CP1 — Introduced Grasses & Legumes
USDA CP1 cool-season grass and legume mix for erosion control on highly erodible cropland.
CP1 is the USDA's introduced grasses and legumes practice — a cool-season cover blend built to stabilize highly erodible cropland fast. Our CP1 mix pairs orchardgrass, smooth brome, and timothy with alfalfa and clovers to establish quickly, hold soil, and provide grazing-quality forage where allowed under contract.
At a glance
- Seeding rate
- 10–14 lbs/acre
- Coverage / sizes
- Sold by the acre; ½ acre and full acre bags standard
- When to plant
- Late summer (Aug–Sep) or early spring (Mar–Apr) for cool-season establishment.
- Site fit
- Highly erodible cropland across the Midwest, Northeast, and Upper Plains.
Highlights
- Cool-season grass backbone: orchardgrass, smooth brome, timothy
- Alfalfa and clover component for nitrogen fixation
- Meets USDA CP1 introduced grasses & legumes spec
- Fast establishment for erosion control
Common use cases
- — CP1 CRP contracts on highly erodible cropland
- — Erosion control on retired fields
- — Cool-season forage cover where contract permits
FAQ
How is CP1 different from CP2?
CP1 uses introduced cool-season grasses and legumes for fast erosion control. CP2 uses native warm-season grasses for deeper roots and long-term wildlife value.
Can I hay or graze a CP1 stand?
Only when your CRP contract and county FSA office allow it — typically during managed haying and grazing windows.
Recommended in these states
CP1 — Introduced Grasses & Legumes appears in our state guides for the regions below. Jump straight to this mix's card on the state guide.
Dormant seeding from December through mid-March is the most dependable approach on the eastern plains, letting seed sit until spring moisture arrives. Spring seeding in April and May works when soil moisture is adequate; avoid dry summer plantings.
Dormant seeding from late October through March is the standard across Montana — winter cold stratifies native seed and spring snowmelt drives germination. Early-spring seeding in April is a workable second option; summer seeding rarely succeeds.
Dormant seeding from late October through March is the standard, using winter to stratify seed and snowmelt to trigger germination. Spring seeding is possible in April on sites with stored soil moisture.
Related mixes
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