Turnip
Benefits of Turnips for a Cover Crop:
- Soil Conditioning: The deep, penetrating roots of turnips help break up soil compaction layers, improving soil structure and tilth. This action can help subsequent crops' root systems access deeper soil strata and promote better water infiltration.
- Erosion Control: The rapid growth and ground cover provided by turnips help protect the soil from wind and water erosion.
- Weed Suppression: Their dense canopy can outcompete many common weeds, reducing the need for herbicides or mechanical cultivation.
- Nutrient Scavenging: Turnips are excellent at capturing and recycling nutrients, particularly nitrogen, from deeper soil profiles. This reduces nutrient leaching and provides a slow release of nutrients for subsequent crops.
- Organic Matter: Once terminated, the turnip biomass adds organic matter to the soil, enhancing microbial activity and overall soil health.
- Pest Control: As a brassica, turnips have biofumigant properties that can suppress soil-borne pests and diseases.
- Livestock Forage: While primarily a cover crop, turnips can also provide a nutritious forage option for livestock during fall and winter.
Planting & Management Advice:
Seeding Rate: Typically, 2-3 pounds per acre when planted alone, and 1-2 pounds per acre in a mix with other cover crops.
Planting Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Timing: For fall plantings, sow 6-10 weeks before the first expected frost. For spring plantings, sow as soon as the soil can be worked.
Soil Conditions: Turnips are adaptable but prefer well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. They can tolerate a variety of soil textures from sandy to clayey.
Termination: Turnips are killed by heavy frosts in colder climates. In warmer climates, they might need mechanical or chemical termination. Rolling, mowing, or incorporating into the soil can also effectively terminate the crop.
Rotation Considerations: Since turnips are brassicas, avoid planting them in succession or in rotation with other brassica crops to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Water Requirements: Turnips are moderately drought tolerant but will benefit from regular moisture, especially during establishment.