Although daikon radish is regarded as an ethnic vegetable, and is not often present in food markets in the U.S., there is a growing interest in planting daikon radish as a fall cover crop because of its multiple agronomic benefits. Thanks to the strong and deep tap roots, daikon radish has been approved as an effective tool to reduce soil compaction. Studies have shown that it was four times more effective to help corn roots to penetrate compacted subsoil than winter fallow, and two times more effective than a rye cover crop. Daikon radish is also a great tool for weed suppression. A well-established daikon radish field can eliminate weed emergence in the fall and winter. The fast growth and heavy nitrogen feeding characteristics make Daikon radish a desirable N scavenger. After winter kill, daikon radish decomposes rapidly. Because they do not need to be killed or incorporated, there is no delay in spring field operations. However, as nitrogen from decomposed daikon radish is released in a short period of time, it is important to plant crops early to take advantage of the flush of nitrogen and to prevent nitrogen leaching.

Click on images below to see related articles:

Cover Crops & Integrated Weed Management                 Hollowheart of Watermelons