weekly (if not daily) phone conversations.

You can seemingly look for miles without seeing a cash crop planted in some areas of SE Minnesota
You can seemingly look for miles without seeing a cash crop planted in some areas of SE Minnesota

Cover Crops to the Rescue!

Brad’s goals are to build soil and to scavenge nitrogen from his hog operation and build nitrogen with legumes.  Realizing that we would plant in early-mid July and not in mid-late August we all understood that we did not want to have to mow to remove seed heads if at all possible – so we left Radishes out of the mix.  We also realized that we wanted to use a “summer” clover, so we used Berseem Clover for it’s excellent growth and N producing ability.  We chose Oats as the grass in most fields and then we added a twist, Pasja or Vivant Hybrid Brassica.  I have worked with Pasja for over 10 years and rarely ever saw it produce a seed head in the summer or fall.  While Pasja (nor Vivant) have a big tuber like a Radish they do have the ability to scavenge a tremendous amount of nitrogen and earthworms dwell around their roots.

Brad Hagen looking at his Pasja Hybrid Brassica and Berseem clover. These are brand new species to Brad.
Brad Hagen looking at his Pasja Hybrid Brassica and Berseem clover. These are brand new species to Brad.  This field was planted 10 days before the photo was taken.

In some later July (and soon to be mid-August) planted fields we chose to use Spring Barley and Crimson Clover along with PileDriver Radishes and Appin Turnips.  TJ and Brad requested this mix so we’d get later fall growth, deeper penetration through compacted soils (Radish vs. Pasja/Vivant) and excellent N production from the Crimson clover.  Spring Barley was available and many folks in Kentucky have told me that barley makes the soil “sweet” (whatever that means).  From experience I know that soil after Barley is quite mellow.

Early August Report

From what I saw on August 1 I was very impressed!  As other folks in the region were planting straight Oats or possibly a few were adding Radishes very few other folks seemed to totally share Brad’s goals.  Brad told me that he is doing these cover crops because he wants to build his soil and because he wants his 7 year old son to have better soil to farm when he grows up and farms his place like Brad does with his father.  I’ll have more photos in a month or so.  I believe Andrew, Brad and TJ will plan a field day for September.  It’s beautiful country near the Hagen farm…it probably will be worth the drive in September to meet Brad and his family.  They’re pretty special folks…

Take a look at my You Tube channel “covercropdave” to watch an interview I have with Brad and TJ.

This beautiful stand of cover crops was planted July 2, 2013 at Brad's dad's place not far from the hog barns. If you sniff this photo real hard you can smell the hogs!
This beautiful stand of cover crops was planted July 2, 2013 at Brad’s dad’s place not far from the hog barns. If you sniff this photo real hard you can smell the hogs!

 

 

 

Applying Cover Crops with a High-Boy

Over the past few years farmers and ground applicators have been looking for new and innovative ways to apply cover crops.  One of the more successful ways has been with a high-boy or Hagie sprayer/spreader.  My friend Craig Simon from NE Indiana had a mixture of Oats and Rye and Turnips applied this way by Andy Ambriole in August 2012.

Craig intends to graze his cover crops as he has done for the past 3 years.  Each year Craig has had his best corn and soybeans in the areas where he had cover crops the previous year.

Although not as fast as aerial applying cover crops; a high-boy type spreader does a fabulous job. Here is Andy Ambriole from near Ft. Wayne, IN applying Craig Simon's cover crop grazing mix of Oats, Winter Cereal Rye, and Appin Turnips in late August 2012.
Although not as fast as aerial applying cover crops; a high-boy type spreader does a fabulous job. Here is Andy Ambriole from near Ft. Wayne, IN applying Craig Simon’s cover crop grazing mix of Oats, Winter Cereal Rye, and Appin Turnips in late August 2012.

 

12″ tall Appin turnips and oats along with corn stalks will provide excellent feed for the rest of the fall and winter. The winter cereal rye is short now but will grow more over winter and next spring to provide additional grazing opportunities.

The advantages of using a high-boy type applicator:

  • More exact placement of seed than aerial application
  • Little if any risk of any drift into neighboring fields
  • Faster application than drilling
  • Earlier application than drilling
  • Cost effective compared to aerial application and drilling

Disadvantages of using a high-boy type applicator:

  • Less acres covered in a day compared to aerial application
  • Soil conditions must be right to avoid compaction
  • Does not incorporate the seed like a drill

While there are few “disadvantages” this practice should increase in popularity over the next few years as more and more acres are covered with cover crops.

