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Centra Sota Cooperative A Day in the Life Cover Crop Series: Rapeseed

Cover Crop Series: Rapeseed

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Cover Crop Series: Rapeseed

  • hpoppler
  • Nov 18, 2024
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 12, 2025

Each week we have been highlighting a different cover crop species, sharing information about how you can grow them, and what challenges or benefits they offer. This week’s cover crop is Rapeseed!

Rapeseed

Planting Details:

  • Should be planted between April 15th and September 15th north of interstate 94.

  • Can be seeded earlier in the year than other cover crops, and planted later than other brassicas.

  • Great establishment rate when drilled, aerial-seeded, and broadcasted Seeding rates will vary based on seeding method and whether it’s planted alone or in a mix.

  • Should be seeded at a rate of 2-10lbs/acre at 1/4″ – 1/2″ depth; 157,000 seeds/lb.

About Rapeseed:

  • Rapeseed is a member of the brassica family.

  • Believed to have originated from southern Europe or north Africa.

  • Commonly known for its group of rapeseeds known as canola that is widely used for oil production.

  • Cold tolerant & easy to establish.

Benefits:

Soil Health

  • Rapeseed helps break up compaction with its taproot.

  • The fibrous roots will also scavenge for nutrients deeper in the soil profile.

  • Suppresses disease SDS and SCN.

Multipurpose Plant

  • Rapeseed can be used for oil production and is also a great addition to a field as a cover 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]