Planting a cover crop after wheat harvest is a smart way to improve soil health, suppress weeds, and prepare your field for the next cash crop. Choosing the right cover crop and managing it properly can make a significant difference in yields and productivity.
Best cover crop to plant after wheat
After wheat, the field is typically open in mid to late summer, offering a great window for establishing a cover crop. Here are some top choices:
Legumes (e.g., Cowpeas, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch)
- Benefits: Fix nitrogen, improve soil fertility, and support beneficial insects.
- Best for: Fields transitioning to corn or other nitrogen-demanding crops.
Brassicas (e.g., Radish, Turnip, Rapeseed)
- Benefits: Deep taproots break up compaction, scavenge nutrients, and suppress pests.
- Best for: Improving soil structure and nutrient cycling.
Grasses (e.g., Oats, Ryegrass, Sorghum-Sudangrass)
- Benefits: Excellent biomass production, erosion control, and weed suppression.
- Best for: Fields needing organic matter and ground cover.
Multi-Species Mixes
- Benefits: Combine the strengths of legumes, grasses, and brassicas for a balanced approach.
- Best for: Enhancing biodiversity and resilience.
Crops to avoid planting before wheat
To reduce disease pressure and nutrient competition, avoid planting these crops before wheat:
Other Cereals (e.g., barley, rye)
- Similar disease profiles and nutrient demands can lead to poor wheat performance.
Soybeans (in some regions)
- While common in rotation, soybeans can increase the risk of white mold and may not provide enough residue for erosion control.
Choosing the right cover crop after wheat depends on your soil goals, climate and next crop. Whether you're aiming to build nitrogen, suppress weeds or improve soil structure, cover crops offer a powerful tool for regenerative agriculture.