Teff
Teff, the staple grain crop in Ethiopia, is a warm-season grass useful for suppressing weeds with a high plant population. Teff also produces a fine plant structure that doesn’t leave soil clumpy for the next crop. Although buckwheat and sudangrass are the most common cover crop choices in the summer, teff holds some advantages over them. Teff tolerates dry conditions better than buckwheat or sudangrass. It also requires less maintenance: buckwheat must be controlled when it matures and sudangrass requires mowing. Teff needs minimal mowing and generally does not produce seed, so volunteers are not an issue.
Land Preparation
Use a firm seedbed, as with alfalfa, so that the tiny seeds stay near the surface. Make sure you can walk on the soil without creating footprints. The soil needs 40-60 lb/ac nitrogen, so follow a high-nitrogen vegetable or manure application.
Seeding Rate
8-10 lb/ac coated seed (5 lb/ac raw seed) Use the higher rate if moisture is uneven. Teff has tiny seeds, about 1.3 million/lb. Coated seed (50% PLS) are now standard, and easier to handle. Use Brillion seeder or broadcast followed by roller to press seed into soil. Use a light vehicle for planting because the passes will be close together. Plant at a depth of 1/8 – 1/4 inches. Teff needs frequent light rain to emerge quickly.
Seed Cost
$2-3/lb (coated)
Seeding Dates
June-July.
Time Until Control
Winter kills
Seed Suppliers
King’s Agriseeds, PA, Hankins Seed, OR. Approximately $2.50/lb. Seedway provides coated seed for $3/lb. For cover cropping, the available varieties (e.g. Dessie and Moxie) are similar.
Management Tricks
Make a very firm seedbed.
Unavoidable Problems
None.
Avoidable Problems
Needs firm (rolled) seedbed. May not be possible without over-working soil. Tiny seeds can leak from seedbox, and don't fly far when broadcast. Needs available nitrogen.
Classic Uses
Survives on droughty soil. Preparation for a crop needing fine seedbed.
Maintenance
Mow 3-4 inches every 7-8 weeks so that it doesn’t go to seed.
Control
Winter kills.
Tips
Roll or pack before seeding. If broadcasting, check to see how far the seeds are going. Seedlings are relatively drought-tolerant after 3 weeks. Teff is used to make high-quality hay. One cutting can be taken in late summer.
| Management Goal | Planting Time |
|---|---|
| Reduce Surface Hardness | Summer |
| Reduce Weeds | Summer |