Cover crops are used to address multiple resource concerns and can provide a wide range of conservation benefits including reduced soil erosion, scavenged residual soil nitrogen, weed suppression, and supplemental livestock forage. The carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the cover crop determines the durability of the cover crop residue.

South Dakota’s drought is bad and getting worse. And a new, long-range forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers little hope for green pastures ahead. West central rancher Dan Rasmussen says the drought is going to hurt, no matter what, but offers advice on how to prepare for the challenge ahead.

To meet the requirements of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, there is a critical need for crop production strategies with less reliance on irrigation from surface and groundwater sources. One strategy for improving agricultural water use efficiency is reducing tillage and maintaining residues on the soil surface. This study evaluates high residue no-till versus standard tillage in the San Joaquin Valley with and without cover crops on the yields of two crops, garbanzo and sorghum, for 4 years. 

From lessons learned getting a system established to incorporating a comprehensive cover cropping program, the 9th annual event will provide strategic strip-till knowledge for beginner and veteran strip-tillers.

Cover crop use increased by 11% across the Northarvest area in 2021 compared with 2020, according to the 2021 Dry Bean Grower Survey of Production, Pest Problems and Pesticide Use survey.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created uncertainty in global grain exports. This uncertainty has and likely will continue to result in short-term opportunity for US corn exports. This article conducts scenario analysis around US corn prices, examining plausible “what-if” events and predicting possible outcomes. Scenario analysis can provide a better understanding of upside opportunities as well as downside risks. A better understanding of the potential outcomes of these events can help in planning and managing should they occur.

Promoting early season plant cover, primarily through the use of cover crops, can be more effective at reducing pest density and crop damage than insecticide applications, according to a Penn State-led team of researchers.

In a newly published study, the researchers suggest that the best pest management outcomes may occur when growers encourage biological control — in the form of pests' natural enemies — by planting cover crops and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides as much as possible.

From the depths of a soil pit, it’s clear how cover crops benefit overall soil health. Michael Patin, a district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Jamie Patton, senior outreach specialist of nutrient and pest management at the University of Wisconsin, share how cover crops can improve your soil health.