Andy’s unit on display at a cover crop workshop. He has done a very good job and an increasing number of acres each year.
Craig Simon’s cover crop mixture that was applied with a high-boy type spreader into standing corn is outstanding! He has a nice even spread and very consistent growth.

Cover Crops Provide Improved Corn Yields in On-Farm Trial

All of what is reported below was accomplished after only one year of cover crops.  This work was inspired by a conversation Don and I had last winter with Dr. Eileen Kladivko from Purdue University.  As I say in cover crop meetings,

Don’t expect a miracle the first year – but look for one.

Over the exceptionally dry and super hot late-spring/summer months of 2012 my brother Don Robison collected “plant-health” related data on our corn field at Robison Farms near Greenwood, IN.  Don took data on the corn  from each area of the cover crop plot we planted last fall over the top of a soybean field as well in the “check area” (no cover crop area).

The data he took throughout the summer included plant chlorophyll readings, plant height, and compaction readings.  I presented some of the chlorophyll data on the CropLife Webinar and at several cover crop meetings this summer (and more is posted below).

On August 15th Don and I took hand harvested yield checks from each area and from the check area.   The data on the corn yield was almost identical to what we found with the chlorophyll data and compaction data. Where we had the healthier plants all season long (more “green-ness” and deeper roots) we had higher yields.

To figure yield we utilized this formula we found at a Purdue University agronomy website.

Each cover crop treatment out yielded the “no cover crop check”. The top three yielding plots also had the least compaction and highest chlorophyll readings through out the drought stricken summer.  The check plot yield was 105.24 bushels per acre.  The top yield estimate was 164.82 bushels per acre.

 

The area where the plot was had a 24″ water line was installed by the county in 2009; so it was intended to be a “rescue disturbed soil trial”.  The corn was not harvested directly over the water line but it was where the soil from the water line was mixed in with the top soil.  In 2011 the field was in Soybeans and yielded 48 bushels/acre.  In 2010 the field was corn and yielded 198 bushels/acre.  The whole field has been no-tilled for most of the past 20 years (there were some years with conventional tillage done – mainly in the early 90’s).  175 Units of N were applied (100 units (28%) with the chemical burn down application early season and 75 units side dressed (28%) in early May).

Rainfall from May 1 to July 31 was 2.24″ (with only 0.75 from May 1 to July 19).  There were 42 days over 90 degrees and 8 days over 100 degrees during that time.  All time record dry and heat was recorded in July, 2012 in the area.

Don took chlorophyll readings weekly (one week missed in July due to a family vacation).  He took 30 chlorophyll readings per plot per sampling date.  He also took multiple plant height readings each time as well.  He followed the manufacturers instructions on the chlorophyll readings and penetrometer tests.  Don spent a lot of time in this field so we could all have this data!  Thanks to The CISCO Companies for providing the seed, equipment, and Don’s labor to collect this data.

 

This chart shows the percentage above the no cover crop area (the “check”) compared to the different cover crop mixes. The two comparisons on the far right are from a soybean study we ran where we had cover crops two consecutive years compared to one year (more data and a post coming soon on this study).

Observations:

  • The plot areas that rated healthier (more green-ness and taller) yielded the best.
  • The plots areas where there was less compaction yielded the best
  • The plots with annual ryegrass did not fare as well as some others in this drought year – yet was still considerably above the check.
  • Not all plots with radish were “top” yielding – however two of the top three yielding plots had legumes plus radish.
  • Plots with legumes were generally healthier all season long and their yield reflected that.
  • I doubt that the whole field will average over 100 bushels/acre.  As with all hand yield tests they are estimates but I believe that the comparison is very accurate.
  • The Austrian Winter Peas, Crimson Clover, and Appin Turnips overwintered “beautifully” and were growing aggressively when sprayed at burndown.
  • There was a considerable amount of earthworm activity in the cover crop area but only a few earthworms were found in the “check” area. That is unfortunate because 2 acres were covered and 48 acres were not!
  • There were more corn roots in the plot areas we dug vs. the check area (watch for a new post coming on this soon).
  • There was more moisture in the soil where the cover crop plots were compared to the check area.
  • The soil structure was considerably better in each cover crop plot vs. the check area.
Don recorded over 180 chlorophyll readings in each cover crop plot and check plot over the summer.

 

The check plot had 175 units of nitrogen plus the whole field had been soybeans the previous year. While the annual ryegrass blend plot was above the check all season long it was not up to the desired level until after the July 19 rain event.

