Daikon Radish

Description

Radish has long been used for cover crops and livestock forage. Daikon forage radish has a very large taproot. The fine root hairs along the taproot have been documented to reach as far as six feet deep in the soil. Radish is especially useful in suppressing weeds, breaking up shallow layers of compacted soils which promote deeper rooting by subsequent crops and increases water

Daikon Radishes grow to form thick, yellow-white tap roots that can reach lengths of 8-14 inches. Most of the radish is underground. Daikon Radish have proven to efficiently break up shallow layers of compacted soils. Many have nicknamed Daikon Radishes “biodrills” or “tillage radishes.” The advantages of using daikon radish seed as a cover crop doesn’t stop there. As the roots die over the winter they add nutrients and leave channels so that the soil dries and warms up faster in the spring.

Above ground biomass from August planting can approach 8,000-10,000 lbs/ac (dry weight) after two9 months of growth. The residue from radish decomposes rapidly resulting in less mobilization of nitrogen and prepares a relatively clean seedbed for no-till planting. During warm spells in winter, rotting radish residues produce a strong, rotten egg-like odor. Radish generally tolerate cold temperatures to around 10 °F but August plantings have stayed partially green well into December and January at the Aberdeen, Idaho Plant Materials Center when day time temperatures are usually below 25°F. To maximize root growth, drilling in rows is preferred. Broadcasting radish at higher seeding rates, limits root growth because plants tend to be spaced closer together but broadcasting creates a dense canopy for suppressing weeds. The full seeding rate for radish is 6-8 lbs/ac and 0.25-0.75 inch seeding depth. Drilling gives a much better stand, so broadcasting should be reserved for when the soil is too wet to drill.  Use daikon radish seeds on smooth seedbed, well-drained but with adequate moisture. For best results, roll the ground after seeding to improve contact. Plant 4-10 weeks before frost. (Late August is ideal. Early September in warm sites.