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SW Nebraska Panhandle | We have some leftover winter wheat seed we are thinking of frost-seeding. If there is a cheat-grass problem then be prepared to spray some Powerflex which has been very effective in cheat control in winter wheat. We have to get a handle on the cheat grass proliferation and can't let it go. It is not a very good cover crop although it looks like it would be!!. This does not exactly get away from chemicals but the whole no-til/cover crop is a journey with many twists and turns (every year it seems like). At least the winter wheat would have a head start in the spring as compared to a spring planted crop. Besides, we have to clean the seeder out anyway. We have a little moisture and there is certainly no threat of the ground freezing yet.
We will also certainly plan on some cover crop (oats/triticale/etc) in early spring and not graze or hay it as suggested in this thread.
We have used multi-species cover crops on our irrigated circles. Main reason was to provide grazing for our cattle when we do not have enough corn stalks. I can't say for sure if it has helped the soil but certainly can't hurt. But making dryland cover crops work in our arid climate and very dry summers and falls is whole other matter. We're are also giving strip til a try this year with dryland corn and sunflowers. Tried it a little last year and certainly seemed to help. Compaction is the issue we think we are trying to solve and avoid getting the ripper out. | |
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High Plains cover crop in fallow
