Written by Charlotte Cunningham from CPM Magazine
Soils have taken a battering over the past two seasons and remedial action will be required in many situations. Cover crops can play a key part in repairing the damage, but must be managed appropriately to achieve the desired outcome, according to the latest advice from Agrovista. Charlotte Cunningham reports. This is particularly true on heavy land, where the two biggest challenges are optimum establishment of the cover crop and its effective destruction, says Niall Atkinson, Agrovista’s farming systems research and development adviser. “By following a few guidelines, growers will greatly increase the chances of growing an effective cover, regardless of soil type, weather, or species.” 1. Timely establishment Good timing is critical. Even a few days’ delay in sowing can adversely affect a cover crop’s performance. “Plants need to harvest as much sunlight as possible, as quickly as possible,” says Niall. “A short-term cover crop planted ahead of an autumn-sown cereal may only be in the ground for two months, and time is also of the essence for an over-wintered cover as growth slows during the late autumn and winter.” While timely drilling is key, ideally soon after the combine has left the field, this must not be at…
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Soils have taken a battering over the past two seasons and remedial action will be required in many situations. Cover crops can play a key part in repairing the damage, but must be managed appropriately to achieve the desired outcome, according to the latest advice from Agrovista. Charlotte Cunningham reports. This is particularly true on heavy land, where the two biggest challenges are optimum establishment of the cover crop and its effective destruction, says Niall Atkinson, Agrovista’s farming systems research and development adviser. “By following a few guidelines, growers will greatly increase the chances of growing an effective cover, regardless of soil type, weather, or species.” 1. Timely establishment Good timing is critical. Even a few days’ delay in sowing can adversely affect a cover crop’s performance. “Plants need to harvest as much sunlight as possible, as quickly as possible,” says Niall. “A short-term cover crop planted ahead of an autumn-sown cereal may only be in the ground for two months, and time is also of the essence for an over-wintered cover as growth slows during the late autumn and winter.” While timely drilling is key, ideally soon after the combine has left the field, this must not be at…
The post Top tips for cover crop success appeared first on cpm magazine.
Continue reading on CPM website...
If you are enjoying what you read then why not considering subscribing here: http://www.cpm-magazine.co.uk/subscribe/