I'm trying an experiment growing a plot in an area that was reclaimed by the DNR several years ago. The soil is mainly gravel beneath the thin top soil. The buckwheat was planted in May. Today we planted the soybeans. Check out the blog to see photos of the tall growth of buckwheat and the video. All Things Whitetail - ATW Blog Thanks, Andy
Yes this will work, also known as cover cropping. Some observations after watching your video. Try planting some rye/crimson clover in fall or spring barley/forage peas/buckwheat in spring (given you don't want to kick deer going to stands). The more crop residue you get on that the better luck you will have as moisture conservation will be very important. The more diverse mixes will also help cycle nutrients faster and build soil in the area. Last point, you mowed the buckwheat before seeding the soybeans....consider the other way around....seed the beans first then mow the buckwheat off. You'll get better seed to soil contact, moisture will last longer and seedlings will have a better chance to root after a rain. Ideally a no-till drill would insert the beans and will take the ground good enough to do an adequate job. Beans will but don't really like to sprout and grow laying on top of the ground.
