Mustard, Spring
In the Northeast, yellow mustard is used as a spring-planted cover crop before regular season vegetables. This use is usually for reducing root rot. With strong spring growth it can also perforate hardpan and suppresses weeds in the following crop.
Land Preparation
Firm seedbed free of weeds to ensure a good stand. Available nitrogen at 120 lb N. Vegetable land often has sufficient nutrients.
Seeding Rate
Drill 10-12 lb/ac with grass seeder. Broadcast 10-15 lb/ac. Cover 1/2 inch. After seeding, roll the ground to improve seed-to-soil contact but gently enough to preserve soil aggregates.
Seed Cost
$2.00 to $2.50/lb
Seeding Dates
April. Can also be frost seeded in March if the appropriate condition occur.
Seed Suppliers
Rupp Seeds (Caliente), MinnDak Growers (Tilney).
Maintenance
None.
Control
Do not let mustards go to seed. Incorporate at flowering (mid to late-May). For better disease suppression, flail mow into fine pieces and incorporate immediately. Press lightly to contain biofumigant.
Tips
Do not use in rotations with other brassica cropss. Allow it to work for 1-2 weeks before preparing to plant.
| Management Goal | Planting Time |
|---|---|
| Reduce Root Rot | Spring |
| Increase Organic Matter | Spring |
| Break Up Deep Compaction | Spring |
| Reduce Weeds | Spring |