2020-2021
Cover Crop Mixes • Small Grains • Summer Annuals • Legumes • Brassicas
COVER CROP
CATALOG
COVER CROP MIXES NITROMAX CC1
WINTERMAX CC3
DIVERSE BLEND FOR COVERAGE Conventional and Organic Blend: Oats 48.5% + Field Peas 48.5% + Radish 3%
Maximize fall soil coverage & green manure production after early-harvested crops like small grains, sweet corn, vegetables, corn silage, or early soybeans. • Excellent for weed suppression • Good scavenger of nutrients • Excellent fall growth and biomass • Not a good fit after full-season grain corn or soybeans • Will likely winterkill in Upper Midwest Planting Date: Aug. 1 – Sept. 15 Seeding: 75-100 lbs. /acre at ½ in. deep. Drill for best results. Avoid aerial application. 300-1999
2000+
$0.55/lb
$0.46/lb
$0.42/lb
$0.74/lb
$0.62/lb
$0.56/lb
$/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
ORGANIC
lbs
lbs
VALUEMAX CC2 HIGH DIVERSITY & HIGH SEEDS PER LB Conventional Blend: RootMaster Annual Ryegrass 60% + Crimson Clover 20% + Radish 15% + Dwarf Essex Rape 5% Organic Blend: Organic Annual Ryegrass 65% + Organic Crimson Clover 20% + Organic Purple Top Turnip 10% + Organic Radish 5%
Diverse combination of small-seeded cover crops to build healthy soils, fix nitrogen, and sequester nutrients. • Annual ryegrass adds biomass and weed competition; crimson clover fixes N; radish breaks up compacted soil; turnips lend quick coverage. • Can establish under shade & canopy with adequate moisture • Suitable for grazing in the fall • Not a good fit after full-season grain corn or soybeans • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest. Planting Date: Last cultivation; Aug. 1 - Sept. 15 Seeding: 15-20 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Drill, broadcast, or aerial apply into standing crops in the fall or for seeding at V6 in corn. Later seeding will reduce clover growth. 300-1999
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.38/lb
$1.16/lb
$1.06/lb
$2.12/lb
$2.00/lb
$1.92/lb
ORGANIC
lbs
2000+
$/lb
lbs
2 • Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog
AERIALMAX CC5
WINTER HARDY & SOIL BENEFITS
Conventional Blend: Winter Rye 80% + Hairy Vetch 15% + Radish 5% Organic Blend: Organic Winter Rye 80% + Organic Hairy Vetch 15% + Organic Purple Top Turnips 5%
Our most winter-hardy blend combines the hardiness and aggressiveness of winter rye, the N-fixation potential of hairy vetch, and the deep soil penetration of the radish and turnips. • Winter-hardy species for excellent spring biomass and soil coverage • Plant after small grains, vegetables, corn silage, or early soybeans • Can be planted after grain corn or soybeans but hairy vetch/radish growth will be minimal • Winter rye and hairy vetch in this diverse blend reliably winter over in the Upper Midwest Planting Date: Aug. 1 – Sept. 15 Seeding: 50-75 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Drill, broadcast or aerial. 300-1999
2000+
$/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$0.85/lb
$0.72/lb
$0.65/lb
$1.12
$0.90
$0.86
ORGANIC
lbs
lbs
TONNAGE FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR Conventional Blend: Oats 96% + Kale 2% + Turnips 2% Organic Blend: Organic Oats 96% + Organic Purple Top Turnips 4%
Formulated for cost-effective biomass production for fall grazing. Oats produce most fall tonnage in the Upper Midwest. Kale and turnips diversify this blend and provide grazing late into the fall. • High seeds/lb & low cost make this an easy choice for fall forage • Excellent fit after hayfield termination, small grains, sweet corn, or silage corn • Not a good fit after full-season grain corn or soybeans • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Planting Date: Aug. 1 – Sept. 15 Seeding: 75-100 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Drill or broadcast. CONVENTIONAL
ORGANIC
For aerial application into standing corn or soybeans. Mix diversity provides excellent fall / early spring soil coverage. • Best results when flown on or applied prior to corn dieback (at or before black layer) or at soybean leaf yellowing before leaf drop • Winter rye reliably over-winters, dwarf essex rape and turnip will likely winterkill. Planting Date: Aug. 1 – Sept. 30 (Depending on your hardiness zone this mix can be planted later than range but later planting will lessen growth of turnips and rape) Seeding: 60-70 lbs. /acre at ½ in. deep. Drill, broadcast or aerial apply. Time your fly-on with a predicted rain for best establishment success $/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$0.45/lb
