So, you’ve successfully planted, grown, and harvested a turfgrass crop — now what do you do to get that field ready for the next crop in your rotation?
Managing your turfgrass crop’s regrowth is an important first step. Depending on last fall’s moisture levels, that management can look different, but Seed production Specialist Jason Henderson has some general tips and tricks for turfgrass growers.
The general recommendation is to apply a herbicide like glyphosate as soon as the crop begins to regrow post-harvest, which will help clean up any weeds and stop regrowth. Typically, this would be done in the fall before freeze-up.
“Don’t worry, you’ll still be adding a large volume of organic material to your soil,” he said.
The next step is to decide whether you’re going to till the field or direct seed next year’s crop. Henderson said both options can work successfully, depending on your type of seeding equipment. If you’re planning on tilling, it’s likely you began the process in fall after harvest and an application of glyphosate. Conventional tillage equipment and high-speed vertical discs both work well. In a zero-till scenario, low disturbance openers would work best, according to Henderson.
When it comes to making the decision on what type of crop to grow in the field next, there are two main factors to consider. First, turfgrasses add a significant amount of organic matter to your soil, so after a grass crop, the field will typically lend itself better to large-seeded crops. Second, to avoid nitrogen getting tied up in the decomposition of all the organic matter, pulses are a good fit as they fix their own nitrogen.
“Crops like soybeans and peas make great recropping options,” said Henderson. “They are large, deep-seeded pulses with good herbicide options that will easily clean up any volunteers present in the field.”
Henderson noted these are just a few of the options out there when it comes to recropping. Our seed production team has experience with a wide range of different recropping scenarios. To discuss your recropping plans, contact your BrettYoung Seed Production Specialist.
