Catch Crop

Cover Crops do not produce a marketable product, they benefit the soil for the succeeding crops and are a good return on investment. They are beneficial to the soil by:

improving soil health by adding organic matter to the soil
increasing biological activity
improving soil structure
reducing soil erosion and run off
suppressing weeds and reduces leaching
increasing the supply of nutrients available to the next crop (particularly by adding nitrogen by fixation)
nematode control

Growing a cover crop is a very effective way of controlling nematode populations. Choosing the correct species and variety is key and needs careful planning. Some species of plants such as oil radish and mustard have been specially bred to be resistant to specific nematodes.

A wide range of plant species can be used as green manures. Different crops bring different benefits and the final choice is influenced by many considerations. If the most is to be made of green manuring crops, it is important that they are carefully integrated into the crop rotation and proper attention paid to the crop husbandry.

WHITE MUSTARD

A very popular green manure crop. Relatively inexpensive and highly versatile cover crop either sown alone or as a companion to other species. It is a fast growing and good weed suppressor. It is ideal for early cover and produces large quantities of biomass although killed off by frost later. It is an excellent scavenger of nitrogen.

FODDER RADISH (OIL RADISH)

Fast growing cover crop, its speed of establishment aids weed suppression. It has a long taproot which will improve the soil structure and also has plenty of foliage that produces a large quantity of organic matter. An excellent nitrogen scavenger.

TILLAGE RADISH

A particularly deep tap root, which helps to improve soils structure and drainage by drilling down through heavy soils and compacted layers.

FORAGE RYE

Produces large amounts of organic matter and suppresses weeds and is also an excellent nitrogen scavenger to help prevent leaching during winter months.

BROWN MUSTARD

Fast growing green manure crop with bio fumigation properties, i.e. it suppresses soilborne pests and diseases. It is an easy to establish 50 - 70 day crop that can be sown between April and September. Unlike white mustard, it is winter hardy.

BLACK OATS - AVENA STRIGOSA

A rapid growing leafy cereal crop which has early vigour with good weed suppression. It will produce large amounts of organic matter. Destroy before flowering to prevent self-seeding. Not winter hardy.

Green manure

Green manure mixtures have been specially formulated to help you achieve the best from your soil by protecting and improving soil fertility and health between cash crops. Combining different species into the mixtures can extend the function of the mixture.

Species that tend to be included in cover mixes;