Late sown fodder/cover crop

[cowboysupper]

The excellent growing conditions in our part of the world (NW Northern Ireland) have meant we've a block( 43 acres) of spring wholecrop oats harvested today (2 weeks earlier than normal). Its light land, but below sea so when the water table comes up there's normally no chance of getting a tractor in between October and the beginning of April. Normally have fairly mild winters given out coastal location.

Pondering whether we're wise trying to drill a late fodder or cover crop ASAP. Only have experience of drilling early August. The aim is try and keep something growing over the winter and improve soil structure to hopefully enable an earlier opportunity to get into the fields in the spring (early April as opposed to mid). The crop ideally would be to grow and sell to a grazier. We have very potent digestate available to get the crop of to a good start and the crop could hopefully recycle the P&K for spring triticale next year.

Is it to late for fodder rape? I don't think IRG/Westerwolds is suitable as there is no chance of harvesting it in the spring if it gets ahead.

If it's too late for a fodder rape are there cheap deep rooting cover crops available which can be sown?

Alternatively will sub soil the ground and there may or may not be a decent flush of volunteer oats and meadow grass.

 

[Jerry]

Hybrid fodder rape like redstart would fly along in your location I would think.

8 to 10 weeks and be fit to graze and will prefer a milder location close to coast with out too many frosts.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Plenty of stubble Turnips going in over here be OK for another 2 weeks , Hybrid Rape is cheap, stick some fodder raddish in , just make a mix up is the best option ,

 

[cowboysupper]

Second part of my question would be what is the the best establishment method post wholecrop? Normally disc harrow/broadcast/roll after the combine but obviously the traffic from wholecrop is a lot more intense (although the fields are in good order otherwise) . We're a bit light on cultivation implements at the minute due to change in farm policy.

Options are - Disc harrow/roll/broadcast/roll or Moore Unidrill.

 

[Jerry]

One pass with the Moore

 

[Derrick Hughes]

As above ,just watch it don't go to deep on stubble