 

The plot with the Oats and Rye and Appin Turnips was impressive most of the spring and summer. It was at or above the desired rating until August. It was very impressive right after the July rain event and that is possibly why it had the second highest estimated yield. By the way, the turnips did live through the winter.
All season long I was convinced that the plot where the Austrian Winter Peas and Radish were was going to have the highest yield based on the data shown above (and plant height readings). It beat the second place entry by less than 1/2 bushel in the yield estimate.

Cover Crops for Fall and Winter Grazing

Cover Crops for Grazing

Beef producers can ill-afford to not graze this year in the fall or winter. I'm not sure they ever can but this year hay is very expensive.

Drought ’12 is causing many cattle producers to consider cover crops for fall and winter grazing. Hay is very expensive and in short supply, and corn silage will be short in many areas.  A lack of feed is leaving a number of dairy and beef producers looking to liquidate their herds.

Two years ago I wrote about grazing cover crops in the winter. It highlights the value of oats, cereal rye, and turnips in combination. There is also an attached video included with that article.

See this post for video from this past winter.

Several producers have seen beef cattle gain up to 3.5#/head/ day when grazing cover crops over the winter.

Gene Schriefer an Ag/Ag Business agent from Iowa County Wisconsin has seen great results with grazing cover crops.  Gene reports:

I just completed my third season of grazing seed salad cover crops on my own farm and have been working with several of our local dairy and beef graziers about incorporating this into their rotation. Thus far the lowest RFQ has been 220. I’ve done summer mixed, cool season mixes and summer and cool season mixes together. While initial livestock experience has been skeptical, once they get a taste, cattle (and sheep) cannot get enough and refuse to eat orchardgrass/red clover.

Utilization with break wires appears to be 90% or more (I’ll need to do a pre/post grazing residual measure). In 2009, the first year I stockpiled an August seeding into December waiting for snowfall. An 11″ snow storm hit us early in December and I released the cattle. They bury their heads under a foot of snow digging out the crop. So far we’re pretty bullish on covers for grazing and looking at doing more. Uniformly everyone (myself included) find the ground to be very mellow the following spring for seeding…

I’ve been encouraging dairies to try cover crops for summer and early fall to aid in managing manure applications.

Here are some additional options that may work in different situations and for different animals too.

Fall Forage Fast – For Grazing

Many producers report that their cattle produce more milk when grazing BMR sudangrass or BMR sorghum sudangrass.

BMR Sudangrass or BMR Sorghum Sudangrass

In many areas it is getting late to plant these species (as of July 25).  However, with good fertility, good moisture, and warm temperatures I have seen yields as high as seven tons of Dry Matter of BMR Sudangrass in the Thumb of Michigan when planted after wheat.

However, that included high fertility and excellent growing conditions.  If it remains dry you should not plant these because you will run out of time to get adequate production. There are better options for shorter growing periods.

Oats and Appin Turnips

Dairy cows strip grazing oats and Appin turnips in the fall.

If a producer does not want to have their cover crop overwinter then Oats and Turnips are a great choice for fall and winter grazing.  Plant 2 bu/acre of oats and add 5#/acre of Appin Turnips.

As you can see in the photo it is best to strip graze this mix to get the best results and the most feed.  This mixture needs nitrogen and I’d recommend that you apply 50#/acre of actual N at planting time.  This can be planted after wheat or after corn silage harvest in most regions.

Cereal Rye + Oats + Appin Turnips

This mix is for the producer that wants fall and spring feed.  I have worked with this mixture since the early 2000’s with Ed Ballard (U of IL Extension).  We measured yields as high as 5 tons DM/acre in the fall and an additional 2 tons/acre in the spring at the Dudley-Smith Farm near Pana, IL (Central IL). It was planted after a wheat crop was harvested.

Plant 1  bu/acre Cereal Rye + 1 1/2 bu/acre of Oats and 5#/acre of Appin Turnips.

The oats are nearly 30" tall and the turnips are around 18" in this October photo. The cereal rye was about 6" tall at this time. This mixture was planted in late August and the photo was taken Oct 22 - approximately 8 weeks after planting. My daughter Grace was the model.
Cattle grazing cereal rye and corn stalks in April 2012 in Northwest Indiana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cereal Rye and Cover Crop Radish

Nick Saathoff from Northern Illinois had excellent success in the fall and winter of 2012 grazing.  Nick planted 1 bu/acre of Cereal Rye and I believe 5 # cover crop radishes.  Nick grazed the cows up to Christmas in northern Illinois and had more rye to graze in the spring.  While radishes are not grazed quite as well as turnips they still work well in this grazing situation.

