Non-leguminous broadleaf cover crops

Non-leguminous broadleaf cover crops (sometimes called forbs) are often species in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. Common non-leguminous broadleaf cover crop species include mustard (Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba), rapeseed/canola (Brassica napus), and turnip (Brassica rapa). However, other broadleaf species outside these groups may also be suitable depending on a farmer’s specific agronomic goals (MCCC, 2014). Other common non-leguminous broadleaf cover crop species include: buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), oilseed/forage radish (Raphanus sativus), and winter camelina (Camelina sativa). This group may also contain such species as fax (Linum usitatissimum), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Adding non-leguminous broadleaf species to a cover crop rotation introduces new plant families that can boost overall system diversity and resilience.