Vineyard Soil Improving Brassica Mix
Ref: MIXVINS
This fast growing cover crop is designed to cover the ground quickly and if mulched, it can improve add organic matter to the soil. The deep rooted Tillage and Fodder Radish are included in the mixture to improve soil structure and drainage on heavier soil sites. It can be sown from late April until early September. These annual species can be mulched to terminate the plants.
Contents per Kg | % | kg | |
certified SYMBOL mustard | 40.0 | 0.400 | |
certified TORO Fodder Radish | 35.0 | 0.350 | |
certified DIAKON tillage radish | 14.0 | 0.140 | |
cerified Lilla phacelia | 6.0 | 0.060 | |
certified Undercover brassica carinata | 5.0 | 0.050 |
Brown Mustard
This is a quick growing winter hardy brassica, sometimes known as Indian mustard. It has had more interest recently due to its ability to supress certain soil borne nematodes in high value cash crops like potatoes and sugar beet, it could potentially be an alternative way of dealing with pest without using artificial nematicides, using a technique called bio-fumigation.
Fodder Radish
Also commonly known as oil radish, fodder radish is a brassica, it is not a legume but it will hold any residual nitrogen in the soil, which it will then release as it breaks down over time. This species is slower to flower and go to seed than mustard and produces a deeper root system.
Mustard
Mustard is a rapidly growing, high biomass, nitrogen lifter for growing over the summer. It is one of the quickest growing, green manuring species and is very good at suppressing weeds.
Phacelia
Phacelia is a rapidly growing, high biomass plant. It is a nitrogen holder and weed suppressor. Its eye catching purple flowers are particularly good at attracting bees and other beneficial insects.
Tillage Radish
Tillage radish is a deep rooted brassica, used to improve soil structure. It has a deep rooting ability to break through compacted layers and plough pans, creating better drainage and air movement within the soil. Although originally utilised in the states, it has been used in the Uk for the last several years.