300-1999
2000+
$0.39/lb
$0.36/lb
lbs
lbs
SUMMERMAX CC6 MAXIMUM WARM-SEASON TONNAGE
GRAZEMAX CC4
$/lb
FLY ON IN THE FALL
Winter Rye 95% + Dwarf Essex Rape 2.5% + Radish 2.5%
1-299 lbs
300-1999
lbs
2000+
lbs
$0.50/lb $0.42/lb $0.38/lb $0.68/lb $0.60/lb $0.54/lb
WWW.ALSEED.COM
Conventional Blend: Buckwheat 20% + Cowpeas 20% + Soybeans 20% + Proso Millet 15% + Sorghum/Sudangass 10% + Sunn Hemp 10% + Sunflowers 5% Organic Blend: Organic Buckwheat 40% + Organic Soybeans 40% + Organic Sorghum Sudangrass 20%
Vigorous warm-season mix of summer annual grasses, broadleaves, and legumes for maximum summer growth, weed suppression, and soil building. • Ideal for summer fallow soil building or for summer grazing & forage • Out-competes weeds with tremendous biomass • Terminate/plow in when buckwheat and/or sunn hemp flowers Planting Date: May 30 – Aug. 15 after all danger of frost has passed Seeding: 40-50 lbs. /acre at ½ in. deep. Drill for best results. 300-1999
2000+
$1.08/lb
$0.90/lb
$0.82/lb
$1.20/lb ORGANIC
$1.08/lb
$1.00/lb
$/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
lbs
lbs
† Sunn hemp seed is toxic to livestock: Graze prior to seed set and introduce animals slowly.
All prices subject to change.
COVER CROP MIXES YOUR SMALL GRAIN COMPANION
ADAPTABLE & DIVERSE
RootMaster Annual Ryegrass 40% + Crimson Clover 15% + Berseem Clover 15% + Lentils 15% + Radish 5% + Turnips 5% + Dwarf Essex Rape 5%
Blend of grasses, legumes, and brassicas. Smaller seed size and high seeds/lb. provide premium diversity for low cost. • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest • Can establish under shade and canopy with adequate moisture • Not a good fit after grain corn or soybeans Planting Date: Last cultivation; Aug. 1 Sept. 15. Later planting will lessen prevalence of clovers. Seeding: 15-20 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Drill, broadcast or aerial apply. Excellent candidate for aerial application into standing crops or at the V6/last cultivation stage. $/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.34/lb
300-1999
2000+
$1.26/lb
$1.20/lb
lbs
lbs
EARLY-SEASON CORN COMPANION
Organic Annual Ryegrass 40% + Organic Mammoth Red Clover 40% + Organic Radish 10% + Organic Purple Top Turnips 10%
Shade-tolerant blend of organic cover crop species formulated for seeding at last cultivation in corn (V5-V6 stage). • Small-seeded mix for companion planting with corn at last cultivation • Emerges and stays semi-dormant until corn dies back in fall. Will not impede growth or harvest of corn. • Not recommended for interseeding into soybeans as canopy is shady • Best suited for medium to heavy textured soils; will likely struggle on sandy soils without irrigation Planting Date: June 1 – July 5, V6/last cultivation will depend on planting date and corn maturity. Seeding: 12-15 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Time with rain at seeding. Drill or broadcast, but best drilled.
ORGANIC
1-299 lbs
$2.48/lb
300-1999
2000+
$2.36/lb
$2.28/lb
lbs
Organic Mammoth Red Clover 30% + Organic Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover 30% + Organic Charger Alfalfa 25% + Organic Alsike Clover 15%
Our most popular cover crop legume mixture for underseeding with small grains. Produces abundant biomass and fixes nitrogen for the following cash crop. Positions your fields well for corn the following year. • Adapted to varying soil types and field conditions • Excellent fit for underseeding spring small grains or frost seeding into winter small grains. • Can fix 50-100+ lbs. N/acre: legumes will be at peak N-fixation potential at flowering • Not a good choice for haying/ grazing due to yellow blossom sweet clover toxicity
Planting Date: February-May; Aug. 1 – Aug. 15. Seeding: 12-15 lbs. /acre at ¼ to ½ in. deep. Drill or broadcast. 300-1999
2000+
$2.88/lb
$2.80/lb
SOUPMAX CC10
NEW!
$/lb
CULTIVATIONMAX CC8
$/lb
FIXNMAX CC11
PLOWDOWN BLEND CC9
MULTIMAX CC7
lbs
All species Variety Not Stated unless otherwise noted.
ORGANIC
1-299 lbs
$3.00/lb
lbs
lbs
NEW!
