This occurs when certain biochemical crop
compounds are degraded which happen to be
toxic to, or inhibit seed germination of other
plant species. Some examples of allelopathic
cover crops are
Avena strigosa
(saia oats or
black oats),
Secale
cereale (rye),
Vicia Villosa
(hairy vetch),
Trifolium pratense
(red clover),
Forage Sorghum
spp. (sorghum-sudan grass
hybrids) and certain species in the
Brassica
family, particularly mustards.
Disease management
Allelopathic properties of cover crops can also
break disease cycles and reduce populations
of bacterial and fungal diseases and plant
parasitic nematodes.
Pest management
Some cover crops are used as so called “trap
crops”, to attract pests from the crop of value
toward what the pest sees as a more favourable
habitat. Trap crops can be established within
crops, within farms or within landscapes, as
part of an integrated pest management (IPM)
programme.
Other cover crops are used to attract natural
predators of pests by providing elements of
their habitat. This is a form of biological control
known as habitat augmentation.
Diversity and wildlife
Cover crops may be used for a number
of different purposes, such as the ones
mentioned above. When considering habitat
diversity and wildlife on the farm, suitable
cover crops often produce havens for wildlife
as well as varied feed opportunities. Cover
crop mixes are better employed if this is the
purpose on the farm. The diversity in the above
ground matter is mirrored with the diversity in
the below ground root material and structures
for the soil microbes to feed on successfully
and maintain soil fertility.
To conclude
Cover crops are a sustainable management
tool; they are not quick fixes or “silver bullets”
to make up for years of soil abuse and should
be incorporated into any cropping programme
where timing and rotations allow.
SA Graan/Sasol Nitro
photo competition
PRIME
BEEF
BLEND
PLANTING DATE:
September - March
CLIMATE:
Subtropical
MOISTURE REQUIREMENT:
400mm + per annum
SOIL REQUIREMENT:
Fertile sandy to clay loam type
SEEDING RATE:
Rows 10kg / ha; Broadcast 10kg / ha
REMARKS:
Where less than 400mm annual rainfall occurs, supplementary irrigation is required. Deep fertile soils are preferable. This will enhance growth of the legume
component of the blend. In drier regions of the country where no supplementary irrigation is possible establishing this pasture in 90cm rows may be advisable.
CONTACT US:
+27 11 762 5261 or
YOUR HERD DESERVES
THE BEST
Suitable for production under both dry land and irrigation. Consists of six different varieties
including legumes and indigenous perennial pasture grasses.
