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Upa Creek, MO

In the past I have grown rye until early November then mowed it down and spread chopped maple leaves over it. No tilling and leaves little rye to grow back in spring.

This year I have a rye, vetch, weed mix. I really don't know what steps to take. Do I mow it like in the past or do I let it go and really establish growth up top and deep roots, then turn and till next spring before it seeds?

Any suggestions on steps to take now would be appreciated.

10/13/2015 8:17:07 PM

valparaiso, in

I let mine grow until spring, and then til it in. That way as it breaks down the plant gets the benefits.

10/13/2015 11:28:25 PM

Deer Park, WI

What goal are you trying to achieve by planting a cover crop? weed suppression? Soil building? moisture retention?

If you can elaborate on the primary purpose of the crop, I'd be happy to share my thoughts on management practices.

10/14/2015 8:54:17 AM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for replies. Weed suppression is not a concern. I am trying to build the soil and get as much OM added as possible since I probably won't be adding compost again. I grow in heavy shade after 2pm and I believe I have had diseased compost in the past leading to soil disease, and a shaded yard doesn't help with damp soil. I took this year off from growing AG's and would like to maintain the nutrients in the plot with little leaching if possible. Thanks

10/14/2015 9:42:38 AM

Deer Park, WI

Thanks for clarifying. If building organic matter is the primary goal, then allowing the crop to maximize its growth without interruption is key. Nitrogen can fuel that growth substantially, and assuming you still have a couple weeks of fall growth before fall/winter chill brings it to a stop, perhaps watering in some nitrogen would be helpful. I've seen rye respond to even small amounts of N very robustly.

I would not advise mowing the crop if you are looking for maximum biomass. I understand its easier to manage if you treat it like a grass lawn, but that stresses the crop and doesnt allow it to reach its fullest potential. In fact, mowing is a recommended means of killing the crop, notably when both species (rye & vetch) are in flowering stage.

Mulch-mow it next spring. assuming your rye/vetch can restart late march/early april, you could get up to a month's worth of growth out of it before planting your pumpkins. Combined with some late season growth this fall, you could have a 5-foot tall stand come next spring.

Rye is slow to decompose, especially if its not incorporated. Therefore, any benefit to OM would not likely be realized until next fall at this time. Further, the decomposition process that will transpire next spring/summer will tie up a good portion of the nitrogen fixed by the vetch and any supplemental you add.

10/14/2015 4:59:11 PM

Deer Park, WI

Therefore, your next season pumpkin plants will need an extra dose of nitrogen to overcome any deficit caused by the decomp of your cover crop. How much? I think a safe bet is to add an additional 25-30lbs/acre N to compensate for the tie up by the cover crop. I can help with calculations on a square foot basis if you'd like to do the math, shoot me an email if so.

I've used a rye cover cropping system for a half acre of phat jacks for years and after too many failures to count, I feel I've learned a thing or two on how to do it right. Always happy to share my successes and failures to those who are interested. Good luck.

10/14/2015 4:59:16 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thank you for taking the time to respond. This is an area I really didn't focus on as much in the past. I'm going to just let it grow this year and amend accordingly as you noted next spring.

I think after letting the area rest a year, really letting the winter cover grow and removing a section of tree 100 feet over the patch will really help next season. Thanks again

10/14/2015 8:55:41 PM