Ben Dolbear discusses drought tolerant crops and the impact this year’s heatwave has had on cover crop establishment and the solutions Bright Seeds can offer to help recover failed or poorly established covers with our Rescue Crop mixtures.
Ben Dolbear discusses drought tolerant crops and the impact this year’s heatwave has had on cover crop establishment and the solutions Bright Seeds can offer to help recover failed or poorly established covers with our Rescue Crop mixtures.With the weather conditions experienced over the last three months, it’s clear that many farmers and shoot estates have faced significant challenges when establishing successful cover crops.
Although we have experienced a prolonged period of drought, not all has been lost. We have seen many of our game cover mixtures perform well despite the lack of moisture, with sorghum and millet proving particularly resilient. Our maize varieties have also performed exceptionally well, with strong growth seen across many areas of the UK.
That said, we understand the difficulties many farmers and shoot estates have faced with failed or poorly established cover crops. With the importance of providing valuable cover for the coming season, as well as supporting farmland birds and creating essential habitat, finding reliable rescue options is more important than ever.
At Bright Seeds, we offer a range of Rescue Crop mixtures and straights that can be sown or broadcast between August and late September. These options can help provide much-needed cover during the winter months, even following a challenging growing season.
Whether you are looking to replace a failed crop, establish late-season cover or provide valuable habitat for farmland birds and wildlife, our range of rescue crops offers practical options to help get your cover established.
View our range of Rescue Crop Mixtures
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options regarding rescue mixtures, please call our office on 01722 744494 or email sales@brightseeds.co.uk to speak with one of our advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions – Drought Tolerant & Rescue Crops
What can I plant now which will guarantee some form of cover?
While no crop can guarantee successful establishment, there are a number of fast-growing, resilient crops that can provide useful cover when conditions are challenging. Choosing the right species or mixture for your soil type, sowing date and available moisture is key.
What is a cost-effective recovery mix?
A cost-effective recovery mix should combine reliable, fast-establishing species that provide good value while helping to produce useful cover following a failed crop. The right mix will depend on your individual situation, including soil conditions and the time remaining in the growing season. Bright Seeds would suggest considering the following seed options Utopia or Keepers Relief.
Can I broadcast mustard into an existing cover?
Yes, mustard can be broadcast into an existing cover where conditions are suitable. It can be a useful option for adding additional growth and cover, particularly where the original crop has established thinly. Soil moisture and ground conditions should be considered before sowing.
Can rescue crops be broadcast?
Yes. A number of rescue crop mixtures and straights can be broadcast such as Keepers Relief and Mustard, making them a practical option for recovering failed or poorly established covers. Always check the recommended sowing rate and establishment requirements for the individual crop.
What should I do if my cover crop has failed because of drought?
Don’t assume the season is lost. Assess the existing cover and soil conditions, then consider a suitable rescue crop or straight that can be established within the remaining sowing window.
Are rescue crops suitable for farmland birds?
Yes. Rescue crops can help provide valuable cover, shelter and habitat for farmland birds, particularly where drought or other challenging conditions have resulted in poor establishment of the original cover crop. Establishing suitable cover can help support biodiversity through the winter months. Mixes like Autumn Promise, Keepers Relief, will qualify so long as they are established in time to produce seed.
Which rescue crop is right for my situation?
This will depend on your soil type, location, sowing date, moisture availability and the type of cover required. Bright Seeds offers a range of rescue crop mixtures and straights, allowing you to select an option suited to your particular conditions and objectives.