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Soil test results provide valuable information when selecting cover crops to be planted. These key guidelines should be considered.

• Fertilizer nutrients and lime recommendations should be focused on the cash crop following the cover crop termination unless planted for seed production. Soil pH level is the key factor in growing systems, affecting microbial activity, nutrient availability and root growth. If lime is recommended, this should be applied prior to planting. You should use dolomitic limestone if the soil test indicates medium or lower magnesium levels. It is important that the pH preference for selected cover crop species or mixes coincides with the pH range for the subsequent cash crop.

• When selecting cool-season legume cover crops, remember that winter peas, vetch and clovers are more sensitive to low pH soils than cereals. Clovers and other legumes prefer pH levels near 6.0 or higher.

• For cereal cover crops planted for seed production, such as wheat, oats, rye, triticale and mixes of these, consult the guidelines in the LSU AgCenter’s Soil Test Information Sheet NO. C-100 for specific recommendations.

• Be sure to follow reliable soil testing procedures, collecting representative samples at the correct depths based on the crops being grown. Sampling is advised to be performed around the same time each year to recognize trends.

• It is advisable to utilize the same laboratory for testing each year so that results are comparable. The lab should provide high-quality, accurate results from appropriate, certified, analytical methods and recommendations that are unbiased and research based.

• Contact your parish agent for additional assistance with your sampling and fertilization program. Because the LSU Soil Laboratory automatically sends a copy to the parish agent, they will have it available for any related consultations.

Authors: James Hendrix, Anna Orfanou

P4006
8/20/2025

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