By Ethan R Thies
Mid-August is the beginning of the seeding window for successful cover crop seedings of common cover crop species in a corn and bean rotation. Farmers who are wanting to incorporate cover crops into their rotation should be finalizing their cover crop plans to ensure successful cover crop stands are established. Good fall growth of cover crops is key to achieving cover crop goals. To maximize fall growth of cover crops, seed early to maximize warm growing weather, and increase seed contact with moist soil.
Winter-kill cover crop species, like oats and radishes, have the most success when they are seeded early to maximize the amount of growing time. Early seeding windows require cover crops to be seeded into standing corn or beans which can be done with airplanes, drones, or highboy inter-seeders. Seedings into standing crops do not incorporate the seed into the soil, which can reduce germination of seeds, especially in dry conditions.
When planning to inter-seed cover crops, consider the current soil moisture and precipitation forecast to improve germination. This year’s soil moisture and rainfall conditions are more favorable to inter-seeding than in past years.
Source : iastate.edu