What cover crops work best for winter season planting?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Cover crops adapted to winter, such as cereal rye and hairy vetch, offer soil protection during the cold months. These species are hardy and provide ground cover under snow and ice, while also adding organic matter. Every year, I use them to protect the soil from erosion and to retain nutrients that would otherwise wash away.
Cereal Rye
- Survives temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C) with snow insulation
- Grows 3-4 feet tall creating effective erosion barriers
- Produces allelopathic compounds suppressing spring weeds
Hairy Vetch
- Fixes 150+ lb nitrogen per acre during winter dormancy
- Tolerates repeated freeze-thaw cycles without damage
- Creates dense ground cover preventing soil crusting
Winter Triticale
- Hybrid vigor combines rye's hardiness with wheat's growth
- Develops extensive root systems improving water infiltration
- Provides high biomass for spring mulch
Apply winter cover crops after fall harvest and before the first freeze. Drill cereal rye in September to achieve growth. Broadcast hairy vetch or crimson clover in October for nitrogen in spring. I typically plant cover crops 4-6 weeks before the first freeze to get root establishment.
Winter covers offer special benefits beyond just providing seasonal protection. Its deep roots protect against frost heave damage to soil structure. Snow-insulated soil microbes are trapped in plant residue. Spring decomposition provides nutrients just in time for cash crop needs. My fields had 30% less runoff when winter covers were in place.
Terminate winter covers when the soil temperature in spring is warm enough, roller-crimp cereal rye at jointing. Mow hairy vetch at 50% flowers. Winter-killed oats leave a layer of residue (i.e., are not terminated). I have taken this when the fruit trees break bud or when summer crops are planted.
Read the full article: 10 Best Cover Crops for Soil Health and Yield
