Albert Lea Seed House 2018 Farm Seed Guide | Page 42

Grazing & Biomass
Cover Crops
More farmers are having success with roller-crimping or roll-down rye,
which works especially well in an organic no-till system for soybeans.
Check out Dr. Erin Silva's great work at U of Wi.
Winter Rye*
Cover Crop Barley*
* = variety not stated
Buckwheat*
A quick-growing, broadleaved summer annual that is ready
to incorporate in 35 to 45 days. Potential for multiple crops
per year. As a grain crop it reaches maturity in 70 to 90 days.
Very competitive with tough to control perennial and annual
weeds like giant ragweed and Canada thistle. Easy to control
and residue breaks down rapidly making this an ideal choice
for small-scale producers. Excellent scavenger of P and other
nutrients. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators with its
Annual Ryegrass*
abundant flowers.
The most economical grass choice for cover cropping. High
• Excellent full-summer cover crop & pollinator-forage crop
seeds/lb and rapid growing plant with an extensive root
• Thrives on nutrient poor and varying soil types, but not on
system that builds soil structure and holds soil in place. Very comp