If participating in a cost share program, check for specific required planting dates and rates. If used for forage/grazing increasing seeding rate is recommended. Success of overseeding or aerial seeding after main crop maturity and before harvest is dependent on rainfall and although it can work well, it is usually less dependable than drilling or soil incorporation of seed. Do not save patented seed. When interseeding, time seeding to match appropriate crop growth/maturity. If planting in 15 or 30in rows, use the low end of the drilled seeding rate. If the system is organic, be careful to use an OMRI certified inoculum;
Follow NRCS guidelines for cover crop termination dates for crop insurance. If terminating with only tillage, multiple passes often required. Mow of crimp during reproductive stage (full bloom). Roller crimping is the most difficult/variable termination method.
70-150 (Total N not N fertilizer replacement) lbs./A
Dry Matter:
1200-3000 lbs./A/year
Nitrogen Scavenger:
Fair
Soil Builder:
Very Good
Erosion Fighter:
Good
Weed Fighter:
Very Good
Good Grazing:
Excellent
Quick Growth:
Good
Lasting Residue:
Good
Mechanical Forage Harvest:
Excellent
Grain Seed Harvest:
Poor
Cash Crop Interseed:
Excellent
Comments:
Dry matter highly dependent on planting and termination date and precipitation. High variability between varieties.
Balansa is very tolerant of grazing.
It is very attractive to pollinator insects.
Hard seed and produces seed in a short time.
It also withstands saturated soils and brief flooding.
Grows in a wide range of soil pHs.
Modest growth in fall, exceptional spring growth.
Additional Information from Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd Edition, Edited by Andy Clark, Sustainable Agriculture Network See the complete reference here