Turnip
Turnips are an upright, cool-season broadleaf crop that serves as an excellent dual-purpose cover crop. Known for their robust tubers and roots, turnips effectively penetrate the soil, promoting nutrient cycling and improving soil health. When planted in early fall, they produce a substantial amount of dry matter, making them ideal for erosion control and weed suppression. Their adaptability makes them particularly effective when combined with small grains, providing an additional layer of forage. Among the various types of turnips, popular options like purple top turnips feature large bulbs or tubers, while other varieties have been specifically bred for smaller bulbs and larger leafy tops. These leafy varieties are especially well-suited for grazing, offering livestock nutritious forage throughout the fall and winter months.
Key features
- Dual-purpose cover crop
- Good tolerance to dry weather
- Longer stay-green improves sequestration of excess nutrients
- Grows best in pH 5.5 - 6.8
- Suppresses weeds