ALL LEGUMES FOR N SURGE
Organic Peas 35% + Organic Faba Beans 30% + Organic Lentils 16% + Organic Hairy Vetch 16% + Organic Purple Top Turnips 3%
Maximize your nitrogen fixation with this diverse all legume blend! Best fit after small grains harvest; will complement volunteer small grains. • Organic blend of cool season legumes for maximum N production in fall • Purple Top Turnips offer quick establishment to act as a nurse crop for legumes • Plant in the fall following small grains, peas, sweet corn or vegetables • Hairy vetch will generally over winter for spring plowdown • All other ingredients will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Planting Date: Aug. 1 – Sept. 15 Seeding: 60-75 lbs/acre at ½” to ¾” deep. Drill for best results $/lb
ORGANIC
1-299 lbs
$1.28/lb
300-1999
2000+
$1.16/lb
$1.10/lb
lbs
lbs
EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK Oats 25% + Chickling Vetch 15% + Common Vetch 10% + Sunn Hemp 10% + Buckwheat 10% + Rootmaster Annual Ryegrass 10% + Crimson Clover 10% + Sorghum Sudangrass 5% + Radish 2.5% + Turnips 2.5%
Our most diverse mix, contains 10 species. Maintains vigorous growth over wide range of soils, weather conditions and growing seasons. • Warm and cool season mix to maximize versatility • Plant after small grains, peas or sweet corn • Diverse mix allows longer planting window • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest, not a good fit after fullseason crops Planting Date: June 1 – August 20 Seeding: 40-50 lbs/acre at ½” to ¾” $/lb
1-299 lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.16/lb
300-1999
2000+
$0.98/lb
$0.90/lb
lbs
lbs
Pictured: NitroMax CC1
Custom Mixes? Yes - We do them! Call for a quote 800.352.5247 Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog • 3
GRASS COVER CROPS WINTER RYE*
HAZLET WINTER RYE*
Most common and most hardy fall-seeded cover crop in northern climates. • Competes heavily with weeds: a lot of forage/green manure in spring • Excellent feed value as late-season forage with protein levels up to 18% • Well adapted to all soil types including low fertility, acidic, or sandy soils • Can plant late into fall (until first snow) but performs best when seeded at least six weeks before freeze up • Germinates down to 35°F soil temperatures Conventional &
Organic: ASK
AROOSTOOK WINTER RYE • An early-heading variety currently favored in organic no-till systems with a roller-crimper • USDA-selected winter rye variety • Good spring recovery & early vigor • Very tall variety, early maturity (up to a week earlier vs. VNS) • Growers have observed some tillering after rolling • Available September 2020 Conventional &
Conventional &
NEW!
• Tall, very early maturing variety bred specifically to replace Aroostook • Excellent winter hardiness. Higher seed yields and more biomass accumulation vs. Aroostook • Good candidate for organic roll-down cover crop use or as a forage crop • NSDU release September 2020
Fast establishing, produce abundant biomass, and are competitive with weeds. • Fibrous root system builds soil structure and captures excess nutrients. • Easy to control and can fit into almost any rotation. • Oats will winterkill. Conventional & 80% Germination
NEW!
• Dual-purpose (grain or cover crop) rye developed in Poland • Very winterhardy with good yield and test weight • Preliminary feedback shows excellent early-spring growth as a cover crop with good potential in roll down systems. • Available September 2020 Conventional: ASK
• Excellent for fall forage and grazing Conventional &
Organic: ASK
ROOTMASTER BRAND* ANNUAL RYEGRASS Increased tillering for faster ground cover in the fall. • Extensive root development, excellent nutrient scavenger • Diploid Variety selected for more consistent winterkill in northern zones • Good candidate for aerial application • Can be seeded at last cultivation/V6 • Well adapted to varying soil types $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$0.94/lb
$0.84/lb
$0.74/lb
ANNUAL RYEGRASS* The most economical grass choice for cover cropping. All species Not Stated root unlesssystem otherwisethat noted. • Rapid growing withVariety an extensive builds soil structure and holds soil in place • Excellent as green manure or single year forage crop • Well adapted to heavier soil types. • Heads out in early to mid-summer. Usually winterkills in northern zones. • May overwinter if planted early, has adequate snow cover or the winter is mild.
$/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$0.72/lb
$0.60/lb
$0.54/lb
$1.72/LB
$1.60/LB
$1.52/LB
ORGANIC
• • • •
4 • Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog
Organic: ASK
An economical option for cover cropping.
SPOONER WINTER RYE
DANKO WINTER RYE
Organic: ASK
COVER CROP BARLEY*
Organic: ASK
• High-yielding open pollinated rye variety • Good field results in organic no-till roll down system • Tall variety with good standability • UW release • Available September 2020 • Organic: ASK
Organic: ASK
COVER CROP OATS*
Organic: ASK
ND GARDNER** WINTER RYE
Conventional &
• Good test weight; highest yielding open-pollinated winter rye in UMN trials • Does not require license • Available September 2020
Seeding Winter Rye in No Till/Roll Down Systems Seeding Rate: 150-200 lbs/acre (3 million seeds/acre) Seeding Method: Drill @ 3/4 inch deep Planting Date: Sept 1st - Sept 30th
WWW.ALSEED.COM
All prices subject to change.
