Buckwheat

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a fast-growing, broadleaf crop often used for cover crops, forage, and wildlife food plots. It is especially valuable for improving soil health, attracting pollinators, and providing food for birds and small game.

Benefits for Wildlife

✔ High in protein and carbohydrates, offering nutritious food for wildlife, especially birds and small mammals.
✔ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
✔ Provides quick, seasonal forage and seed availability in late summer to fall.
✔ Helps with weed suppression due to its dense canopy.

Planting Guidelines

• Planting Times:

  • Spring/Summer: Plant after the danger of frost has passed (typically April–June).
  • Late Summer/Fall: Can also be planted in late July–August for quick fall forage.

• Seeding Depth:

  • ½ to 1 inch deep (shallow planting helps with germination).

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 40–50 lbs per acre (for more uniform spacing and growth).
  • Broadcast: 50–60 lbs per acre, followed by light dragging or cultipacking for seed-to-soil contact.

• Days to Maturity:

  • 60–90 days to harvest (depending on the growing conditions and variety).

• Drought Tolerance:

  • Moderate – Can tolerate short periods of drought but performs best with consistent moisture.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low – Prefers well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low to Moderate – Requires full sun for optimal growth but can tolerate some light shading.

Fertilization Guidelines for Buckwheat

• Soil pH: Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5–7.0.
• Nitrogen (N): Typically does not need additional nitrogen.
• Phosphorus (P): 20–40 lbs P₂O₅ per acre, based on soil test results, for better root development.
• Potassium (K): 30–60 lbs K₂O per acre to support growth, especially on low-potassium soils.
  

Fertilization Timing:

• Apply phosphorus and potassium before planting or as a pre-plant application.
  

Herbicide Use for Buckwheat

• Weed Management:

  • Buckwheat grows quickly, helping to shade out weeds, but may still require herbicide use for early weed control.
  • Pre-emergence herbicides can be used to control annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds.

• Herbicides for Buckwheat:

  • Glyphosate (Roundup) can be used for burn-down prior to planting in no-till situations.
  • Prowl (Pendimethalin) and Sonalan (Ethalfluralin) may be used pre-emergence to control grasses and some broadleaves.

Key Considerations:

• Always read herbicide labels for compatibility and timing.
• Use minimal herbicides as buckwheat grows quickly and provides good natural weed suppression.