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
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.
- No later than 30-35 days after emergence, chop mustard as finely as possible.
- Immediately incorporate into soil.
- 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.**
- 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.
- 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:
- At the first sign of flowering, typically 30-35 days after emergence, chop mustard as finely as possible
- Immediately incorporate into soil
- 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.**
- 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.
- 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
- Always Non-GMO Project verified
- Grows well in cooler climates
- Proven effective by 25 years of independent research and on-farm results
- Seed grown on Pacific Northwest family farms
- Non-toxic and safe to use around children & pets