[{"question":"What is a tillage radish and how does it break up compacted soil?","answer":"Tillage radish (Raphanus sativus), also called daikon or forage radish, is a large-rooted brassica that penetrates compacted soil layers to a depth of 12-36 inches. The thick taproot (2-4 inches diameter) physically fractures hardpan and plow layers that restrict water movement and root growth. When the radish winterkills and decomposes, it leaves behind deep channels that improve drainage, aeration, and root penetration for the following crop—providing natural tillage without mechanical equipment."},{"question":"When should I plant tillage radish?","answer":"Plant tillage radish in late summer (mid-July through August) for zones 4-6, or August through September in zones 7-8. Tillage radish requires 60-90 days of growth before hard frost to develop full-sized roots. The root must reach 8-12+ inches before winterkill to provide maximum compaction relief. Spring planting is not recommended—tillage radish bolts to seed quickly in lengthening spring days, producing a flower stalk instead of a large root."},{"question":"What is the seeding rate for tillage radish?","answer":"Seed tillage radish at 8-10 lbs per acre broadcast, or 4-6 lbs per acre drilled in rows. For garden plots, use approximately 0.25 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. When mixed with other cover crops (cereal rye, crimson clover, oats), reduce to 2-4 lbs per acre. Plant spacing of 4-8 inches between plants produces the largest roots—overseeding at high rates produces many small roots rather than fewer large ones."},{"question":"Does tillage radish winterkill or come back in spring?","answer":"Tillage radish winterkills at temperatures below 20-25°F, which is the intended design. The root freezes, decomposes in place over winter, and leaves behind an open channel in the soil. By spring planting time, the decomposed root has created a ready-made hole for water infiltration and subsequent crop roots. In zones 7-8 where winters are mild, tillage radish may survive and bolt to seed in spring, which can become a weed issue."},{"question":"How deep do tillage radish roots grow?","answer":"Tillage radish roots typically penetrate 12-24 inches, with some reaching 36+ inches in loose or sandy soils. The thick main root (2-4 inch diameter) provides the mechanical compaction-breaking effect, while finer lateral roots scavenge nitrogen and other nutrients from the soil profile. A well-developed tillage radish can capture 100-200 lbs of residual nitrogen per acre from the root zone, preventing it from leaching into groundwater."},{"question":"Can you eat tillage radish like a regular daikon radish?","answer":"Tillage radish is technically edible when young and small, but cover crop varieties are bred for root size and soil penetration rather than flavor. Mature tillage radish roots become woody, fibrous, and strongly bitter. Young roots (harvested at 6-8 weeks before they become woody) are similar to daikon in flavor and can be used in cooking. As with Indian mustard, verify that cover crop seed is untreated if you intend to harvest for food use."},{"question":"What cover crops mix well with tillage radish?","answer":"Tillage radish pairs well with cereal rye (rye provides winter cover after radish winterkills), crimson clover (adds nitrogen fixation), oats (fast establishment and biomass), and hairy vetch (nitrogen fixation plus spring biomass). A popular three-way mix is tillage radish (4 lbs/acre) + cereal rye (40 lbs/acre) + crimson clover (8 lbs/acre). Avoid mixing with other large-rooted brassicas like turnips, as they compete for the same soil niche."}]