GRASS COVER CROPS SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS*
JAPANESE MILLET*
A warm-season hybrid cross between Sorghum and Sudangrass • Fast growing summer annual, excellent weed suppression • Produces large amounts of biomass that can be incorporated into the soil as organic matter • Excellent forage for livestock • Wait to plant until soil is 62 degrees Conventional Untreated: ASK
FORAGE SORGHUM* Our best value for summer-annual cover crop. • 5 to 7 feet tall with good standability and stalks and leaves similar to corn • Rapid biomass accumulation • Very competitive with weeds including tough to control perennials • Excellent on all soil types including shallow, sandy, and low fertility Conventional Treated: $34 / 50 lb bag *VNS, variety not stated **License required All prices subject to change
Multi-cut, upright annual with quick growth. • Fast-growing and economical cover crop option • Finer stems than pearl millet or sorghums • Can be cut or grazed at 40-50 days after planting Conventional: $39 / 50lb bag Organic: $56 / 50lb bag
FOXTAIL MILLET (GERMAN)* Single-cut, tall, high-yielding variety for short growing season. • Fast-growing, annual grass grows up to 5 feet tall • Warm season ground cover that crowds out weeds and holds soil in place. • Ready to cut or plowdown in 40-50 days Conventional: $36 / 50 lb bag
PROSO MILLET* Low-input, warm-season forage. • Fastest-growing millet • Palatable forage for grazing in droughty areas • Fast maturing and can produce 2 to 3 tons DM • Control prior to seed set to avoid volunteers • Excellent summer annual for weed suppression and biomass production Conventional: $25 / 50 lb bag
SEEDING RATE (LBS/ACRE)
SPECIES NAME
DRILLED
BROADCAST1/ AERIAL
IN MIX
APPROX. SEEDS/LB
SEEDING DATE RANGE
SEEDING DEPTH
WINTERKILL2
WINTER RYE*
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
AROOSTOOK WINTER RYE
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
ND GARDNER WINTER RYE
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
SPOONER WINTER RYE
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
DANKO WINTER RYE
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
HAZLET WINTER RYE
50-100
50-120
25-75
15K-19K
Aug-Nov
½-¾ inch
NO
COVER CROP OATS*
80-96
128-144
48-64
12K-16K
Mar-May, Aug-Sept
½-¾ inch
YES
COVER CROP BARLEY*
72-96
120-144
48-64
14,300
Mar-May, Aug-Sept
½-¾ inch
YES
ANNUAL RYGRASS*
15-20
25-30
4-6
200K-250K
Mar-May, Aug-Sept
¼-½ inch
USUALLY
ROOTMASTER BRAND ANNUAL RYEGRASS
15-20
25-w30
4-6
200K-250K
Mar-May, Aug-Sept
¼-½ inch
USUALLY
SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS*
20-25
30-35
5-10
18K-21K
After last frost Early Aug
½- 1 inch
YES
FORAGE SORGHUM*
15-20
20-25
5-10
14K-17K
After last frost Early Aug
½- 1 inch
YES
FOXTAIL MILLET (GERMAN)*
15-20
20-30
5-10
200K-220K
After last frost Early Aug
½- 1 inch
YES
JAPANESE MILLET*
15-20
20-30
5-10
150K-170K
After last frost Early Aug
½- 1 inch
YES
PROSO MILLET*
20-25
25-30
5-10
75K-90K
After last frost Early Aug
½- 1 inch
YES
INCORPORATE BROADCAST SEED BY DRAGGING OR LIGHTLY DISKING TO INCREASE GERMINATION. WINTERKILL SUCCESS WILL VARY. TYPICALLY DEPENDENT ON SEVERITY OF WINTER AND SNOW COVER.
