New life in an old field??? Trying to revive the soil.

[maddog3355]

Rye grass and ground hog radishes with do that ground some good.

 

[radams]

I have thought about rye grass but never heard of ground hog radish. I'll have t look that one up and see where I can get some seed. I see you are in Missouri...what part? If you are from the south part of the state we probably have similar type soil.

 

[maddog3355]

I'm in south central Missouri close to rolla. My land is shallow soil with limestone glades nearby. There are 2 different kinds of rye grass. I have only planted the cereal grains rye grass. It is a much better soil builder than wheat. The ground hog radishes grow a big tap root and when they rot out they leave holes in the ground and shatter the hard pan for you.

 

[radams]

You are pretty close to me as Im in north central Arkansas just southeast of Branson near Lead Hill. We have pretty much the same soil types and I think that the cereal rye grass will work good for me and then plant the ground hog radishes for a fall/winter crop that will loosen up the soil for the occasional snowfall and spring rains. Added bonus...the radish will probably attract deer. Im still working on getting things lined up on the property and Im having way too much time to over think things.

 

[politicalcenter]

Well....I'll tell ya what.

I really don't think planting green manure crops is the way to go here. I think that an animal manure crop would work much better.

I had a bit of land that was covered with blackberry and saw briars and used goats to clear it. And if you want to loosen it up and clear it real good... nothing works better than the humble pig. The pig will eat it down, till it up and even take down the small trees.

But the problem with pigs is....they can escape from just about anywhere....they will take a small opening or weak spot and "worry it"
Into a big hole . So...make sure your fences are pig tight...horse high....and bull strong.

 

[Fluffnpuff]

Im working on reviving an old field that has been covered in cedar for about the past 40 years. It has very shallow topsoil with an abundance of sandstone. I want to plant something something this spring that will produce high biomass and will attract beneficial insects. After much research I have determined that buckwheat seems to fit that requirement. Have any of you used buckwheat for green manure to aid in soil building? I wont be able to fully work the land for about two more years so I am doing all that I can now to prepare the land for free ranging the poultry, goats and possibly a pig or two using paddocks. I have 15 acres to work with and I want to maximize the relationship between land, animals and plants to accomplish most of the work for me while I am working overseas. Any advice for cover crops or anything natural will be greatly appreciated.

Depending on what time of a year you are planting your cover crops I would recommend either of the following

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/TSC_Spring_Mix_Cover_Crop_Seed

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/TSC_Fall_Mix_Cover_Crop_Seed

In regards to buckwheat keep in mind that while it adds biomass to the soil, it does not add nitrogen. If your soil is low in nitrogen I would add in a legume cover crop. Myself i'm very partial to hairy vetch due to its cold tolerance.

 

[radams]

Well....I'll tell ya what.

I really don't think planting green manure crops is the way to go here. I think that an animal manure crop would work much better.

I had a bit of land that was covered with blackberry and saw briars and used goats to clear it. And if you want to loosen it up and clear it real good... nothing works better than the humble pig. The pig will eat it down, till it up and even take down the small trees.

But the problem with pigs is....they can escape from just about anywhere....they will take a small opening or weak spot and "worry it"
Into a big hole . So...make sure your fences are pig tight...horse high....and bull strong.

I love the idea of using animals and I will do that once Im here to stay. For now Im only in country for about 4 months out of the year. You can see the problems with having animals now. I wnat to get it ready for the animals by planting good cover crops that will not only enrich the soil but will also add a food supply for the native animals for now and for our farm animals later. There is an abundance of deer, turkey and other small animals.
Im starting fresh out here and dont even have the fence up yet. That will be a major undertaking as it will have a outer perimeter that will surround most of the 15 acres and ten several smaller areas within for rotational grazing.

 

[radams]

Depending on what time of a year you are planting your cover crops I would recommend either of the following

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/TSC_Spring_Mix_Cover_Crop_Seed

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/TSC_Fall_Mix_Cover_Crop_Seed

In regards to buckwheat keep in mind that while it adds biomass to the soil, it does not add nitrogen. If your soil is low in nitrogen I would add in a legume cover crop. Myself i'm very partial to hairy vetch due to its cold tolerance.

Thanks for the information. I neglected the nitrogen part and was thinking only biomass. You are right and i think a mixture would be best at this time. given the time of year, spring mix would work out well.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you're looking at possible crops to entice wild life, how bout planting a deer forage seed mix?

 

[radams]

If you're looking at possible crops to entice wild life, how bout planting a deer forage seed mix?

That is what I will do. It will be a mix that will add nitrogen(legunes) and also add biomass with the decaying plants and the animal maneure. Win win! Im back at the property now and took a few pics of the area. The ground is frozen and snow covered now but it will melt soon...Arkansas weather. Will post some pics soon.