Cool Season Annual
Radish is a fast growing Brassica broadleaf. There are two main types of radish: oilseed and forage. Oilseed radish is a grain variety, bolting quicker than a forage type. Forage types will have a stronger tap root and more top growth. In its vegetative stage, basal leaves rosette. When it become reproductive, it is an upright stem. The basal leaves have a tight C:N ratio, while when it bolts, the C:N ratio widens. Radish will bolt after forty days if not grazed or clipped. Plants are high protein, high relative feed value, and low fibre. After the plant is cut, the plant will attempt to bolt again after twenty to thirty days. From on farm experiments, roots will grow two to three centimeters (about one inch) per day through peak growing season, and 165 cm (65”) of tap root growth in sixty days. In the fall, roots will drive down about one centimeter (half an inch) per day. The tuber will develop slowly through the growing season as they try to bolt. In the fall, as they are attempting to set up to overwinter, they produce a larger tuber. They have good fall frost tolerance. Salinity tolerance is moderate, and water use is fairly high. They do not tolerant low soil fertility. Regrowth is fast if clipped. Germination is quick and will germinate faster than volunteer canola, even if broadcasted. Roots exert high pressure through the soil (recorded at 290 psi), breaking up hard pan.
Seeds per pound: 30,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 0.8
Uses:
- Erosion control
- Soil builder
- Breaks up hardpan
- Nitrogen scavenger
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Hay potential
- Biofumigant
Strengths:
- Strong tap root
- quick growth
- fast regrowth
- nutrient scavenger
Concerns:
Requires fertile soil, susceptible to flea beetle damage. Being a Brassica, can be a bridge for disease and insect pest for canola.
Grazing:
Excellent. Requires grass, legumes, or add straw to graze.
Hay:
Good. Requires grass component to assist in dry down.
Mycorrhizal support? No
