Cover Crop Name:
Mustard
Scientific Name:
Brassica sp. L.
Growth Season:
Cool Season
Plant Type:
Broadleaf
Life Cycle:
Annual, Perennial
Plant Architecture:
Upright and spreading plant architecture
Relative Water Use:
Low water use
Salinity Tolerance:
Poor salinity tolerance
Seeding Depth:
¼ – ½ inch
Crude Protein:
hay 10%, grain 24-35%
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:
10 – 30
Mycorrhizal Association:
Does not form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations
Nitrogen Scavenger Rating:
Rated ‘good’ at scavenging nitrogen from the soil
Other Notes:
Major types: Indian, Oriental, brown, yellow
  • Related to crambe
Plants from the Brassica group have potential to release compounds or metabolic by-products that work as bio-toxins against bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, and weeds
  • Flowers may attract pollinators
Crop Image
Crop Illustration