his recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop mix of oats and radish after an early harvested processing vegetable, such as snap beans, cucumbers, peas, or early tomatoes. Both oat and radish can successfully establish in late summer to early fall and usually winter-kill. It is a low-risk mix that will help control tough perennial or winter annual weeds, minimize erosion, build soil structure, reduce compaction, and add some extra diversity to your rotation.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Planning—Keep it simple. Start small on one field. Be timely. Prioritize cover crop management based on your goals. Fine-tune the recipe for your needs over time. If cole or other Brassica crops are grown in the rotation, it’s best to use peas instead of radish in order to avoid a buildup of pest pressures.
Vegetable planting—No modifications to the crop are required for the successful use of cover crops.
Residual herbicides—Oats and radish are tolerant of most herbicides applied to the vegetable crop in-season.
Seed purchase—Seed supplies and prices can vary depending on the time of year; it is good practice to order seed early (before harvest). The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has compiled a list of reputable cover crop seed suppliers (see Resources).
Fertility or manure—Fall fertilizer incorporation can damage the living cover crop. Plan for fertilizer or manure application before planting the cover crop or after the cover crop winter-kills, or use a low-disturbance injection method to minimize damage.
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