<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: whitetailnut</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, I have three 1/4 acre size plots scattered around my ground that I plan to kill and seed with some sort of brassicas this july. Recently I have been intrigued by planting a leader crop such as buckwheat or ryegrass. My question is how does this stuff "improve soil conditions" as I have heard. I have been liming these plots a 100lbs at time here an there when I get time. So the soil is pretty good. I had planned on leaving them empty till fall. How will a leader crop help me? And is buckwheat or rye a perennial? Will it come back next spring? Do I just mow it super short in july and seed brassicas or disc it the way it lies? </div></div>
Buckwheat helps draw from the subsoil and when plowed under helps build humous and organic matter to improve your soil. It's not a "miracle" cure for soil nutrient problems but it is a very positive step in building up your soil naturally.
Buckwheat also helps supress weeds and grows quickly to provide some interim forage until you plant your brassicas.
Always "use" your soil to some advantage even when it is not in a foodplot, building it up with green manure crops such as buckwheat, field rye (annual), hairy vetch and red clover will all be helpful in improving your soil.
Check the
Cereal Grains and Cover Crops thread for more information including links to soil building and buckwheat.
Buckwheat is a very warm weather crop so plant very late spring or early summer. Late May to early June around here.
For most benefit it should be plowed or tilled under while still green and before it goes to seed.
Never leave soil "empty"...make it work for you at all times! /forum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif