For California growers, October is the time to plant winter cover crops before the first heavy storms arrive. This year, that work may be more important than ever. A strong El Niño is already developing, raising the potential for wetter weather across California.
When winter storms hit the mainland, runoff and soil erosion can become big concerns. That’s why growers should plant cover crops now, to help protect their fields, reduce erosion, and keep valuable nutrients in the soil. If you’re looking to protect your growing operation from the heavy rainfall in our future, consider planting some of the following crops:
- Cool-season grasses like oats, cereal rye, wheat and triticale. They can establish quickly, and their root systems help hold soil in place, capture residual nitrogen, and improve soil structure. If erosion and weed suppression are your top priorities, consider rye and mustard, which can provide rapid ground cover for your fields.
- Legumes like vetch, clovers, peas and fava beans. These crops help build soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. Vetch works particularly well in mixes with grasses, taking advantage of the grasses’ biomass production and soil-protecting root systems.
- Brassicas like mustards. These are particularly good choices for vegetable growers looking for weed suppression. Indian mustard and white mustard can establish quickly and provide substantial ground cover within about 30 days, under favorable growing
With wet weather ahead, it’s important to establish living roots as soon as possible to help protect your soil from erosion. Choose cover crops that can establish quickly under your local weather and soil conditions, and give FGS a call if you’re looking for tools, advice, or post-harvest support. Let’s turn all that rain into a good thing!