SF 102 Cover Starter Plus

Description

SF 102 Cover Starter Plus is a premium Soil First™ mixture of Guardian Fall Rye + Tillage Radish + Crimson Clover.  The crimson clover is fairly quick to establish, adding biomass and additional root structure.  The crimson clover in the SF 102 Cover Starter Plus mix also allows the entire mix to decompose quicker, conserve water and decrease Nitrogen immobilization.

Planting window:  3-10 weeks before frost

Seeding rate:  30-35 lbs/acre alone (7.5″ rows); 40-50 lbs/acre for forage

Seeding depth:  ¼” to 1″ deep

Comparable setting on drill chart:  wheat (use large box)

Germination soil temperature:  45° F

DM tons/acre:  2-5

Considerations:  When seeded in early summer, additional grains or grass will need to be added to compete against radish growth. Rye can tie up Nitrogen and other nutrients. Controlling rye early results in less nutrient tie-up and conserves more water. The addition of crimson clover may attract voles and may need terminating even earlier to decrease the residue.

Benefits:  scale 1-5, 5=best

• Compaction Alleviation      5
• Weed suppression               5
• Biomass production            4
• Erosion control                    5
• Disease/Pest control          3
• Pollinator/Beneficials        2
• P & K Cycling                       4
• Ease of Establishment       4

Termination:  Rye can be controlled with traditional glyphosate rates prior to 12-18” growth. 2’ tall rye should be controlled with roller or crimper. If mowing, wait until rye begins to flower. Radish will terminate with multiple nights in the teens. If radish survive, glyphosate and 2,4-D offer an effective control method. If crimson clover overwinters, control with glyphosate and 2,4D.