Cover Crops

Description
Soil Builder is a mixture of KB Royal Annual Ryegrass, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch and Nitro Radish. This versatile mix will scavenge nutrients, fix nitrogen and establish quickly to combat weeds.  No matter why you plant a cover crop, Soil Builder deserves consideration.

Management
Soil Builder has to be sprayed or moldboard plowed in the spring before planting the cash crop. This versatile mix can be terminated early and still contribute a good amount of nitrogen due to the Crimson Clover. However, if the cropping schedule permits, letting this mix grow until the purple blooms of the Hairy Vetch can be seen will result in significantly higher nitrogen fixation. In the north, if this mix is planted after mid-August, the radishes are not likely to perform to their potential. Below I-70, the date would be September 10th. Other species in the mix will still give tremendous benefits if planted a bit late.

Establishment
Seed 18-25 lbs./A. Drill up to ½” deep. Satisfactory results can be obtained by flying the mix on if the seeding rate is increased.