If someone surveyed the most popular cover crops, rye, wheat and possibly oats would top the list. However, there are several nontraditional crops that should be at the top of your list, and right now is the time to plant.

The tillage radish is a relatively obscure cover crop that is quickly gaining traction as an awesome substitute to traditional cereal grains. These radishes scavenge for nitrogen, suppress weeds and winter-kill, but the biggest benefit is how they break up soil compaction.

With roots that can penetrate as deep as 32 inches and the ability to supply up to five tons of organic matter per acre, they can radically change the soil structure and have been documented to increase corn yields by eight to 12 bushels per acre. They can also be combined with Austrian peas or other legume crops that can supply enough nitrogen for the following corn crop.

With a planting cost in line with cereal grains, radishes fit perfectly when following wheat or oats since they need to be planted by the end of August to see their full benefit.

After viewing research and hearing testimonies across Pennsylvania and Ohio, I think these crops are the real deal when they can be used. However, there are many times in a rotation when, because of crop harvests, radishes can't be planted. In these cases, rye or wheat would be the best fit. Both scavenge for nitrogen fairly well and should be planted anytime fields will receive manure through the winter.

EQIP deadline

The cutoff for Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP, funding is Sept. 30.

This is our main funding program to install best management practices on the farm, such as using cover crops, no-till practices, feeding pads and grazing systems.

Those interested in signing up are encouraged to stop in or contact our office at 724-482-4800, Ext. 3 for more information.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.