Cover Crop Series: Daikon Radish

• hpoppler
• Dec 10, 2024
• 1 min read

Every week, we’ve been putting the spotlight on a new cover crop species, providing detailed guidance on how to grow them, along with the challenges and benefits they bring to your operation. This week’s featured cover crop is Daikon Radish!

Planting Details:

• Plant in early spring to middle of September.

• Should be seeded with a small grain or legume to prevent the possibility of soil erosion.

• Seeding rates can vary based on mixture and seeding method, should be at least 1 lb/acre at depth of ¼ – ½”.

About Daikon Radish:

• Great for reducing soil compaction.

• Should be seeded with a small grain or legume.

• Increases soil nutrient availability for future crops.

• Creates improved water infiltration.

• Add them to your favorite Asian dishes for a boost of vitamin C.

Benefits:

Reduce Soil Compaction

• The long and wide tuber dig deep in the soil profile, breaking through the hard soil crusts.

Improved Water Infiltration

• As the tuber breaks through the soil, the reduced soil compaction improves water infiltration.

Increased Nutrients

• The radishes dig deep in the soil, searching for nutrients and making them available for the next crop.

Interested in learning more about crops or find info on how to get started?
Visit our Cover Crops page
, or Contact our Environmental Services team at
[email protected]