Oats and Peas Cover Crop Mix

This classic, easy to grow cover crop mix contains 70% 4010 field peas and 30% oats. Oats are useful as a nurse crop when paired with slower growing field peas, aiding in erosion control, improved water infiltration, scavenging of nitrogen, suppressing weeds and providing vertical support for climbing pea tendrils. 4010 field peas increase organic matter with abundant biomass and fix nitrogen. Whether planted in the spring or late summer to fall, this mix provides quick green manure with its rapid decomposition. When planted in the late season, it provides additional protection against winter erosion. Oats and Peas are also a great food plot for various wildlife species, namely deer.

Terminate before seeds fully develop. Effective termination methods include tilling or mowing, or by freeze if planted in late summer to fall. Additional termination by tarping can be used during the growing season if growth rebounds. Inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum prior to planting in fields where peas have not been previously grown is recommended to ensure maximum nitrogen fixation.

Note: The weed suppressing qualities of oats are a result of allelopathic residue that can hinder the germination of weeds and in turn, flowers and other crops for a few weeks. Wait two to three weeks after termination before subsequent plantings.