• Planting window– late summer

• Seeding dates: August 1 to September 20th south of Interstate 70. One week earlier north of Interstate 70. Adjust accordingly as you go further north or south. They do not perform when planted in the Spring.  Click picture for more info:
   

• Seeding rate: 8-10 lbs per acre when planted alone. Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. If dry, plant 1 inch deep.

• Seed size is slightly larger than alfalfa. The alfalfa  setting will be close to desired tillage radish seeding rate.

• Radishes are a quick covering crop that is usually up in 4 days.

Tillage Radish - Early Fall Growth
click picture for larger view

• Tillage radishes are extremely competitive and will outgrow most other cover crops seeded as a companion cover crop. However, seeding rates can be adjusted in order that the tillage radishes don’t outcompete the other species.

• Successful establishment of mixtures has been obtained by planting alternating rows with a drill that has both a legume box and grain box. We have also found the variety “Jerry” oats to do well when mixed with Tillage radishes.

• Tillage radishes germinate very easily- similar to rye. They can be broadcasted on the surface and will grow if there are sufficient seeds contacting the soil and moisture is adequate. This is a cheaper method of establishment but comes with the risk of poor or uneven germination. However successful broadcast establishment has been achieved by some farmers. 

• Aerial seeding into soybeans before leaf drop and into standing corn is possible but it has been observed that tillage radishes do not perform as well compared to drilling. The roots just don’t seem to be as aggressive even after the crop is harvested and they can capture full sunlight. Another risk with soybeans, is if the weather doesn’t cooperate with harvest, the radishes could grow up through the canopy and cause problems with green radish leaves entering the combine.

• Click here for pictures of aerial and broadcast seeding.

• Fertility: Tillage radishes will take up excess nitrogen after a crop. However, in order to fully express their rooting action, they need at least 60 lbs of N– accumulated either as residual or applied. In most instances, with high fertility fields, there is sufficient N left over from the previous crop. However, in low fertility fields, adding N is necessary to allow the radishes to achieve maximum rooting.  Upon decomposition in the spring, N will then be released in time for utilization of  a spring crop.

• Tillage Radishes don’t like wet spots.  Fields with a history of being wet are not a good choice to plant tillage radishes. One rule of thumb is if alfalfa can’t grow, neither will tillage radishes.

• Radishes will winter kill when temperatures drop to the mid-teens on successive nights

• Tillage radishes will winter kill similar to fall planted spring oats. One night in the teens will not take them out- it takes several nights in a row. Winter kill also depends on how warm it may get after a cold spell. Above normal temperatures after a few nights in the teens will allow the tillage radishes to recover until another cold snap arrives.

• Tillage Radishes have an unpleasant odor when decaying.  After tillage radishes are hit hard with cold weather and start to decay, they will emit an unpleasant odor-especially if warmer weather arrives.  It’s no worse than manure per se, but then again for some it has caused them to investigate exactly where that “smell came from”.