Assessment of full season cover crop blend for forage production
Fosters Ag Services
Full season cover crop blend from Covers & Co was assessed for forage production on heavy clay soils in Interlake region of Manitoba. This blend was harvested at three different cut times (Early, Normal & Late) to examine the effects on forage yield and quality. Regrowth potential (second cut) for fall grazing was also assessed in the study.
Full season blend produced about 2.5 tonnes /acre of dry matter forage yield during the entire season. It is important to note that 2021 was an extremely dry year at the PESAI site. Cutting time did not have any effect on the overall forage yield. Normal cut time, however, produced relatively good quality forage.
Cover crops are planted with the intent to build and improve the soil health. Cover crops are usually seeded in diverse annual mixes comprised of five, ten, or even twenty species, although they can include biennial or perennial species (BCRC, 2016). They can be a valuable and quick-growing source of forage for livestock. Cover crops also allow cropland and pastures to be more efficient with water and nutrient cycling, and less reliant on costly inputs such as fertilizer.