Kale is a summer-seeded brassica that is used for both cover cropping and fall grazing. It needs to be seeded when soil temperatures are above 50°F. Using kale in a mix after wheat is ideal.
Seeding Rate (lbs. / acre)
- Drill: 3-4
- Broadcast: 5-6
- In a mix: 1-2
– Planting depth: 1/8”–1/4”
– Approximate seeds/lb: 130,000
– Days to germination: 5-7
Kale Benefits & Info
- Tough enough to get started in the summer
- A great cover crop choice after wheat
- Will grow vigorously in early fall
- Taproot will naturally break up soil compaction
- Tender forage quickly breaks down to feed soil organisms
Forage Considerations
- It has low-fiber stems and is easily digested by livestock
- Kale works well as an intermediate crop when renovating pastures
- Deer love it
