The importance of upholding soil health and sustaining its productivity for the future is essential. No matter what the enterprise, we are reliant on soil for all production, either to produce our crops or forage to feed livestock. Therefore, measures must be taken to conserve soil, which is more vulnerable to erosion and the leaching of essential nutrients over the winter months, especially after the harvest of maize crops.
One way of protecting our soils and improving their quality is to incorporate cover crops into the rotation to provide a living, green cover at times when the soil might otherwise be left bare. Particularly on sloping fields or those close to watercourses, as these areas are at greater risk from soil erosion. This cover can also act as a useful forage source over the winter period. The utilisation of cover crops after maize can help improve soil conditions, aiding the management of soil structure, water and nutrients.
Cover crops after maize help to:
- Prevent soil erosion
- Mitigate nutrient leaching
- Increase soil organic matter
- Improve soil structure
Read more: Discover the benefits of using a cover crop
Before considering a cover crop species or mixture the drilling date of both the cover crop and the succeeding cash crop will also help select the mixture or species chosen. In addition, the current crop rotation must be considered to decide which species are included. For instance, if a certain species is already in the rotation, such as a brassica, its inclusion as a cover crop should be avoided to prevent the build-up of either pests or diseases within the soil, as this could harm the cash crop.
The inclusion of a range of species within cover crop mixtures ensures an effective combination of benefits is provided to the soil. This is owing to the beneficial soil-enhancing properties of each species.
With all options, the earlier the crop is in the ground, the bigger the potential impact of the cover crop therefore you should plan, so you are ready to sow as soon as possible after the maize harvest. Lower seedbed temperatures that accompany later sowings are not suitable for less aggressive species and this could lead to poor cover crop establishment, so timing is key, and this will influence the cover crop chosen.
Useful cover crop options after maize
Rapid Green
One Year Westerwold Ryegrass Blend Westerwolds can germinate at lower temperatures than conventional leys so weather permitting, they can be sown safely throughout October, after a maize harvest. Westerwold ryegrass can help ensure soil stability and mop up nutrients within the soil profile. An overwintering feed source for livestock or offers the possibility of an early silage cut the following spring.
Fast Grass
One-Year Westerwold and Italian Ryegrass Mixture A silage mixture with fast establishment, owing to the westerwolds content, that can be sown later in the autumn. It provides exceptional yields and quality cuts whilst helping to improve soil structure and health following a maize crop.
Tower
One to Two-Year Italian Ryegrass Mix Tower is made up of 100% Italian ryegrasses, enabling growth at the lowest temperatures to protect the soil surface from erosion and potential nutrient loss after a maize crop. A productive cutting mixture, that will provide growth earliest in the spring and latest in the autumn. It can offer up to four cuts of high-quality silage a year.
Forage Rye
A popular over-winter cover that is an effective species for preventing nitrogen leaching over the winter period. Can be sown in late Autumn and establishes rapidly to produce large amounts of biomass. The early spring growth from forage rye gives the potential for grazing or an early cut if desired.
Vetches
Often sown as a companion to forage rye, vetch can establish later than other legumes owing to its large seed. This species fixes nitrogen aiding soil fertility. Can provide a palatable protein source and will overwinter if a frost-tolerant variety is used.
CC3 Mixture
Rye, Vetch, Mustard, Crimson Clover, Radish mixture This frost-tolerant mixture can provide cover from autumn until the drilling of spring crops, whilst fixing and catching nitrogen. The varying root depths and types of the range of frost-tolerant species help to condition the soil whilst producing high amounts of organic matter.
Within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) in England along with the Growing For The Environment (GFTE) scheme in Wales there are various grants for over-winter cover crops in order to protect and enhance the sustainability of our soils.
Find out more about available grants
Whether you are looking for maximum biomass above ground or deep rooting to improve conditions below the soil surface, we can help advise on the best species or mixture to suit. Taking action to improve soil conditions will only have a positive effect on subsequent cash crops
