Conservation Tillage: Cover Crops

Mustard

Mustards are winter-annual brassicas with strong taproots. Black and brown mustards have some alleopathic qualities and some residues can reduce some plant pathogens. The flowers attract honeybees and hoverflies. Mustards are often used in mixes with cereals and vetches. They show moderate resistance to cold, but are not especially winter-hardy (with respect to snows, extreme temperatures, etc.).

Seed 7-20 lbs/A (depending on the cultivar). October-November.