It provides the most protein-per-acre, reduces soil erosion and improves soil structure, moisture-holding capacity and nutrient content . It also increases beneficial soil biota, suppresses weeds, provides habitat for beneficial predatory insects and wildlife and facilitates crop pollinators, Sheaffer said.
What is an example of a cover crop?
Examples of cover crops are annual ryegrass, crimson clover, oats, oil-seed radishes, and cereal rye . Cover crops are grown for a variety of reasons: Reducing soil compaction.
Is alfalfa a cover crop?
Alfalfa is a cool-season perennial commonly grown for feeding livestock or as a cover crop and soil conditioner . ... It’s ideal for improving the soil and providing erosion control.
Why are alfalfa and clover good cover crops?
Deep rooted “scavenger cover crops” such as annual ryegrass, alfalfa, red clover and sweet clover grow roots deep into the subsoil and have the ability to bring soil nutrients from the lower soil profile to the upper layers , the deep growing root structure additionally help to break up soil compaction and when these ...
Is alfalfa a good cash crop?
In addition to being an important cash crop for growers , alfalfa is good for our soil. ... The long alfalfa stand life also gives the soil a chance to rest from frequent field crop rotations, helps provide nitrogen for subsequent crops and improves soil tilth.
What is the fastest growing cover crop?
These fast-growing crops are used primarily to suppress weeds and add organic matter. Common choices are sudangrass (or sorghum-sudangrass) and buckwheat . Both grow rapidly if there is sufficient warmth, moisture and fertility.
What is a good cover crop for clay soil?
Some of the best cover crops for clay soil are clover, winter wheat, and buckwheat . You can also select crops with deep tap roots, like alfalfa and fava beans, to pull nutrients into the top soil from the subsoil while, at the same time, breaking up the compact clay.
How long does alfalfa last?
Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more , but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary.
What is the benefit of alfalfa?
Alfalfa has been shown to help lower cholesterol , and may also have benefits for blood sugar control and relieving symptoms of menopause. People also take it for its high content of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, copper, folate and magnesium. Alfalfa is also extremely low in calories.
When should you plant alfalfa?
If you have land available for alfalfa in late summer, optimal seeding dates are July 15 through August in the Upper Midwest; closer to July 15 for northernmost regions. For growers in warmer climates, seeding into early September is acceptable.
What is a good cover crop for a vegetable garden?
Cover crops are “green manures” when a gardener turns them into the soil to provide organic matter and nutrients. Green manures include legumes such as vetch, clover, beans and peas ; grasses such as annual ryegrass, oats, rapeseed, winter wheat and winter rye; and buckwheat.
Why are cover crops grown?
A cover crop provides a natural means of suppressing soil diseases, pests . It can also serve as a mulch or cover to assist in suppressing weed growth. A cover crop can provide high-quality material for grazing livestock or haying and can provide food and habitat for wildlife, beneficial insects, and pollinators.
What is an acre of alfalfa worth?
In this example, the standing value for the entire alfalfa field could range from $230 to $360/acre for the entire growing season. Keep in mind ownership costs can run $300- 400/acre when the seller considers lost rent, establishment costs and top-dress fertilizer to maintain soil fertility.
How much does alfalfa yield per acre?
The average total yield is 20-35 tons per hectare (or 8-14 tons per acre ) per year (distributed in 5-6 cuts). Top yields (intensive farming) can exceed 40 tons per hectare or 16 tons per acre per year.
How much money does alfalfa make?
Over a three-year average, alfalfa returns a profit of $98.82/acre compared to a $44.77/acre return for corn and $39.68/acre for soybeans, Miller estimated using information from Midwestern farms compiled through the FINBIN database.
