FORAGE RADISHES AS COVER CROP
University of Maryland soil scientist Ray Weil is working with Steve Groff of
Cedar_Meadow_Farm and others to find the cropping mixes that make the best use of the soil-penetrating abilities of the radish to break up soil compaction. Planted in late summer through September in the Mid-Atlantic, radishes exhibit aggressive rooting action in the fall, sending a 1 to 2-inch diameter tap root down 12-18 inches. The plants winter-kill by Christmas, much like fall-planted spring oats. The radish's aggressive rooting system provides great soil aeration by spring. The fast-growing root crop is of special interest to livestock farmers who spread manure or crop farmers after dry summers when there may be excess fertility come fall. Forage radishes can soak up left-over N during the final months of the year, making the nutrient available the following spring.
- Seeding rate: 10-13 lbs per acre. Use higher rate for broadcasting or under
less then ideal planting conditions.
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Seeding dates: Optimum seeding dates are a 6 week period ending one month
before the average first killing frost in the fall. Example: In my area-
southeast Pennsylvania- these dates are August 1 to September 15th.
- Fertility: Forage radishes will take up excess nitrogen after a crop however
in order to fully express there rooting action they need at least 60 lbs of
N. It has also been observed that these radishes will scavage other nutrients deep in the soil profile and deposit them on the surface when they decay.
- Mixtures: Forage radishes are extremly competitive and will out grow most
other cover crops. Successful establishment of mixtures has been optained by
planting alternating rows with a drill that has both a legume box and
grain box. One exception is the variety "Jerry" oats which competes well with forage radishes. Expect the forage radishes to winter-kill after a hard freeze -temperature in the teens (similar to spring oats planted in the fall).
- Soil condition in the spring: Forage radishes do not present tough roots in the spring. Depending on the radishes maturity in the fall, there are holes in the ground where the root is completely rotted or the skeletal structure of a more mature root that is more brittle and softer then a corn cob. It also presents no problem working up the ground in case you decide to do so, however the soil is already loosened up like it was worked with "Aerway" tillage equipment. A major challenge using forage radishes as cover crop is that they break down quickly leaving very little cover left on the soil unless planted into residue like corn stalks which will still be on the soil surface in the spring. We are experimenting with all kinds of mixture now that forage radishes are getting popular. I sold enough seed for over 2,000 acres last fall!
- Forage Radish Price: Customized orders less than 50lbs $2.40lb All other orders in 50lb increments 50-100lbs. $2.15/lb
150 -250lbs. 3% volume and 2% for cash payment or payment within 10 days. Net 30 days.
250-500lbs. 5% vol. and 2% as above.
500+ 7% vol. and 2% as above.
Shipping additional
The forage radishes I am growing are from Diakon Radish seedstock which is
a traditional Japanese radish. Daikon radishes are sold for human food
consumption- market gardeners mostly grow them and you can find them in some grocery
stores. However, seed cost is very high because it is marketed to the small
growers. That is why I am producing the forage radish seed.
A few farmers have asked if forage radishes are the same as oilseed radishes. They are similar but the the University of Maryland has found the forage radishes to be
superior to oilseed radishes for reducing soil compaction and taking up N
in the fall-at least here in the Mid-Atlantic region. The forage radish grows a bit faster, have a much straighter fleshy root, and are somewhat less winter hardy (more certain to winterkill).
Here are some websites for more info:
BRASSICA FACT SHEET BY RAY WEIL
ARTICLE IN NEWFARM MAGAZINE
Steve Groff
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