Cover Crop Nutrition Plan

Cover Crop Nutrition Plan Using Ferticell® Products



Cover crops are foundational to soil health and regenerative farming systems. When strategically managed with biologically active inputs like those from Ferticell®, cover crops can go beyond soil protection to actively improve nutrient cycling, water retention, organic matter levels, and microbial biomass. By integrating select Ferticell® products, farmers can increase biomass yields, enhance root penetration, and stimulate rhizosphere biology without compromising organic integrity.

1. Pre-Planting Soil Conditioning Apply Ferticell® Calcium 880™ at 1–2 quarts/acre via irrigation or soil drench 7–10 days prior to planting. This high-purity, algae-complexed calcium formulation is particularly beneficial for heavy clays, compacted soils, or fields with salinity or sodium accumulation. Calcium 880™ displaces sodium in the soil colloid and promotes flocculation, improving water infiltration and creating a favorable seedbed.
   Suggested Crops: Winter rye, triticale, daikon radish, crimson clover, or mixed species blends in poorly drained or tilled soils.
2. Germination and Early Establishment Apply Ferticell® Universal™ at 1–2 quarts/acre as a foliar spray at the 1–2 leaf stage. Universal delivers freshwater algae, organic acids, and amino acids that support early metabolic activation and rapid root growth. This is especially valuable when planting into cool soils or when fast canopy establishment is needed to suppress weeds.
   Suggested Crops: Annual ryegrass, oats, hairy vetch, or multispecies cocktail mixes needing quick emergence.
3. Biomass Accumulation & Nitrogen Cycling During vigorous vegetative growth, apply Ferticell® Active™ 13-2-2 in a solution at 1–2 quarts/acre to support biomass gains and stimulate microbial nitrogen transformations. This soy protein-based nitrogen source provides plant-available N in a non-burning, low-salt format that also feeds rhizosphere organisms. Active 13-2-2 is ideal for driving shoot and root growth without lodging.
   Suggested Crops: Sudan grass, cowpea, sunn hemp, or cereal-legume combinations aimed at maximizing residue production.
4. Mid-Season Resilience Management If the cover crop encounters environmental stress (e.g., heat, drought, saline irrigation), foliar apply Ferticell® Nutri-Plus™ 2.5-0-0 at 1 quart/acre. Its 42+ amino compounds enhance osmotic balance, preserve
   photosynthetic capacity, and maintain soil-root exudation. This application helps the cover crop persist longer and function more effectively as a biological bridge.
   Suggested Crops: Sorghum-sudangrass, buckwheat, ryegrass—especially under dryland or marginal conditions.
5. Termination or Mechanical Roll-Down Apply Ferticell® ProCal™ 3-0-0 at 1–2 lbs/acre 7–10 days before termination. The high-calcium formulation promotes cell wall rigidity and improved dry matter content, allowing the cover crop to crimp or roll effectively. Calcium-rich residues also recycle valuable cations back into the soil and support future crop resilience.
   Suggested Crops: Cereal rye, triticale, hairy vetch, or rye/vetch mixes used in no-till or roller-crimp systems.

Benefits of a Ferticell-Enhanced Cover Crop Program – Our organic certified products support full organic compliance and enhances use of conventional inputs.

• Better root penetration and early vigor from calcium and algae blends.
• Enhanced nitrogen cycling from slow-release, plant-derived nitrogen sources.
• Greater tolerance to weather extremes due to amino-acid biostimulation.
• Increased biomass and dry matter for weed suppression and erosion control.
• Improved soil microbial activity and long-term nutrient cycling.

Strategic Considerations Using Ferticell® inputs with cover crops accelerates the short- and long-term benefits of regenerative practices. With each application, you’re not only feeding the plant but also improving the soil microbiome, reducing salt buildup, and creating a more resilient system for the next cash crop. This program is highly adaptable and should be customized based on crop selection, climate, and termination strategy.

For growers aiming to integrate cover crops into nutrient budgets, Ferticell® offers a better option to maximize return on biomass investment while advancing soil health objectives.