Kodiak

Nematode trap crop that produces the largest volume of biomass.

Primary actions:

Biofumigation and nematode trap crop

  • Sinigrin glucosinolates (a.k.a. Allyl or 2-Propenyl) reduce pathogens & some harmful nematodes
  • Produces high volumes of targeted glucosinolates and biomass

Secondary actions:

Soil health

  • Captures & recycles soil nutrients
  • Improves soil aeration & water penetration
  • Reduces wind & water erosion
  • Crowds out broadleaf weeds
  • Blossoms attract beneficial pollinators
  • Trap crop for crucifer flea beetles and cabbage aphids

Technical Data Sheet

Mighty Mustard® Planting & Termination Guidelines

Primary glucosinolate (GSL): Sinigrin (a.k.a. Allyl or 2-propenyl).
Approximated seed count: 180,000 seeds/lb. Varies by lot.

Seeding rates for monocrop:

  • 10-15 lbs/acre or .5 lbs per 1,000 square feet
  • (Please note that Kodiak seeds are slightly larger than alfalfa seeds. Drill setting should be a bit tighter than alfalfa, although the alfalfa or canola setting should be sufficient)

Seeding rates for cover crop cocktail:

  • 3-6 pounds per acre for a cocktail of three or more crops. Mighty Mustard® is highly competitive, hence the need to reduce the seeding rate
  • If you want the mustard to play a more dominant role in the blend, increase the seeding rate
  • Tip: Higher seeding rates yield smaller stems and roots that decompose more quickly when incorporated

Planting depth: 1/4-3/4 inch
Ideal soil: Excels in well-drained soils within a pH range of 5-8
Emergence: 5-10 days
Flower start: 35-40 days, depending on soil temperature and growing-degree days.

Estimated plant height in optimal growing conditions:

  • 4 to 6-week growth period: 1 to 2 feet
  • 8 to 12-week period: 6 to 7 feet at full bloom
  • Estimated biomass: 5 to 6 tons per acre

Mustards are a 14:1, C:N ratio. With a low C:N ratio, such as a mustard crop, you could see a surplus of N in the soil, a benefit we tout for nutrient recycling with the incorporation of a brassica cover crop.

Nitrogen(N): Consider soil test results prior to application. Best to apply pre-plant or at time of seeding with direct seeding system. If soil is N deficient, apply at rates of 50-80 lbs/acre.

Sulfur: Because sulfur is a major element of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, we recommend maintaining a 6:1 ratio of nitrogen to sulfur to maximize biomass growth and glucosinolate production. May be edited Nematode suppression protocol: Mustards are host plants to some nematodes. Follow the termination protocol to maximize biofumigation impact.

  1. No later than 30-35 days after emergence, chop mustard as finely as possible.
  2. Immediately incorporate into soil.
  3. Immediately water and roll soil to activate and seal glucosinolates. **The incorporation process is time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to complete all the actions in one day. DON’T leave a trash layer of mustard organic matter on top of the soil.**
    1. PLEASE NOTE that moisture is key, as the glucosinolates are short-lived, so you need to release them into the soil ASAP to suppress nematodes.
  4. Allow three weeks between time of incorporation and the planting of your next crop.

Always check herbicide plant-back restrictions prior to planting Mighty Mustard®.

How to plant:

Work up the ground to a good, moist seedbed.  Sprinkle or broadcast seeds onto the surface and lightly till or harrow them into soil, to a depth of about 1 inch. Follow immediately with light irrigation. Plants will not emerge if soil crusts. If it is seeded shallow, with good moisture and soil temperatures above 50° Fahrenheit, your mustard plants should emerge within 4 to 5 days.

Optimal growing temperatures:

5-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures will result in a slower rate of growth. Mustard will winter-kill at sustained temperatures of 26 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.

Irrigation requirements:

Water as necessary. If you are growing the mustard to full bloom, total water needs should be about 7 to 8 inches of irrigation. Warmer temperatures increase water requirements.

How and when to incorporate Mighty Mustard® into your soil:

  1. At the first sign of flowering, typically 30-35 days after emergence, chop mustard as finely as possible
  2. Immediately incorporate into soil
  3. Immediately water and roll soil to activate and seal glucosinolates. **The incorporation process is time-sensitive, so it’s crucial to complete all the actions in one day.**
    1. PLEASE NOTE that moisture is key, as the glucosinolates are short-lived, so you need to release them into the soil ASAP to improve biofumigation potential.
  4. Allow three weeks between time of incorporation and the planting of your next crop.

Estimated plant height in optimal growing conditions:

  • 4 to 6-week growth period: 1 to 2 feet
  • 8 to 12-week period: 6 to 7 feet at full bloom
  • Estimated biomass: 5 to 6 tons per acre

Proven effective in the following crop rotations:

  • Potatoes
  • Row crop fruits and vegetables
  • Corn & soybean
  • Grain
  • Vineyards

>Visit our research page for replicated trial results.

  • Kodiak may be used as a trap crop for some harmful nematodes, flea leaf beetles and cabbage aphids.
  • Before planting any cover crop, consult with your agronomist to learn how it will impact disease and pest pressure. Always check herbicide plant-back restrictions prior to planting Mighty Mustard®.
Where to Buy:

View our list of distributors here:

If you’re unable to locate a store or distributor in your area, call Matt or Kim at (509) 487-0755. We’ll connect you to one of our trusted Mighty Mustard® dealers.

The Mighty Mustard® Guarantee:
  • We provide full transparency from our farms to your fields
  • Independent lab analysis provided for every lot, so you know exactly what’s in the bag
  • We offer customized agronomy support
  • Guaranteed to be Certified, untreated, PVP planting seed
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