Cover Crops

Cover crops are an essential component of building healthy soils on the farm.  They can protect soil from erosion, fix atmospheric N, contribute to organic matter formation, reduce weed pressure, and break recurring pest and disease cycles.  While many crops serve a dual purpose, cover crops can be loosely divided into leguminous crops that fix Nitrogen and grass and broadleaved crops that protect and build soil.  Your choice of cover crop species or mixtures will depend on your crop rotation, what time of year you are planting, and the potential benefits you hope to gain:

• Winter rye (grain) and hairy vetch (legume) are winter annuals often planted together and are a good option for planting after soybeans, wheat, or silage corn.
• If you’re looking to grow the most N you may consider a legume like red clover, hairy vetch, yellow blossom sweet clover, alfalfa, AC Greenfix, or our plowdown blend.
• For maximum green manure during the hot summer months or controlling stubborn perennial weeds look into sorghum/Sudangrass, buckwheat, Berseem or crimson clover.
• For a quick establishing cover crop you can plant buckwheat, yellow mustard, oats, Italian or annual ryegrasses, or field peas.
• Tillage Radish®, oats, and winter rye are good summer-planted options to mellow heavier soils and alleviate compaction.

We strive to carry a wide selection of certified organic and conventional, untreated cover crop species that fits the needs of our customers and we continue to integrate new and emerging crops into our lineup. Whatever the need and no matter the field size, Albert Lea Seed carries a diverse variety of cover crop species to fit your rotation.