Cattle "knee deep" in rye and radishes in Northern Illinois in October 2012.
Cattle grazing rye and radishes in late December 2012 in Northern IL. The production from this field greatly reduced how much hay had to be fed to the cattle and increased Nick's profits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oats and Austrian Winter Peas (or Forage Peas)

While this is not my favorite mixture, it is one that provides good quality feed, produces nitrogen, and is a very good cover crop.  Why is it not my favorite?  Cattle do not generally graze peas as well as they do other high quality forages (especially turnips).  If growing conditions are good (not too hot and with good moisture), this mixture can crank out the yield!

I’d prefer that this mix is harvested but hey – grazing can sure work well for this too!  Inoculate the peas and plant this mixture 1-2 inches deep to achieve the best stand.

Oats and Crimson Clover or Oats and Cereal Rye and Crimson Clover

These mixtures both can provide excellent grazing opportunities.  Cattle will graze the crimson clover better than peas and very possibly will survive the winter in many regions for spring grazing (with or without the cereal rye).  These mixes work well planted 1/2″deep – or plant the cereal grains 1-2″ deep and seed the crimson clover 1/4 to 1/2″ deep.  For best fall grazing opportunities plant these in late July through mid-August in the Upper Midwest and into early September in the Corn Belt.  Be sure to plant pre-inoculated crimson clover or inoculate the seed before planting.

 Italian (or Annual) Ryegrass and Appin Turnips or Pasja Hybrid Brassica

This mixture can provide very good grazing opportunities where good moisture, moderate temperatures, and high fertility are present.  This will be the highest forage quality of all of the mixes listed in this article.  However, if it remains exceptionally hot and dry, this mixture will not be as productive as those previously mentioned. This mixture works best when strip grazed or rotationally grazed.

Italian Ryegrass like Feast II or Annual Ryegrass can be very productive in high fertility situations. Add Pasja or Appin and the yield and quality are greatly improved.

Cover Crop Root Pits Reveal Plenty

During the first week of April I was in several root pits in northwest Indiana and boy did we find plenty of interesting factoids! I was assisted by Eileen Kladivko from Purdue University on one day and Barry Fisher, Indiana NRCS State Agronomist, on another day.

What We Found in the Cover Crop Root Pits

We found several night crawlers and smaller worms as well in each pit we were in
  • Earthworms galore, especially where we had radishes and/or crimson clover. But the earthworms were plentiful in all cover crop species.
  • Earthworm channels 48″ deep in a field that had been long term no-till with one year of cover crop annual ryegrass/radish mix (planted after soybeans).
  • Roots from two different  crops in the same root zone/earthworm channel (soybeans and cover crop roots) over 30″ deep.
  • Earthworm eggs where radishes had decayed.
  • Soybean nodules 26″ deep on roots that went 44″ deep (long term no-till field – 10 years).
  • Annual ryegrass roots that were not as deep following corn as they were following soybeans (less N available for them to grow as vigorously).
  • Canola or oilseed rape in fields where bin run oats had been planted instead of seed oats.
  • Continued evidence of compaction. One year of cover crops does not eliminate all compaction issues (though roots from cover crops did penetrate through the compaction).
  • Radish and radish roots that were 34″ deep last fall were found at 40″ deep this spring (though dead).
  • Living radishes. Several radishes survived the Indiana winter (very mild winter), especially where they were protected by crimson clover and annual ryegrass.
  • 20 earthworm channels and 5 earthworms in an area 8″ by 8″ square at 6 inches deep (in a mixture of annual ryegrass, crimson clover, and cover crop radishes).
  • 700 acres of oats and radishes looking very different in the spring than it did in the fall!  (Click the links to see the different videos)

Miscellaneous Notes from the Cover Crop Root Pits

The farmer from our first cover crop root pit dig on April 4th reported that he saw less visible drought stress where they had long term no-till and cover crops, attributing the healthier plants to increased root depth.

We saw several fields of cereal rye after corn stalks being grazed by beef cattle.

Barry Fisher encouraged everyone to “expand your farm vertically.” In other words, don’t just keep buying/renting more land. Instead, put cover crop roots down deeper to create better land where you farm – and get more yield.

Be sure to control your annual ryegrass instead of waiting on the crimson clover to grow taller.  Much of the ryegrass was 10-12″ tall with the crimson clover at 6-8″ tall.

