Success starts from the ground up COVER CROP PRODUCT GUIDE 2013

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1 Soil First Success starts from the ground up TM COVER CROP PRODUCT GUIDE 2013

2 ABOUT US La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed LLC is the premier provider of forage and turf seed and related products in the Midwestern United States. We offer an unmatched portfolio of high quality genetics and varieties to cover any need. Our knowledgeable and experienced sales and support staff are committed to providing exceptional customer experiences. Recently, we have expanded our offerings to serve our customers better by including products from our Soil First TM branded portfolio as well as Cover Crop Solutions TM products. All products discussed in this catalog have been carefully selected by the experts at La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed to offer customers the best variety of cover crop genetics. Custom mix opportunities are also available for farm or other use. To learn more about custom mix opportunities, please give us a call. TABLE OF CONTENTS Brands You Can Trust Benefits of Cover Crops Soil First Products: Guardian Brand Fall Rye Hy Octane Winter Triticale King Annual Ryegrass Image Nemadtode Radish Cover Crop Solutions Products: Tillage Radish Tillage RootMax TillageMax Mixes Other Cover Crop Species Cover Crop Management

3 BRANDS YOU CAN TRUST Soil First Success starts from the ground up Soil First Brand Cover Crop Seed is not only a product line, it s a total approach to managing soil health on the farm. The team at La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed has carefully researched and selected a family of products that are dependable to get the job done. Combined with solid advice on what to plant, and how to manage it from start to finish, you can count on the Soil First Brand to help reach your production goals. TM Our team at La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed know that selling the seed is only part of the equation. After 65 years in the seed business, it also means including not only traditional cover crops, but also new cover crop species to help you make the best decisions. There s a lot of rhetoric in the market about cover crops. We invite you to think Soil First when you re making your cover crop planting decisions. In addition to the Soil First line, La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed is proud to offer products from Cover Crop Solutions as well. Cover Crop Solutions is a seed company that stands for something new in agriculture, a fresh approach to cover cropping and how they can make a positive contribution to the farm's bottom line. Steve Groff, recognized worldwide for his innovation and enthusiasm for cover crops, knows all about how they enhance soils and improve farming sustainability. He notes, "Good things happen when we work in harmony with nature. For us, we believe soil is meant to be covered, and the practical results of that belief are what we're all about." 2

4 WHY TABLE COVER OF CONTENTS CROPS? There are numerous studies that help us understand the benefits of utilizing cover crops in agricultural production systems. And while trial data is still being gathered, we still have seen the solid benefits of implementing cover crops. Some of those benefits are outlined below. A listing of study references and resources are available at Reduce soil erosion: Extensive root systems cling to the top layer of your soil creating an interior shield from erosion while top growth minimizes splash and wind erosion. Break up soil compaction: Deep burrowing roots break through compacted soil to create pore space improving aeration, water movement and helping soil organisms flourish. Sequester nutrients and reduce leaching: These plants aggressively scavenge and cycle nutrients from deep within the soil profile making them available in the root zone of subsequent crops to help improve yields and reduce runoff into sensitive watersheds. Create a nitrogen source: Produce additional nitrogen by utilizing legumes in the cover crop mixes to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Build organic material: As cover crops grow, die and break-down, they add organic humus to soils, feeding soil microbes while improving soil tilth, health and water holding capacity. Provide weed control: Cover crops create competition for winter annuals and other weeds shading them out and preventing them from robbing valuable moisture and nutrients from subsequent cash crops with the added potential benefit of lowering herbicide requirements per acre. Generate additional forage: Certain cover crop species can also be called dual purpose, meaning they can provide both the benefit of a soil cover and be managed as a forage source for livestock. Achieve real financial value: The above benefits create the opportunity for better yield potential in cash crops, lower input costs and ultimately higher land values. In addition, many states and counties offer cost-sharing initiatives for this important practice. Soil First TM products have an excellent fit in conventional tillage, reduced or no-tillage, or even organic systems given that there are currently no GMO cover crop seeds. 3

5 TM GUARDIAN BRAND FALL RYE TABLE OF CONTENTS UARDIANTM Secale cereale Fall rye grain, or cereal rye grain, has been used as a fall planted crop for decades. Very few other species of cover crops have the ability to be planted so late in the fall and provide soil surface protection and weed prevention attributes as fall rye. Guardian Brand fall rye grain seed was carefully screened to provide dependable results in cover cropping situations. Excellent germination and early vigor in cooler temperatures, combined with solid winter hardiness and quick spring green-up make Guardian Brand an excellent choice for a low-risk entry into cover cropping. ADVANTAGES Prevents soil erosion Ability to serve as an emergency forage Builds organic soil matter Aids in weed suppression Captures residual nitrogen 4

6 HY OCTANE WINTER TRITICALE x. Triticosecale Winter triticale is a cross between wheat and rye grain, bringing together the cover crop benefits and tonnage potential of cereal rye with the increased feed value of wheat. Hy Octane is a new winter triticale variety that will be available in limited quantities in the fall of Some points of interest regarding this new option for growers interested in using triticale in their cover cropping system: ADVANTAGES Good early season vigor and earlier heading date than traditional varieties Excellent standability and similar height to other leading triticale varieties In recent Manitoba trials, grain yield was 130% of check varieties Reduced awned variety to aid in livestock palatability KING ANNUAL RYEGRASS Lolium multiflorum King annual ryegrass is an established, top performing variety recognized by leading cover crop experts for its winter hardiness and root mass. ADVANTAGES Diploid annual ryegrass Excellent at controlling erosion as it can establish very quickly Its fibrous root system is excellent at scavenging residual nitrogen The fast establishing ryegrass will smother many emerging weeds 5

7 IMAGE NEMATODE RADISH R. sativus var. oleifera Does your farm need an IMAGE change? Boost your yields with Image Nematode Radish! Image Nematode Radish was developed in Europe to biologically control nematodes; saving you money on costly chemical sprays and seed treatments! A proven Class 1 nematode rating (min. 90% effective) in official EU trials., Image controls 28 different species of nematodes including soybean cyst, cereal cyst, sugar beet cyst, root knot, and clover root. For best results plant Image Nematode Radish as a monoculture in July or early August after wheat or other small grains. Other species of plants including other radishes may limit nematode controlling properties. The roots of Image Nematode Radish produce an exudate that triggers Heterodera nematode egg to hatch. The plant itself is not a host for parasitic nematodes. When hatchlings attach to the root the end result is death or inability to reproduce due to poor nutrition. As the plant decays through natural or mechanical termination, glucosinolates are released thus furthering the bio-fumigation process. Image does an excellent job of alleviating vertical and horizontal compaction in your field and will winter kill at temps around F. It reduces the need for herbicides and additional compaction from heavy tillage equipment, saving you time and money. The deep growing tap root along with a fibrous root system increases water filtration, water holding capacity, and will loosen the soil for next year s crop. The quick growing nature of Image Nematode Radish will shade out annual weeds and is an excellent builder of organic matter (green manure). Radishes have the ability to capture nitrates before they leach away because of their large root mass

8 TILLAGE RADISH R. sativus var. longipinnatus Tillage Radish The superior genetics of Tillage Radish cover crop are the secret weapon behind dependable, consistent results and measurable benefits to the farmer, the soil, and the environment. ADVANTAGES Certified genetic purity Increases yields and profits Scavenges nutrients Reduces soil compaction Suppresses weed growth Enhances seed bed Reduces inputs May suppress nematodes TILLAGE ROOTMAX ANNUAL RYEGRASS Tillage RootMax TM ADVANTAGES Certified genetic purity Uniform stand maturity for easier burndown Very deep soil-building roots Late heading out, longer spring window Winter hardy Speeds up transition to continuous no-till Increases crop yields and profits 7

9 TILLAGEMAX MIXES TillageMax Indy Mix This 3-way mix provides a combination of deep soil tillage and yield improvements achieved by the Tillage Radish, the soil building improvements of Tillage RootMax TM and the nitrogen fixing advantages of CCS Crimson Clover for a high performance cover crop blend. TillageMax Daytona Mix Tillage Radish is the only proven yield-boosting cover crop radish, and absorbs soil nitrogen and other key nutrients with its unique taproot that grows 30 and deeper. CCS Crimson Clover converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant available nitrogen, helping reduce fertilizer input while improving soil health by adding organic matter. Maximum nitrogen is achieved at first flower of CCS Crimson Clover. This is a high performance cover crop blend. TillageMax Bristol Mix Tillage Radish breaks up soil compaction with its aggressive taproot, creating thick channels 30 or deeper. This nitrogen storage tank holds N and other nutrients over winter and releases them as needed by following cash crops. Tillage RootMax TM builds soil structure deeper than many other ARG varieties. In combination, this outstanding cover crop mixture provides added cover in the spring prior to control. TillageMax Dover Mix Both excellent scavengers of N, this Tillage Radish and CCS Oats mix will grow rapidly in cool weather and is ideal for quick fall cover. Tillage Radish breaks up soil, even in the compaction zone, with its long, singular taproot to create thick channels 30 or deeper. This blend enhances seedbeds, provides more ground cover in spring, helps control erosion, works to control harmful nematodes, and will winterkill for easy spring management. Other TillageMax Blends Other TillageMax Blends such as Charlotte TM, Talladega TM, & Homestead TM are available as well as exciting new products like Tillage Sunn TM. To learn more about these blends visit the new Cover Crops page at lftseed.com 8

10 OTHER COVER CROP OPTIONS Crimson Clover Strong nitrogen fixing and high biomass potential Will remain actively growing in cooler temperatures when warm-season clovers go dormant Winterkills under cold temperatures Effective weed-suppressing green manure crop Winter Hairy Vetch Excellent choice for green manure as its low carbon to nitrogen ratio allows for faster plant decay and quicker capture of organic material and nutrients in the soil profile More cold tolerant than many other legume species used in cover crops Excellent at suppressing early season weeds Austrian Winter Peas Extremely rapid growing nitrogen fixer Quick to decompose, making it an excellent green manure crop Can provide increased forage value when planted with grains 9

