Planting a cover crop to improve soil health - Ask Extension
Hello. I have a 2 acre fallow field full of weeds in Kent county MI. I would like to plant a crop in the field this year with the goal of improving...
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Planting a cover crop to improve soil health #757389
Asked June 21, 2021, 9:25 AM EDT
Hello. I have a 2 acre fallow field full of weeds in Kent county MI. I would like to plant a crop in the field this year with the goal of improving overall soil health, increasing the PH level (currently 6.2) and weed suppression.
I believe I will be planting no-till, by spraying glysophate 7-10 days before planting, but I do have access to a roto-tiller if needed.
I would like the crop to be easy to establish as well, without the need for maintenance, fertilizing, or watering.
Common suggestions that I have seen are: winter cereal rye, sorghum, winter barley, and oats, but I am open to any suggestions.
What plants do you recommend?
-Ryan
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Ryan,
I think you are on the right track with the cover crop options you selected. There isn't a crop necessarily that will alter your pH but a 6.2 is favorable for plant growth (6.5 is ideal). I think tillage will be necessary to get a good establishment of the cover crop since the field sat fallow. Glyphosate should work well unless you have some resistant weed issues going on from past farming practices. Rain or good soil moisture will be needed for any of the cover crop to establish. As far as low maintenance, you may want to consider a cover crop that will winter kill so you do not need to go spray it in the following spring.
Suggestions:
1.Winter cereal Rye planted between late July to the end of October. will need to be terminated in the spring
2. Oats planted now till mid-September. will winter kill
I think you are on the right track with the cover crop options you selected. There isn't a crop necessarily that will alter your pH but a 6.2 is favorable for plant growth (6.5 is ideal). I think tillage will be necessary to get a good establishment of the cover crop since the field sat fallow. Glyphosate should work well unless you have some resistant weed issues going on from past farming practices. Rain or good soil moisture will be needed for any of the cover crop to establish. As far as low maintenance, you may want to consider a cover crop that will winter kill so you do not need to go spray it in the following spring.
Suggestions:
1.Winter cereal Rye planted between late July to the end of October. will need to be terminated in the spring
2. Oats planted now till mid-September. will winter kill
