Conservation Tillage: Cover Crops

Oilseed Radish

Oilseed radish is a summer season nonlegume broadleaf plant that grows rapidly. It is unaffected by early frost but is susceptible to extreme cold. It prefers cool, moist conditions and loamy soils. It does not do well in shade. Oilseed radish is a good nitrogen scavenger and is referred to as the "leaky" cover crop because of the way it releases scavenged nitrogen in the spring. Some varieties have some nematode-suppressing qualities.

Seed 10-12 lbs/A (drilled) or 12-15 lbs/A (broadcast). Mid-August-early September.