11 COVER CROP MANAGEMENT SEEDING INFORMATION BENEFITS Species Carbon/Nitrogen Seeding Rate Seeding Rate Seeding Seeds / LB Seeding Aerial Compaction Nitrogen Weed Forage Grazing Ratio (mono) (blend) Depth Time Application Alleviation** Fixes Suppression*** Yield Season (C:N) (lbs/acre) (lbs/acre) (with drill) Seeding Rate* or Scavenges Expectation Radish Tops = 19: /4" 30-40,000 Aug-Sep 6-12 lb./a Excellent Excellent Excellent Fair Fall - Winter N Scavenger Graze Tillage Radish Only - needs planted 6-10 weeks before killing frost; great recycler of nutrients in the soil; like turnips, will help relieve compaction; don't like wet feet; plants will decay in the spring so management is not needed - to maximize benefits of Tillage Radish plant days before fist killing frost; to maximize benefits of Image Radish plant 60 days before first killing frost Turnips, Purple Top Tops = 19: /4" 220,000 Aug-Sep 3-8 lb./a Good Good Good Good Fall - Winter N Scavenger Grazing only - needs planted days before killing frost for best results; if fed, turnips need to be combined with other forages (glucosinolate poisoning); plants will decay in the spring so management is not needed Crimson Clover 15:1-20: /4" 150,000 Aug-Sep 6-15 lb./a Fair Good Fixer Good Good Late Fall up to 50-80# N (in mixes) - needs to be planted at least 40 days before a killing frost; may winterkill depending on location and winter conditions - so earlier planting is recommended Hairy Vetch 10:1-15: * 1" 16,000 Aug-Sep NA Good Excellent Fixer Excellent Excellent Spring 15-20# w/drill up to # N - excellent N fixer; needs planted at least 40 days before killing frost; slow to establish - seeding with a cereal grain is recommended; close mowing or disc should take care of vetch in spring; glyphosate offers no control Austrian Winter Peas 15:1-20: " 2,000 Aug-Sep NA Fair Excellent Fixer Excellent Good Spring up to # N - very good N fixer; will get greater N fixed if killing occurs after flowering (around May); ideal green manure crop; mowing in spring will kill winter peas, but needs done before full bloom to prevent reseeding Annual Ryegrass Vegetative = 20: /4" 215,000 Aug-Oct 15-30lb./A Excellent Excellent N Excellent Excellent Spring Scavenge Hay, Graze - winterhardy variety; holds N (& releases it for next years' crop); extremely deep rooted, especially when put on acres for multiple years; glyphosate management needed in spring (timing & rate most important!) Cereal Rye / Winter Triticale Vegetative = 20: " 15-18,000 Aug-Nov lb./a Good Good Excellent Excellent Fall - Spring Straw = 80:1 N Scavenger Hay, Graze - effectively captures excess nutrients from soil; glyphosate or crimping at pollination will easily kill crop in spring; residue management still imperative in spring (drill first, then spray when seeding into stand) *Ideal time for aerial application into standing corn is when kernal milk line is about 50% formed, or when at least 50% of the sunlight can reach the ground between the rows. Best time for application into standing soybeans is after 10% leaf drop. **Breaking up compaction will depend on soil type and condition. Consecutive years of use will increase rooting penetration. ***Weed control is gained when adequate stands and coverage are present. Since winter annual weeds are hosts for soybean cyst nematodes and other insect species, controlling weeds through cover crops can be an integrated pest management program. Moreover, increased summer annual control is another benefit seen from all these options. C/N ratios are stated with small variances in mind. Carbon:Nitrogen ratios greater than 24:1 will often need additional N for the following crop. Species added to the soil with a C:N ratio greater than 24 will result in a temporary nitrogen deficit (immobilization) and those with a C:N ratio higher than 24:1 will result in a temporary nitrogen surplus (mineralization). The larger the C:N ratio, the slower the decomposition rate, meaning nitrogen and other nutrients could be tied up if not managed properly. Seed size will help determine what plate/meter setting to use on drill or seeder All planting information given is with the intent for the products listed to be used as cover crops. For additional planting information and other planting times on these products, please contact your local sales representative. Sources: Cornell University, Penn State University, Ohio State University, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin, USDA Late Summer / Early Fall Seeding 10

12 Seven Locations to Serve You Better: La Crosse Location: 2541 Commerce Street La Crosse, WI Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: Madison Location: 2901 Packers Avenue Madison, WI Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: Sioux Falls Location: 2810 W. 3rd St. Suite 1 Sioux Falls, SD Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: Des Moines Location: 2402 SE Creekview Dr. Ste. #9 Ankeny, IA Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: Elwood Location: N. St. Rd 37, PO Box 445 Elwood, IN Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: Lansing Location: Felton Road Lansing, MI Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: St. Louis Location: 4015 Papin Street St. Louis, MO Telephone: Toll Free: Fax: COVER CROP PRODUCT GUIDE Soil First Success starts from the ground up TM