Establishing cover crops

[Flat 10]

Yes

 

[farmerfred86]

I've seen a few hoppers/metering units on stubble rakes which seems a good idea. Anyone using this method? Certainly fast if not reliable...

 

[D14]

i currently have a renewed interest in cover crops and am going to a meeting about them later this week. How would I go about establishing a cover at low cost? Machinery availeble are quad and cdax pelleter, plough, combi drill, a power Harrow and a set of rolls.

We see no difference between using a slug pelleter and set of cambridge rolls than we do if we actually drill them and roll. Its all about timing and moisture so spin them on either onto moist ground or just before rain.
My neighbour uses a topdown, a subsoiler, a vaderstad and a set of rolls which is just ridiculous. He's even been known to put 50kg pf N on as well.

 

[EddieB]

I've seen a few hoppers/metering units on stubble rakes which seems a good idea. Anyone using this method? Certainly fast if not reliable...

That’s how I was doing mine until this year. Mixed results, needs moisture.
l would say that this year’s look better, drilled with a disc drill.

 

[farmerfred86]

That’s how I was doing mine until this year. Mixed results, needs moisture.
l would say that this year’s look better, drilled with a disc drill.

I've always established mine with a disc drill but I find it difficult to use the drill during harvest with the workload. I did suspect a straw harrow might be a bit hit and miss, especially seed not covered in the first place!

 

[EddieB]

I've always established mine with a disc drill but I find it difficult to use the drill during harvest with the workload. I did suspect a straw harrow might be a bit hit and miss, especially seed not covered in the first place!

It can be a bit more time consuming with a drill but I can still do mine in a few mornings before we start harvesting.