1 2
* = Variety Not Stated
Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog • 5
BROADLEAF & LEGUME COVER CROPS Broadleaf Cover Crops
Legume Cover Crops
BUCKWHEAT*
HAIRY VETCH*
• Quick-growing, broadleaved summer annual ready to incorporate in 35 to 45 days • Potential for multiple plantings per year: grain crop in 70 to 90 days • Competitive with tough weeds like giant ragweed and Canada thistle • Residue breaks down rapidly • Mellows soil, breaks up surface compaction • Excellent scavenger of P & other nutrients • Thrives on nutrient-deficient soils • Sensitive to frost, drought, excessive heat and any carryover herbicides • Easy to terminate: terminate at first sign of flowering to avoid volunteer weeds
• Winter annual, viney legume with exceptional biomass • Best fall-planted legume for nitrogen fixation • Improves soil structure, scavenges P, and competes well against early season weeds • Seed in mid to late August in the upper Midwest for best overwintering capability • Seed with oats, winter rye, or other companion crop to increase chance of winter survival • Produces hard seed; control plant before seed set • Do not seed into small grains if harvesting for marketable grain: seed is hard to separate
Conventional &
Organic: ASK
$/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
VNS NORTHERN ORIGIN CONVENTIONAL
ASK
ASK
ASK
ORGANIC
ASK
ASK
ASK
VNS CALIFORNIA ORIGIN
PHACELIA* • Non-leguminous annual broadleaf with fern-like leaves and purple blossoms. • Provides early-season soil coverage and produces abundant flowers attractive to pollinators • Flowers 6-8 weeks after emergence • Will winterkill at 18°F and residue breaks down quickly • Plant early enough in the fall • Avoid broadcasting/aerial application Conventional: $3.20 / lb • $160 / 50 lb bag
PEREDOVIK SUNFLOWER * • Fast growing summer annual broadleaf for weed suppression • Extensive root system to break up compaction • Attractive flowers for pollinators • Very tall providing a large amount of biomass back into the soil to increase soil organic matter Conventional: $38 / 50 lb bag
ORGANIC
$2.20/lb
$2.04/lb
$1.96/lb
All prices subject to change.
PURPLE BOUNTY HAIRY VETCH* • Winter hardy, early maturing hairy vetch from USDA • Selected for high nitrogen fixation potential and increased biomass • Flowers two weeks earlier than hairy vetch, making it ideal for Upper Midwest rotations $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL (80% GERM)
$2.20/lb
$2.04/lb
$1.96/lb
ORGANIC
$2.80/lb
$2.60/lb
$2.50/lb
COMMON VETCH* • Viney legume with compound leaves • Good growth for cover cropping if seeded early in the fall, excellent candidate for aerial application • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Conventional: $1.40 / lb • $70 / 50 lb bag
AC GREENFIX CHICKLING VETCH * • Viney, spring-seeded cover crop legume used for plowdown and N production • Frost and drought tolerant, high moisture efficiency • 8-10 weeks of growth produces 80-100lbs N/acre • Can cut for forage, but do not feed seed to livestock • Do not broadcast seed Conventional: $1.00 / lb • $50 / 50 lb bag
6 • Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog
All prices subject to change.
BROADLEAF & LEGUME COVER CROPS 4010 SPRING FIELD PEAS
SUNN HEMP*
• Leafy, speckled forage pea • Significantly more biomass than yellow grain type peas • Best fall planted winterkilled legume option for biomass accumulation and N-fixing potential Organic: $24 / 50 lb bag Conventional: $20 / 50 lb bag
Conventional: $1.50 / lb • $75 / 50 lb bag
YELLOW SPRING FIELD PEAS*
CRIMSON CLOVER*
• Dual-purpose field pea • Good choice for grain or forage • Medium height, good standing Organic: $24 / 50 lb bag
AUSTRIAN WINTER PEAS • Use similar to spring forage pea in cover crop mixes • Provides from 90 to 150 lbs nitrogen/acre at full flowering • Withstands temps as low as 10°F with minor injury • Overwinters in hardiness zone 6 and warmer Organic: $38 / 50 lb bag Conventional: $22 / 50 lb bag
ICICLE WINTER PEAS • Strong winter hardiness potential • Excellent root system and high biomass production in the spring • Smaller seed size; lowers seeding costs • White flower; more digestible, and sweeter tasting to livestock compared to purple types Conventional: $28 / 50 lb bag
IRON & CLAY COWPEAS • Vigorous-growing summer annual that thrives in hot, wet conditions • Excellent drought stress tolerance (better than soybeans) and fixes up to 150 lbs N/acre • Ready to plowdown 60-90 days after planting • Plant in summer at soil temp >65°F Conventional: $62 / 50 lb bag
BLACKEYED COWPEAS*
• Tall-growing, warm-season annual legume with tremendous biomass and N-fixing capacity • Quick growing, very heat and drought tolerant; has the potential to put on over 5,000 lbs. of biomass in 60 days. Thrives on poor soils • Plant when soil temperatures are >65°F. Requires same inoculant as cowpeas • Terminate crop at first flower to avoid fibrous stalks
NEW!
