A Versatile Crop for Weed Control and Soil Health
By Glenn Coleman
A Farm’s Journey to Organic Buckwheat
I grew up on a dairy farm in Beckwith Township in the 1960s. Eventually, the family business transitioned from dairy to beef farming. When I started farming here in 1987, I had cattle and grew corn and barley to feed them. My goal at the time was to be self-sufficient, producing my own feed rather than relying on outside sources.
After several years, I got out of cattle and shifted to full cash cropping. At the time, spraying was the standard practice, and I followed that approach. But the more I worked the land, the more I started questioning the long-term effects of these chemicals, not just on the soil and the environment, but on my own health.
I had personally experienced burns from the sprays we were using, which made me ask: if these chemicals can damage my skin, what are they doing inside our bodies? That realization started me on the path to organic farming in the early 2000s.
Without chemical sprays, I had to rethink my entire approach to farming. I turned to crop rotation as a natural way to manage weeds and rebuild soil health. We needed a system that worked with the land, not against it.
Buckwheat became a key part of that system. It was a cheap crop to plant, which was helpful as a young farmer just starting out, and we could see that it fed the soil. As I worked up the land and rotated in buckwheat, the weeds gradually disappeared, and the soil structure improved.
Many farmers didn’t take organic seriously at the time. When I told people I was making the switch, they thought it was a joke. But the more I worked the land, the more I could see the benefits firsthand. A neighbouring farmer once walked into my organic soybean field and was shocked at how many insects were present. He had been dealing with pest issues, but my field had natural predators keeping things in balance. This was one of the first signs that organic farming was working.
Why Grow Organic Buckwheat?
1. Natural Weed Suppression
Buckwheat germinates fast and quickly creates a dense canopy, out-competing weeds and reducing the need for excessive tillage. Weed control was one of the biggest challenges in the early days of our farm. Buckwheat helped significantly.
2. Soil Health Benefits
Buckwheat’s root system helps loosen compacted soils and improve moisture retention. It also pulls up phosphorus from the soil, making it more available for the next crop. Unlike corn, which depletes the soil, buckwheat gives back. That’s why it’s often called a ‘scavenger crop.’
3. Pollinators & Unexpected Benefits
Buckwheat attracts bees, but flies pollinate it too, often outnumbering the bees. Beekeepers have contacted me about placing hives near my fields because of how much organic buckwheat benefits their honey production.
4. Short Growing Season & Low Inputs
Buckwheat matures in about 77 days, making it an excellent option for filling in rotation gaps. I typically plant it mid-June, after early-season crops have been harvested or if a wet spring has delayed planting. It requires no additional nitrogen and grows well on poorer soils, making it an ideal low-input crop for organic systems.
Best Practices for Organic Buckwheat Production
Planting & Rotation Considerations
- Timing: Buckwheat is best planted in mid-June after the soil has warmed up. Most crops go in by early May, but buckwheat grows quickly and needs less time.
- Rotation: I never grow buckwheat (or any other crop) back-to-back. Instead, I rotate buckwheat with rye, wheat, red clover, or soybeans to maintain soil health. I usually follow buckwheat with rye, since rye can be planted right after harvest.
- Seed Rate: I plant about 50 lbs per acre, which provides good weed suppression and seed production. On average, you can expect to harvest about half a tonne per acre, though yields may be higher under ideal conditions.
Managing Weeds and Soil Fertility
- Soil Preparation & Weed Management: Since buckwheat is planted in mid-June, many weeds may have already started growing. A light tilling before planting helps eliminate these weeds without excessive soil disturbance. Buckwheat does best in a well-prepared but lightly worked seedbed, allowing it to establish quickly and suppress weeds on its own.
- Straw incorporation: After harvest, I always return the buckwheat straw to the field to feed the soil and maintain organic matter. Unlike most cover crops, I don’t plow buckwheat under at the bloom stage—I wait until I’ve harvested the seed, then return the straw for nitrogen.
Harvesting & Storage
- Swathing vs. Direct Combining: Buckwheat is cut when about 90% of the bloom has turned to seed (only 10% of flowers have yet to open), left to dry in windrows, and then picked up by the combine. Swathing is common because buckwheat stems remain green, making direct combining more difficult.
- Avoiding Shatter Losses: If left too long, buckwheat seeds will shatter and drop. Proper timing ensures higher yields.
- Storage Risks: Buckwheat must be stored with proper air circulation to prevent it from heating and molding. Even if it feels dry at harvest, running air through it for the first few days is essential to maintain quality.
Market Opportunities for Organic Buckwheat
My buckwheat is sold through contracted buyers, ensuring a stable market. There’s more demand for organic buckwheat in the U.S. than in Canada, but U.S. trade policy may limit access to this market this year. In the past, I have sold directly to local customers for gardening use. If you’re considering growing buckwheat, securing a buyer before planting is crucial. Without a contract, you could end up with a barn full of unsold buckwheat.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
- Organic certification requires a three-year transition before crops can be sold as organic.
- Recordkeeping is a major part of organic farming. Every time I touch a field – whether it’s tilling, planting, or picking stones – I have to document it. While it’s extra work, it also helps track what’s working and make better decisions for future crops.
- Buckwheat dust can cause “buckwheat fever” – a nasty, itchy rash from handling stored grain. I’ve had it myself. Once it starts, there’s not much you can do but wait it out. The best thing is to wear the right gear and try to keep the dust off your skin.
Final Thoughts: Is Buckwheat Right for Your Farm?
For organic farmers looking to improve soil, reduce weed pressure, and add a short-season crop to their rotation, buckwheat is an excellent option. It requires minimal inputs, matures quickly, and helps build soil health.
If you’re new to buckwheat, I recommend starting with a small acreage to see how it fits into your system. Over the years, it has become an essential tool on my farm, and I wouldn’t be without it.
Glenn Coleman
Beckwith, ON
colemantire@storm.ca