Species Selection

The list of cover crop species continues to grow. While this provides more options for farmers to find the species that fits their goals and operations, it can be daunting to sort through all the species available.

Cover Crop Selector Tool

Fortunately, several new tools help growers select the proper cover crop. The Cover Crop Selector Tool, developed by Precision Sustainable Agriculture, can filter cover crop species to match a farm’s location, goals, and operation.
Cover Crop Selector Tool

Common Species Considerations


  • Cover Crop Goals
  • Cost
  • Planting and Growth Window
  • Ease of Establishment
  • Ease of Termination
  • Pest Resistance / Host Ability
  • Environmental Tolerance
  • Growth Traits

Cover Crop Types

Grasses

Legumes

Brassica / Broadleaf Non-Legume

Species Example
  • Cereal Rye
  • Barley
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Clover
  • Vetch
  • Peas
  • Mustard
  • Radish
  • Turnip

Common Strengths
  • Nutrient Scavenging
  • Weed Suppression
  • Organic Matter
  • Nitrogen Fixation
  • Erosion
  • Beneficial Insects
  • Fast Growth
  • Nutrient Scavenging
  • Erosion

Common Challenges
  • Nitrogen Immobilization
  • Cost
  • Termination Issues
  • Soil Moisture Use
  • Volunteer Establishment

Think About Rotation

When selecting a cover crop, it is important to consider diversifying your rotation like any cash crop. Generally, a grass cover crop is recommended before a legume cash crop, and a legume or broadleaf cover crop is recommended before a grass cash crop. This practice can decrease the risk of pest transfer from the cover crop to the cash crop and improve nitrogen management.

Mono vs. Mixture

Cover crop mixtures are growing in popularity, with farmers planting upwards of a dozen different cover crop species in their fields. Growers must consider the advantages and disadvantages of planting a mixture to decide if it is right for them.

Advantages of Cover Crop Mixes


  • Ability to achieve multiple goals at once.
  • Multiple species provide insurance that one species will establish and grow during weather extremes.
  • Many cover crop incentive programs favor cover crop mixes when making funding decisions.

Disadvantages of Cover Crop Mixes


  • May not fully realize individual goals.
  • Growing conditions may favor one species in the mix and allow it to dominate others.
  • Additional equipment and management requirements to plant and terminate multiple species.

References
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Austin Menker