Only a fraction of conventional row crop farmers grow cover crops after harvest, but a new global analysis from the University of Illinois shows the practice can boost soil microbial abundance by 27%. The result adds to cover crops’ reputation for nitrogen loss reduction, weed suppression, erosion control, and more.

As attention on water quality, sustainability, farm income levels, and rural quality of life grows every year, those of us who work in the soil and water conservation arena often wonder what will be required to get the majority of landowners to adopt even the most basic soil health practices. We live in the most altered landscape in the United States, we have nearly the smallest amount of forests and public lands of any state, and we have only half of the topsoil we had in the 1860s. Read more in this article from the Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA).

Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff explains why growing two different species of crops—one cash crop and one cover crop--can be beneficial to your bottom line. Often, planting multiple crop species together can cause both species to grow better, especially if the cover crop is a legume. Find out more about this uncommon practice in this week’s podcast.

Our soils are in trouble. Over the past century, we’ve abused them with plowing, tilling and too much fertilizer. Read more in this article from the Greeneville Sun (Greeneville, TN).

Almost everyone agrees that phosphorus (P) in surface water is a major issue. Cover crops reduce P loads in both the surface water and sediment losses. Find out more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

A common question when incorporating cover crops into a production system is, will the cover crop interfere with the performance of residual herbicides included with the burndown treatment? This article from Iowa State University Extension will discuss the fate of residual herbicides applied to crop residue and living cover crops, and how this may influence herbicide effectiveness.

Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff explains how to discuss with skeptical growers on why they should use covers, how to manage a controversial discussion, how economics fit into the conversation and more.

Rainfall is scarce throughout New Mexico, which is hard on soil and crops. Farmers can’t change the weather, but they can change how they manage soil to retain more water and grow flavorful, high-nutrient produce. Read more in this article from the Albuquerque Journal.

Cover crops, row covers, mulches and other tools can help onion growers control one of their worst pests without using insecticides. The allium leafminer, native to Europe, was first discovered in Lancaster County in 2015 and has since expanded across the Mid-Atlantic. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.