Cover Crop Series: Selby Flax
Selby Flax does not grow much biomass or make a large plant in our plots. However, it seems adapted to a wide range of environments, is quick to make a stand, and is tolerant of a wide range of growing temperatures from the heat of summer to slightly below freezing. Flax has many uses including linen, oil and health food. Seeding rate was 32 pounds per acre.
These plots were drill planted in 7.5 inch rows in a no-till seedbed on a Heiden clay soil May 15, 2017, at the Noble Research Institute Headquarters Farm in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Planting depth was about 1.5 inches. Seed was placed on top of soil moisture, and 2.33 inches of rain fell over the next three days. No fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides were applied to this crop. Rainfall was below average after establishment.
The Noble Research Institute is testing dozens of cover crop species with potential to help build soil health in the Southern Great Plains. This series features the cover crops we've grown on our Headquarters Farm in southern Oklahoma. These videos explore our results on establishment and growth, ground cover potential, and weed control for each crop.