Farmers are becoming more creative with cover crop applications and types, and they are finding success – not surprising!

 

Other than the "extra goodies" from the VNS oats, this field was ready to plant without herbicide in the spring.
We saw several fields where cattle were grazing cereal rye planted into corn stalks.
Cereal rye in one row and crimson clover and Appin turnips in the other row (mixed together).

 

One of the joys of working with farmers is the excitement I see on their faces when they "get it" about soil health. There were several excited farmers again this spring.
We found several earthworm eggs around the decayed radish holes.
We found roots from soybeans and annual ryegrass in the same root zone/earthworm channel.

Grazing Cover Crops

These cattle have a great body score as they graze on December 6, 2011 in northern Indiana.

In early December, 2011 I visited two farms in Kosciusko County Indiana (NE IN) where producers had intentionally planted cover crops after their wheat was harvested for the purpose of grazing cattle and improving soil.  One of the producers planted a mixture that was featured in this blog.  His Oats/Cereal Rye/Turnip mixture looked beautiful and it appears he will have more feed than he needs to get the cattle through December without feeding much hay!  Only a severe ice storm or exceptionally wet soil would seem to prevent that from happening.  Here is a video my wife and I took from this field.

Just down the road a different farmer planted a different mixture.  His pastures were decimated by the summer drought and over grazing.  Frankly I would not have recommended the mixture he planted…only because I was not sure how the cattle would graze cover crop radishes.  His mixture was 3# Appin turnips and 3# of GroundHog cover crop radishes.  That was all…When my new farmer friend drove me by the field I did not see the cattle…and even then I was noticing a lot of bare soil (the area between all of the brassicas) and was longing to see oats or some grass species out in the field with the brassicas.  Then we found the gent that planted the field.  He was ecstatic!  The cattle were grazing both the turnips and radishes very well. His cattle had great body condition and his feed bill was way down.  My only recommendation was that he feed dry hay to the cattle along with the brassicas so that they would not end up with some health issues (acidosis, foundering, etc…).  Brassicas should not make up more than 30-35% of the diet for cattle and he was at over 80%.  Watch a video from this field.

Here is my wife in the field of cover crop radishes and Appin Turnips on Dec 6, 2011. Note the uncovered soil...that is just another reason to add oats and or cereal rye or annual ryegrass to this mixture.

 

The cattle needed more fiber in their diet so they ate a significant amount of turnip bulbs. They ate far fewer radish tubers than turnip tubers.

 It is very important to include fiber in the diet of the cattle when grazing turnips and radishes.  The forage quality of the brassica is too high for the cattle to have a healthy rumen. If the producer that planted only the brassicas had fed straw or lower quality dry grass hay the cattle would have been healthier.  I believe that is why the cattle were eating so many bulbs…they needed more fiber.

This line of straw bales were used for bedding in the barns instead of feed for the cattle in the brassica field.

 

Nutrient Scavenging Cover Crops – How much good are they doing? It depends.

Meet the Cover Crop Scavengers

Over the years I have worked with cover crops I have recommended that producers use “scavengers” like Annual Ryegrass, turnips, cereal rye,  winter barley, oats,  and cover crop radishes.  These cover crops do a very good job of capturing excess nitrogen and other nutrients and keeping them from reaching the ground water or running off with surface water.  When the nutrients are scavenged they are available for the subsequent crop.

Most of these scavengers are “luxury consumers” of nitrogen and a few of them are also “luxury consumers” of phosphorous.  These are ideal to use on land where manure is applied.  They also work very well when grown with a legume like crimson clover, hairy vetch, chickling vetch, and Austrian winter peas.

However, if  limited amounts of nitrogen are available how will these scavengers perform?

The answer: not as well.

My answer is subjective but based on observations that I will show you via some photos.

 

Observation 1

It is easy to see where the manure was knifed in in this field. But how much more N is being taken up where it is darker green? We'll be doing tissue tests soon to determine that.

The first observation is where hog manure was knifed in after wheat had been harvested. The photo shows that the cover crop (Annual ryegrass and Appin turnips) looks considerably darker where the manure had been applied.  We will soon be taking tissue samples to see what difference there is in the amount of N, P, and K are in the plants.  We also anticipate a future post showing a root pit view of the root growth difference (if any).
 
 
 
 

Observation 2

The "yellow" strips are pretty obvious in the cover crops in this seed corn field. It is not obvious where the corn rows were but I expect the lighter strips are above where the corn row had been.

