Should I plant clover on my winter wheat or not?
This is a question growers think about after inspecting their wheat crop over the winter months.
Here are just a few benefits that may help you decide to spread clover over your wheat. It is best to put clover onto the wheat field on frozen ground but times can vary depending the type of weather we get in early spring. Some areas growers apply in early March and other areas could go into April.
Now back to some of the benefits:
- very efficient in nitrogen fixation
- acts as a green manure
- adds considerable biomass and improves microbial life in the soil
- helps control soil erosion and some weed depression
- improves soil filtration and soil structure
- improves water holding capacity infiltration and permeability rates
How much clover should i apply?
Depending on soil type the normal rate is 7 to 10 lbs per acre- this can be adjusted for a lighter or heavier soil.
What kind is better to put on Double Cut Red Clover or Single Cut Red Clover?
Double Cut red clover is most widely used over single cut is mainly because it blooms earlier.
And finally if you want your clover for a plowdown 40 cm is excellent to plow.
I hope this supplies you with answers of any questions you had about applying clover on your winter wheat.
Please leave any questions or comments.
Rich Koscik - Beechwood Agri Services
