Brassicas
Rapeseed (Trophy)
Rape's rapid forage growth produces quality pasture equivalent to alfalfa, with a crude protein value around 16-17%. Boasted for its nutrient scavenging abilities, rape can accumulate potentially large amounts of residual N up to 120lbs N/A. Also, root exudates secreted by rape are known to aid in turning insoluble P into a more available form. Rapes seed cost is by far the cheapest of all the brassica species, generally less than $1/lb. Adding rape in between wheat crops has been shown to greatly reduce take-all in wheat. Rape has an excellent, deep penetrating tap-root with a dense fibourous root mass surrounding the tuber.
from $1.05 per lb
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Siberian Kale
Siberian Kale like many other brassicas are a great addition to mixes for deep taproots to access nutrients and water deep in the soil profile. This deep taproot allows for following crop roots or water to go deep in the soil profile. The wide leaf and good palatability of kale works great in grazing mixes for livestock. A good cold tolerant brassica can last deep into the fall for good fall and early winter grazing.
from $2.45 per lb
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Winter Camelina
Winter Camelina is the most cold tolerant brassica with the ability to overwinter in most areas. This brassica grows a small rosette in the fall and then grows upright after winter dormancy. This is a good brassica to add to later planted fall mixes in cases after fall harvested cash crops. Camelina can be a great addition ahead of spring cash crops with its ability to scavenge nitrogen and phosphorus.
from $2.13 per lb