The next observation comes from a seed corn field in north western Indiana near Demotte in Jasper county.  The main area of difference in N uptake is found where the male corn rows had been cut out this summer after the female rows had pollinated.  The difference is color was not as dramatic as it was in the previous situation but there was a clear difference in color and the amount of growth (considerably more developed) of the cover crop.
 
 
 
 

Observation 3

The left half of this photo had 35#/acre of N but had no legume to feed the radish. The right half of the photo shows the significant color and growth difference when radishes are grown with crimson clover (and the 35# N/acre).

The next field is near Edgerton in NW Ohio.  This field had three different applications being trialed.  One area had a crimson clover and GroundHog radish mixture, another area had an Austrian Winter Pea and GroundHog Radish mixture.  In between these mixtures was a strip of Tillage cover crop radishes with no legume but with around 35 units of nitrogen applied (the ~35 # of N was applied across the whole field).  If you attend many cover crop meetings you will hear speakers tell you to apply 35-50 units of N on radishes if they are sown without a legume or without manure applied.  After seeing this field I believe we are underestimating what kind of N we need to apply for “best” results as the radish only strip had considerably smaller radishes with much less tuber growth and more “yellow leaf”.    The area with the crimson clover/GroundHog Radish Mix was by far the darkest green and had the largest radish growth.  However, even though the peas did not look as impressive as the crimson clover, the radish growth was significant and much darker green than the radish area grown without any legume.

Observation 4

Not only does the crimson clover add nitrogen to the soil it also greatly enhances the soil structure. The soil on the left came from where there was only radishes planted. The soil on the right had crimson clover and radishes mixed together.

Another observation from this field was that where the radishes were grown with the crimson clover the soil had a much improved structure over the soil where only radishes were grown.  The massive amounts of crimson clover roots (with an exceptional amount of nodules on them by the way) gave the soil a much better texture.  See a very descriptive video here.  These soils are “Williams County Clays” or “NW Ohio clays” and are well known for their tightness and poor drainage.  As the farmer Ryan Sanders said after seeing the results of this experiment… “I will never plant radishes alone again.”

 

Cover Crop Field Day Set at Robison Farms

CISCO Seeds, Robison Farms, and Dougherty Fertilizer are sponsoring a Cover Crop Field Day and Root Dig at the Greenwood, Indiana farm. If you’ve not had an opportunity to see cover crops in a real life farm setting, this will be a great meeting for you . There will be multiple species available to look at and expert agronomists on hand to answer questions.

 

When:

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 2-4 P.M.

Location:

Corner of Five Point Road (300 East) and Main Street (Rocklane Road) east of Greenwood, IN

Contact:

If you have questions or need further information contact  Don Robison at donrobison@ciscoseeds.com or 317-357-7013

  • Rain or shine we will have a gathering (call if the weather is bad for “plan B”)

 

Cover Crop Field Day Highlights

Come see ten different mixes and/or species of cover crops in a large plot setting.
  • 1100’ lineal feet of cover crop plots
  • 10 different mixes or straight species shown
  • guaranteed weather! (not saying what kind)
  • working with NRCS, SWCD, and Dougherty Fertilizer
  • root digs (weather contingent)
  • Cover Crop Agronomists on hand for tours and Q/A sessions
  • See over 150 acres of various Cover Crops withing 1/2 mile of plots

 

Purpose of the cover crop field day

To see different species of cover crops in a real to life situation. This was a soybean field that had the cover crops applied over the top of the standing crop at roughly 50% leaf drop.

 

Species You Will See

 

  • Radishes
  • Turnips
  • Crimson Clover
  • Oats
  • Winter Rye
  • Annual Ryegrass
  • Austrian Winter Peas
  • Several Mixes including the above species

 

 

 

Directions:

From Indianapolis

  • Take I-65 South to Exit 99. Turn Left at end of ramp and travel 1.5 miles east to the plots

From Louisville

  • Take I-65 North to Exit 99. Turn Right at end of ramp and travel 1.5 miles east to the plots

From Columbus, OH

  • Take I-70 West to Indianapolis, follow 465 South to I-65 South to Exit 99. Turn Left at end of ramp and travel 1.5 miles east to the plots

From Terre Haute

  • Take I-70 East to Indianapolis, follow 465 South to I-65 South to Exit 99. Turn Left at end of ramp and travel 1.5 miles east to the plots

 

Just down the road we plan on digging another pit where Annual Ryegrass and Appin Turnips were applied after hog manure was knifed in after wheat.