• Selection of Cowpea with upright, bush type growth • Excellent tolerance to sandy soils and droughty conditions • Well suited to all soil types and a wide range of pH • Less overall biomass than Iron and Clay cowpeas in soutern zones • Plant in summer at soil temp >65°F • Toxic to horses
• Rapidly growing annual clover • Seed early in fall for most biomass accumulation • Later seeding in September results in less growth before freeze up • Behaves as a winter annual in southern U.S. • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 -1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.56/lb
$1.42/lb
$1.36/lb
$3.40/lb
$3.20/lb
$3.00/lb
ORGANIC
BERSEEM CLOVER* • Fast-growing annual for quick biomass • Fixes up to 100 lbs N at flowering. • Slightly more cold tolerant than crimson: can potentially overwinter but usually winterkills • Excellent early fall cover crop potential after silage corn, small grains or early soybeans. $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 -1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$2.20/lb
$2.00/ lb
$1.90/lb
FROSTY BERSEEM CLOVER • Bred for later maturity, cold tolerance, productivity, and nutritional value • Multi-cut variety; can deliver multiple harvests • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 -1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$2.90/lb
$2.76/lb
$2.68/lb
BALANSA CLOVER* • Quick establishing, cool season, annual legume with hollow stems • Good biomass accumulation and N-fixation potential • More cold tolerant than crimson clover; can potentially overwinter • Potential early fall cover crop option after silage corn, small grains or early soybeans • May be grazed as part of mixture • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Conventional: $2.40/lb • $125 / 50 lb bag
Organic: $75 / 50 lb bag * = Variety Not Stated
Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog • 7
LEGUME COVER CROPS SAINFOIN* MAMMOTH RED CLOVER* • Single-cut red clover most often used as a cover crop • Excellent choice for underseeding small grains in spring, frost seeding into winter grains, or fall seeding into standing crops • Establishes faster and is coarser stemmed than medium red clover • Minimal recovery after cutting. Avoid droughty soils $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 - 1,999 lbs
2,000+ lbs
ORGANIC
$2.68/lb
$2.50/lb
$2.36/lb
• Non-bloating legume; highly drought tolerant, excellent choice in a rangeland mix or as stand-alone replacement for alfalfa • Deep-rooting breaks up soil compaction and increases water infiltration • Performs best on well drained or sandy soils; will not perform well on wet soils (prone to root/crown rot) • May contain high amounts of hard seed Organic: $2.20 / lb • $110 / 50 lb bag Conventional: $2.20 / lb • $110 / 50 lb bag
WHITE SWEET LUPIN* MEDIUM RED CLOVER* • Double-cut red clover used as cover crop or forage • Recovers better than Mammoth when under-seeding or frost seeding small grains in the spring
• Finer stemmed and better feed value than Mammoth red clover
• Fast establishing and can persist 2-3 years or be used as a one year plow down $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 - 1,999 lbs
2,000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.98/lb
$1.84/lb
$1.74/lb
ORGANIC W/ 5% ASLIKE
$3.60/lb
$3.40/lb
$3.30/lb
YELLOW BLOSSOM SWEET CLOVER* • Tall-growing biennial clover closely related to alfalfa with high biomass and N-fixation potential • Very drought tolerant and very winter-hardy, good scavenger of P, K, and other immobile nutrients • Best plowdown legume for lighter and/or sandy soils • Cut or plowdown before seed set to avoid volunteer weed issues $/lb
1-299 lbs
300 - 1,999 lbs
2,000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.80/lb
$1.64/lb
$1.54/lb
ORGANIC
$1.80/lb
$1.64/lb
$1.54/lb
Custom Mixes? Yes - We do them! Call for a quote 800.352.5247 8 • Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog
• Cool-season cover crop legume with upright showy flowers and hollow stems • Aggressive taproot builds soil structure deep in the profile; makes immobile P, Mn, and other nutrients available to following crop • Easy to control by mechanical tillage, excellent N fixation potential • Avoid heavy clay soils or waterlogged soils. Well suited for lighter soils Conventional: $1.80 / lb • $90 / 55 lb bag
LENTILS* • Short-growing, cool season legume very well suited for cover cropping • Shorter stature than peas but very good drought and frost tolerance • Smaller seed size ideal for aerial application into standing crops, will winterkill in the Upper Midwest and can be spring planted • Suited for all soil types including dry soil and fixes good amount of N Organic: $1.08 / lb • $54 / 50 lb bag Conventional: $0.82 / lb • $41 / 50 lb bag
FABA BEANS* • Tall, bushy annual legume thrives under cool, wet conditions; not tolerant to heat & drought, somewhat frost tolerant • Can produce 3.5-6 tons/A DM as a cover crop & can fix up to 140 lbs N/acre • Large taproot breaks up compaction • Large seed; slow to emerge - plant early • Use for hay or silage; good forage quality Organic: $0.84 / lb • $42 / 50 lb bag Conventional: ASK
All prices subject to change.
