Triticale utilized for soil conservation in Ohio agricultural practices
In the agricultural landscape of Ohio, the incorporation of cover crops like triticale has gained traction due to their numerous benefits. However, mature incorporation of these cover crops can present challenges, although they are generally considered moderate problems.
One such cover crop that has garnered attention is triticale, a hybrid cereal that resembles wheat and winter cereal rye. It boasts an upright growth habit of 3-5 feet and exhibits good heat, drought, shade, flood, and low fertility tolerance, making it a versatile choice for Ohio farmers.
Triticale also has a high potential for biomass production and rooting capability, which are essential for effective weed suppression and soil protection. Additionally, cool-season cereals like triticale are known for their ability to suppress weeds, contributing further to their appeal.
The recommended seeding rate for triticale as a cover crop in Ohio typically ranges from 90 to 120 pounds per acre, depending on the planting date and soil conditions. This aligns with the practices encouraged by the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) and Ohio's Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) for small grain cover crops in the Midwest region.
The optimal planting window to establish triticale successfully in Ohio is generally from late summer through early fall, usually between mid-August and mid-October. Planting earlier in the window tends to improve establishment and biomass production before winter dormancy.
These recommendations help ensure good stand establishment, fall growth, and successful winter survival, which are key for cover crop performance and soil benefits.
While the use of triticale in Ohio is primarily limited to forage due to its seed cost, it is worth noting that some potential disadvantages of these cover crops include increased crop diseases and the potential for increased insects/nematodes, although these are generally considered minor problems.
Triticale is a host for penetrans root lesion nematode but not for sugar beet cyst nematode, soybean cyst nematode, and root knot nematode.
In summary, adhering to the best seeding rate and planting window for triticale in Ohio, as recommended by the MCCC and Ohio's FOTG, can optimize cover crop benefits such as weed suppression, soil protection, and nutrient scavenging in Ohio's climate conditions. Farmers are encouraged to consult the latest online resources from MCCC or the NRCS Ohio FOTG for exact regional data.
| Parameter | Recommendation for Triticale in Ohio | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Seeding Rate | 90–120 lbs per acre | | Planting Window | Mid-August to mid-October |
- The incorporation of cover crops like triticale, known for their potential for biomass production and rooting capability, benefits Ohio's agriculture by contributing to weed suppression and soil protection.
- Adhering to the recommended seeding rate of 90-120 pounds per acre and planting triticale in the optimal window of mid-August to mid-October improves stand establishment, fall growth, and winter survival, enhancing its performance and soil benefits.
- Despite some potential disadvantages such as increased crop diseases and the potential for increased insects/nematodes, triticale remains a versatile choice for Ohio farmers due to its versatility, tolerance to various conditions, and significant contributions to soil conservation, crop production, and home-and-garden lifestyle.
