What Cover Crop Works Best in CNY? – Ag Matters

Harvest season has begun on many CNY farms and that means thoughts about winter cover crops has too.  What's the best plan, Oats, Rye or Winter Wheat?  The farm team at Cornell Cooperative Extension says when you plant plays a role in the decision.  

If you are harvesting corn for silage in early - September you have more choices of what to plant. You will probably be able to buy bin run oats or wheat locally at a reasonable price.

Only plan to use oats if you are going to plant in early to mid - September. They;re great for fall and winter cover and you won't need to kill it in spring.  Plant at 80 - 140 pounds per acre.

Wheat can be planted mid - September until early November but will establish a much better winter cover if planted by early October. Earlier planted wheat will help suppress weeds. It also soaks up excess nitrogen from the field in the fall but must be managed in the spring.  Plant at 70 - 200 pounds per acre.

Winter rye can be planted now until early November, but will make a better winter cover and suppress weeds if planted earlier.  It's the only choice for later planting.  Plant at 60 - 200 pounds per acre.

All of these cover crops will do better if planted with a no-till drill or if drilled after modest soil preparation. If you plan to broadcast the seed and roll it in, or you are planting late then consider applying at the higher seeding rate.  Get more information in CCE's September Farm Flash

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension