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. Seeding rate can be reduced to 2 - 4 lbs/acre if precision planter units used.
Many non-grass and small seeded species are susceptible to damage from harvest wheel traffic and from being buried with residue.
later planting may only provide spring growth benefits
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). Some varieties may not freeze-kill. Multiple herbicide modes of action may be necessary for termination. Do not use Round-up Ready canola, as it cannot be terminated with glyphosate. Can use 2-4-D with glyphosate.
Dry matter highly dependent on planting and termination date and precipitation. Canola and Rapeseed can be very different in relation to their utility as a cover crop.
Rapeseed is a non-host for root knot nematode.
Essex rape is used as a non host for control of dagger nematodes in tree fruit production.
Do not plant as a single species, due to erosion concern. May provide some suppression of SCN and SDS in soybeans
Spring varieties seldom over-winter and Winter varieties are expected to over-winter
Early planted brassicas may bolt and go to seed.
Late planted brassicas may not show significant growth until spring.
Canola and Rapeseed can be very different in relation to their utility as a cover crop.
Rapeseed is a non-host for root knot nematode and sugarbeet cyst nematode.
Essex rape is used as a non host for control of dagger nematodes in tree fruit production.
Susceptible to sclerotinia.
Many Brassicas have hard seed; Do not use glyphosate resistant varieties;
Canola has less biotoxic activity than rape.
Rapeseed is a host for Penetrans Root-Lesion Nematode.
Additional Information
Additional Information from Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd Edition, Edited by Andy Clark, Sustainable Agriculture Network See the complete reference here