Buckwheat (Mancan)

Buckwheat is a rapidly establishing summer crop with the ability to suppress weeds and cover the soil. If you need a workhorse to attract beneficial insects and pollinators, buckwheat fills this role exceptionally. This species can be used in a low residue, winterkill, pollinator or summer soil builder mix. Buckwheat's claim to fame is through its known ability to extract phosphorous and other nutrients from the soil and render them more available for the next crop.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Buckwheats vigorous growth habits make it an exceptional choice for a quick establishing crop with superior weed suppression. This is your crop if you desire a crop that flowers quickly and for extended periods of time. Flowering can occur in the first three weeks of growth and continue on for ten weeks. These flowers attract a large array of beneficial and pollinator insects. If soil moisture usage is a concern then buckwheat is a good choice. Buckwheat uses about half as much water as a soybean crop.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

Buckwheat planted alone can increase soil erosion due to how loose it makes the top soil and its low C:N ratio doesn't leave much residue. This species has been known to become a weed if allowed to go to seed. To prevent seed production, termination of crop must occur within 7-10 days of the first signs flowering. Buckwheat is not encouraged as a hay/forage crop but has been used successfully in mixes. The first frost or flood event will terminate and/or stunt most of the buckwheat stand.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent

A suggested drilled planting rate is 30-70 lbs/A of pure live seed, at a planting depth of 1/2" to 1 1/2". Seed can be broadcast but it's highly suggested to lightly incorporate the seed. Best results will be achieved with drilling the seed. If you desire to use buckwheat as a nurse crop then plant at 1/4 or 1/3 the full planting rate. Emergence will occur in 3-7 days after planting. The soil needs to be a minimum of 50F for buckwheat to germinate. Buckwheat will reach maturity within 8-10 weeks. If flowering is a concern then plant buckwheat a month before the first expected frost date.

Buckwheat does best in a well drained, loam textured soil. Growth could be hampered in poorly drained, heavy textured or compacted soils. Buckwheat is known to perform better in low fertility soils than cereal crops. This species has historically been planted on newly cleared or over farmed lands to rejuvenate the soil. The first presence of frost will terminate the crop. Buckwheat is not a crop known to handle a drought very well, due to its shallow root base.

*Based on a 1-10 scale. 1 = Poor : 5 = Average : 10 = Excellent