A good crop rotation helps us break disease and insect cycles, it further controls weeds, and it improves overall soil health, thus helping us further eliminate pesticides. Cover Crops At Stahlbush we use Crimson Clover, Austrian Peas, Fava Beans, Micah Barley, Manida Oats, Wheat, Annual Ryegrass and Common Vetch as cover crops. Cover crops are planted following harvest . They cover the ground over the winter months and are worked back into the soil prior to planting the spring rowcrops. Cover crops build soil organic matter, help in weed control and generate Soil nitrogen.
Cover crops are key in improving soil tilth.
Some cover crops are specifically chosen for their ability to generate nitrogen. If we can grow nitrogen naturally, and improve organic matter at the same time, this approach is preferred over purchasing synthetic fertilizer. In a recent study we found that one cover crop produced over 120 units of nitrogen. Clean Ground Water Stahlbush is committed to clean, healthy ground water. One of Oregon State's findings is that cover crops capture and store nitrogen making it available for future crops.