BROADLEAF COVER CROPS SEEDING RATE (LBS/ACRE) DRILLED
Buckwheat*
50-100
NA
15-25
15,000
May-Aug
½ - 1½ inch
N/A
YES
3-4
NA
1-2
5,000
April-Aug
1-3 ½ inch
N/A
YES
Phacelia*
7-12
NA
3-5
220,000
Aug-Sept
¼ inch
N/A
YES
Hairy Vetch*
25-30
35-40
10-15
16,000
Aug-Oct
½ - 1 inch
70-200
NO
Purple Bounty Hairy Vetch
25-30
35-40
10-15
15,20018,300
Aug-Oct
½ - 1 inch
70-200
NO
Common Vetch*
50-60
70-80
25-30
4,200
Aug-Sept
½ -1 inch
50-120
USUALLY
AC Greenfix Chickling Vetch*
60-70
NA
20-40
7,000-8,000
March-May
1-1 ½ inch
80-100
YES
Spring Peas*
125-175
NA
50-75
2,500-3,200
March-May, Aug-Sept
2-3 inch
70-150
YES
Winter Peas*
60-75
NA
25-50
4,100
Aug-Sept
1-2 inch
70-150
USUALLY
Iron & Clay Cowpeas*
50-75
NA
25-35
3,000
June-Aug
½ - 1 inch
150
YES
Blackeyed Cowpeas*
50-75
NA
25-35
2,000
June-Aug
½ - 1 inch
150
YES
Sunn Hemp*
15-20
NA
4-8
11,000
June-Aug
½ -1 inch
100-140
YES
Crimson Clover*
12-20
25-30
2-5
150,000
June-Sept
¼ - ½ inch
55-130
USUALLY
Berseem Clover*
12-15
15-20
2-5
200,000
Mid-May-Aug
¼ - ½ inch
55-100
USUALLY
Frosty Berseem Clover*
12-15
15-20
2-5
134,000200,000
Mid-May-Aug
¼ - ½ inch
55-100
USUALLY
Balansa Clover*
5-8
6-9
2-3
500,000
March-May, July-Sept
¼ inch
50-100
USUALLY
Mammoth Red Clover*
8-12
15-18
2-5
272,000
Feb-May, Aug
¼ - ½ inch
70-150
NO
Medium Red Clover*
8-12
15-18
2-5
270,000280,000
Feb-May, Aug
¼ - ½ inch
70-150
NO
Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover*
8-12
15
2-5
250,000270,000
Feb-May, Aug
¼ - ½ inch
100-200
NO
Sainfoin*
30-34
40-45
2-5
21,00022,000
April-May, Aug-Sept
¼ inch
50-100
NO
White Sweet Lupin*
50-75
NA
25-35
4,000
March-May
¼ - ¾ inch
100-200
YES
Lentils*
40-50
60-75
20-30
6,50010,500
March-May, July-Sept
½ - 1 ½ inch
20-30
YES
100-150
NA
25-50
1,400
March-April, Aug- Mid-Sept
1-3 inch
50-140
YES
Faba Beans*
SEEDING DATE RANGE
SEEDING DEPTH
WINTERKILL2
SPECIES NAME
Peredovik Sunflower*
IN MIX
APPROX. SEEDS/LB
TOTAL N (LBS/ ACRE/YR)3
BROADCAST1/ AERIAL
INCORPORATING BROADCAST SEED BY DRAGGING OR LIGHTLY DISKING WILL INCREASE SUCCESSFUL GERMINATION. 2WINTERKILL SUCCESS WILL VARY. TYPICALLY DEPENDENT ON SEVERITY OF WINTER AND SNOW COVER. 3TOTAL N IS DEPENDENT ON SEVERAL FACTORS INCLUDING SOIL TEMPERATURE, HOW LONG CROP IS ALLOWED TO GROW, ETC.
