2021 Autumn Seed Catalogue

33 COVER CROP - CATCH CROP OR GREEN MANURE ~ P White ** A Beans ** A White Mustard # P Ryegrass # A Sunflower # P Red ** A Peas ** A Brown Mustard # A Westerwold # A Linseed # A Crimson ** A Chick Pea # A Tillage Radish # A Oats ** P Chicory # P Alsike # P Lucerne ** A Forage Rape # A Black Oats ** A Sorghum # A Berseem ~ AB Vetch # B Stubble Turnip # A Bristle Oats ~ P Plantain # A Persian # P Sainfoin ** A Kale # A Rye # P Yarrow # A Balansa ~ P BF Trefoil ** A Xtender # A Barley # A Millet # AB Sweet ~ AP Medic ** A Fodder Radish # A Triticale # A Quinoa A Annual ~ Prostrate Growth habit B Bi-annual # Upright Growth habit P Perennial ** Spreading upright growth habit C/N RATIO GRASS Cost effective The carbon nitrogen ratio of the cover crop mix plays a critical role in how it interacts with the following crop. A low C/N ratio will break down quickly and release nutrients for utilisation, a high C/N ratio will trap nutrients within the plant material and the soil biota will take nitrogen from the soil and release nutrients for utilisation, a high C/N ratio will trap nutrients within the plant material and the soil biota will take nitrogen from the soil to begin breaking down the carbon. Selection of species aiming for an optimum of 24:1 to balance soil activity and nutrient availability will minimise any pre-emptive competition to the main crop. e.g. vetch = 11:1, immature oats = 30:1 therefore a balanced mix of both = around 20-24:1. Phacelia No rotation issues COMMON COVER CROP SPECIES Clover Other BRASSICA Rapid ground cover Good nutrient capture Good for soil structuring TYPE LEGUME Legumes can fix their own nitrogen Sowing date is important for best results Good for Improved mychorrhizal associations Rapid establishment Vigourous Rooting BORAGINACEAE POLYGONACEAE ** A Diversity Insect habitat Bird food source OTHER Phosphate scavenging Rapid summer growth No rotation issues Strong shallow rooting Good ground cover Buckwheat # A