Get ready for this week’s cover crop feature! We’re bringing you a new cover crop species each week, sharing tips on planting and revealing the challenges or benefits. This week, we’re covering Oats!
Planting Details:
Oats can be seeded in early spring and used as a nurse crop to help establish forage species or for grain production.
When planted in late summer or early fall, they grow enough to be used as a forage.
Can be planted anytime between April and September based on intended use.
Seeding rates will vary based on use & seeding method but typically range from 30-60lbs/acre
About Oats:
Versatile cover crop can be used as a nurse crop to establish a forage species or for grain production.
Cereal grain used for hum and livestock consumption as well as a cover crop.
Can be paired with most other cover crop species to make a perfect mix whether you’re a beginner or an expert growing cover crops.
Benefits:
Flexible Cover Crop
Can be paired with most other cover crop species to make a perfect mix for both beginners & cover crop experts.
Soil Health
Oats are commonly used to reduce erosion, saving nutrients from be carried away by wind or water.
With a large amount of biomass accumulated, oats will suppress weeds.
- They’re also a host for mycorrhizal fungi.
Interested in learning more about how to get started? Contact our Environmental Services team at
[email protected].