1
* = Variety Not Stated
Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog • 9
BRASSICA COVER CROPS TAPMASTER BRAND RADISH*
PURPLE TOP TURNIP
• Daikon type bred for long taproot to break up plowpan & loosen soil • Excellent scavenger of N, P & Ca • Non-bolting if planted in the fall • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$2.00/lb
$1.80/lb
$1.60/lb
$4.10/lb
$3.90/lb
$3.80/lb
ORGANIC
• Hardy, leafy, large-rooted brassica that produces abundant biomass above and below ground • Excellent fall grazing potential • Good competitor with weeds • Scavenges N and other nutrients to prevent leaching • Should winterkill in the Upper Midwest 1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.74/lb
$1.60/lb
$1.50/lb
ORGANIC
$2.60/lb
$2.40/lb
$2.30/lb
$/lb
PACIFIC GOLD MUSTARD
COVER CROP RADISH* • Vigorous taproot growth accumulates leachable nutrients, protects soil, improves infiltration, and mitigates compaction • Adapted to most soil types; avoid wet areas • Plants break down completely by spring; no need for fall or spring tillage. • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb CONVENTIONAL
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
$1.80/lb
$1.62/lb
$1.52/lb
• Certified, non-GMO variety of brown mustard bred specifically for cover cropping • Excellent biomass production and rapid growth. Good competitive ability with weeds • High levels of plant glucosinolates can reduce pathogenic soil fungi and nematodes. • Control plant before seed to avoid volunteer weeds • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$3.16/lb
$2.90/lb
$2.80/lb
CARWOODI OILSEED RADISH • Developed for nematode suppression • Branching root system excellent at trapping nitrates • More lateral roots than daikon radish, concentrated closer to soil surface • Allow 60 days for biomass production • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Conventional: $2.50/lb • $125 / 50 lb bag
DWARF ESSEX RAPE • Succulent, leafy & quick-growing • Rapid and vigorous growth, low cost, and high seeds/lb. • Performs better than radishes for aerial application in dry soil conditions • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.20/lb
$1.04/lb
$0.96/lb
YELLOW MUSTARD* • Economical choice for cover cropping • Good fit if frost-seeded before soybeans or flown in fall • Very fast growing, potential for smother crop • Control plant at first flower to avoid seed set, which may lead to unwanted volunteers $/lb
1-299 lbs
300-1999 lbs
2000+ lbs
CONVENTIONAL
$1.48/lb
$1.30/lb
$1.20/lb
WINTER CAMELINA • New, fall-seeded brassica for cover cropping • Excellent winter hardiness, similar to winter rye. The only brassica that will consistently overwinter • Can be grown as winter annual oilseed for double cropping; harvest as an oilseed crop in late June Conventional: $2.80/lb • $140 / 50 lb bag
FORAGE KALE*
ETHIOPIAN CABBAGE
• Economical, cold-tolerant choice for grazing • Highly palatable and can be grazed late into fall • Frost-tolerant • Will likely winterkill in the Upper Midwest Conventional: $2.80 / lb • $140 / 50 lb bag
NEW!
• Open leaf cabbage for cover crop or grazing • Multiple deep growing tap roots reduce soil compaction, break up hardpans, and open up heavy soils. • Excellent nutrient scavenging ability • Excellent bolt resistance for early fall planting • Will likely winterkill in Upper Midwest
**Please note that all brassicas cover crops have the potential to overwintering under the right conditions** 10 • Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog
WWW.ALSEED.COM
Conventional: $2.50/lb • $125 / 50 lb bag
All prices subject to change.
BRASSICA COVER CROPS SEEDING RATE (LBS/ACRE) APPROX. SEEDS/LB
SEEDING DATE RANGE
SEEDING DEPTH
WINTERKILL2
2-3
20,00034,000
Aug-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
8-9
2-3
20,00034,000
Aug-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
6-8
8-9
2-3
34,000
Aug-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
Dwarf Essex Rape*
4-7
7-9
1-2
145,000
March-May, Late July-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
Purple Top Turnip*
3-5
5-6
1-2
220,000
March-May, Late July-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
Forage Kale*
3-4
4-5
1-2
170,000
March-May, Late July-Sept
¼ - ½ in.
USUALLY
Pacific Gold Mustard*
15-20
20-25
3-5
128,000144,000
Feb-April, AugSept
¼ - ¾ in.
USUALLY
Yellow Mustard*
15-20
20-25
3-5
180,000
Feb-April, AugSept
¼ - ¾ in.
USUALLY
Winter Camelina*
3-5
5-6
1-2
100,000
Sept - Oct
¼ in.
NO
Ethiopian Cabbage*
5-6
6-8
1-3
180,000
Late July-Sept
¼ in.
USUALLY
DRILLED
BROADCAST1/ AERIAL
IN MIX
TapMaster Tillage Radish*
6-8
8-9
Cover Crop Radish*
6-8
Carwoodi Oilseed Radish*
SPECIES NAME
INCORPORATING BROADCAST SEED BY DRAGGING OR LIGHTLY DISKING WILL INCREASE SUCCESSFUL GERMINATION. OVER WINTER SUCCESS WILL VARY. TYPICALLY DEPENDENT ON SEVERITY OF WINTER AND SNOW COVER.
1 2
(800) 352-5247 CALL TO PLACE YOUR ORDER * = Variety Not Stated
Albert Lea Seed Cover Crop Catalog • 11
1414 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 127 Albert Lea, MN 56007
New Hairy Vetch Varieties... Coming Soon! NEW! This year, Albert Lea Seed is aiding the University of Minnesota by increasing a new winter-hardy hairy vetch variety, MN Vinter. The hairy vetch breeding program, led by Dr. Craig Sheaffer, Dr. Nancy Ehlke and PhD candidate Nick Wiering, is selecting hairy vetch varieties that provide excellent fall and spring biomass, improved winter hardiness, and reduced hard seed percentage. MN Vinter may be available for distribution as soon as 2021. Bob Pearson standing next to new MN Vinter
www.alseed.com • 1-800-352-5247