It comes as no surprise to those living here in Ozaukee County that the growing season is short and full of responsibilities. This can be problematic to farmers that are interested in growing cover crops, but feel there is not enough time to grow them.
The good news... we can use Wisconsin's freeze and thaw cycles to our benefit!
One tried and true method is through frost seeding. This process involves planting seeds in mid-March after snowmelt when the soil surface cracks. When the seed is applied, it falls into the cracks which will seal when the soil thaws. This provides the seed-to-soil contact that is needed for proper germination! All the while reducing compaction due to the already frozen soil that is able to support the equipment. Frost seeded red clover in wheat stubble. Photo by Paul Gross, MSU Extension
Pros and Cons to the System
Ozaukee County Demonstration Farmer, Brian Karrels of Lake Breeze Seeds, believes strongly in this method and the multitude of benefits it creates for his soils and subsequent crop. His favorite is to frost seed red clover into winter wheat using Ozaukee County's airseeder. The clover fixes nitrogen into the soil, which provides excellent nutrients for the corn that will be planted the following year after the winter wheat is harvested. Here are just a handful of other added benefits:
Allows farmer to establish cover crop during a slow time of year instead of amidst fall harvest
The act of airseeding is much faster than drilling a cover crop
The frost seeded clover has a large jump start on fall seeded clover
The clover provides a fall forage opportunity
There are of course some nuances, as with any system. Ted Hoffman with In-Depth Agronomy has some important points he wants everyone to know before trying this system:
It is helpful to apply this method in fields that have weed pressure under control, an example being winter wheat after enlist or liberty link soybeans that had proper weed control
Frost seeding winter wheat after alfalfa may be challenging because volunteer alfalfa and dandelions will not be readily controlled by herbicides that are compatible with clover
Clover could get into straw when combining the winter wheat, HOWEVER this is likely to only happen if the wheat stand is too thin (stands should be seeded at 1.3-1.7 million live seeds/ac)
Ideal Methodology
Ted feels the ideal concoction involves:
Frost seeding the red clover in mid-March at 8-10 lbs/ac,
Streaming the wheat with 28-0-0-5s around same time as frost seeding,
Stream wheat with a second pass of 28-0-0-5s in early jointing,
Apply your wheat herbicide mid-May following all label instructions and restrictions,
Finally, in mid-May, apply a herbicide that is label on winter wheat underseeded with legumes. We have had good results in the Clean Farm Families test fields using the following herbicide mix: 1 pint brox 2ec per acre + 6 fl oz MCPA (4LB concentration). Always remember to follow all herbicide instructions and restrictions, and communicate the goal of preserving your frost seeded clover with your Agronomist or Custom Applicator.
Cover crops may be difficult in Ozaukee County, but not impossible! Give this system a try! It might be just what you are looking for.
For more information, check out these links!
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