Cover Crop Considerations

Cover Crops best work their magic with a plan in place covering at least a few future plantings. Questions to ask before planting include:

Primary Goals?

Graze, build organic matter, reduce compaction, etc.
Following Cash Crop?

The majority of the cover crop mixture should be a different crop type than the following cash crop.
Warm Species?

If planting later than August 10, do not include warm-season species in planting considerations.
Overwintering?

Cereal grains most consistently overwinter, i.e., cereal rye, winter wheat, triticale, etc.
Herbicide Half-Life?

Herbicides break down by microbes, sunlight, organic matter level, pH, etc.
Planting Options?

Drilling after small grain/silage/corn/soybeans, aerial seeding, or full season.