Editors' Picks - Articles

Seeding the Promise & Potential of Cover Crop Adoption

The second-annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study found that most growers have only used covers for less than 5 years, though average acres covered are up year-over-year.

By Sarah Hill posted on May 18, 2021 | Posted in Economics

More and more growers are seizing the numerous benefits that cover crops can provide. Growers are also finding additional ways to make cover crops put more money in their pockets. The results of the second annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study support both statements.

Options Abound for No-Tilling Cover Crops

May 14, 2021 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Crescent News

Farmers have several planting options, depending on whether they are conventional tillage farmers or planting no-till with cover crops. What options farmers choose and their success may depend upon soil and moisture planting conditions. Read more in this article from the Crescent News (Defiance, OH).

National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive

Maximizing Moisture with Precision Management Practices

Alabama no-tiller Annie Dee discusses her ROI-boosting commitment to irrigation technology at the National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive, June 23-24.

May 14, 2021

In 2011, Annie Dee built a pond and put in an irrigation pivot so she could water the crops at critical junctures during the growing season. That year ended up being a drought, but corn was at $7-$7.80 per bushel.

Tradeoffs When Terminating Cover Crops

May 12, 2021 | Posted in Termination

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

A fall-planted cereal rye cover crop can have both positive and negative impacts, for example by tying up nitrogen, reducing soil moisture prior to planting, increasing insect pressure, reducing weed pressure, reducing soil erosion and allelopathy. The spring rains in 2021 and warming soil temperatures are encouraging cereal rye and wheat cover crops to take off. Read more in this article from University of Nebraska Extension.

National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive

Investing in an Organic No-Till Evolution to Increase Profitability

Indiana no-tiller Rick Clark shares how a commitment to “getting uncomfortable” and a transition to organic practices at the National No-Tillage Conference Summer Intensive, June 23-24.

May 11, 2021

No-tilling and organic practices were once thought to be incompatible. But improvements in technology and the re-emergence of cover crops means some growers, like Rick Clark, are taking advantage of price premiums available on the rapidly growing organic market.

Cover Crop Termination Study Shows Good Control of Winter Annual Weeds

May 10, 2021 | Posted in Termination

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

Cover crops can serve as a useful tool of an integrated weed management program. Research at the University of Nebraska has shown that cover crops such as cereal rye can provide good control of winter annual weeds and other troublesome species like horseweed, and also provide early-season suppression of summer annual weeds like waterhemp.

Cover Crops Can Manage Residual Herbicides

May 7, 2021 | Posted in Termination

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

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 the University of Nebraska will discuss the fate of residual herbicides applied to crop residue and living cover crops, and how this may influence herbicide effectiveness.

Lessons Learned from 2012 Drought Could Mitigate 2021 Issues

May 5, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

With much of the U.S. facing conditions similar to those of the 2012 drought, a look back at lessons learned suggests adjusting management plans may help protect yields and increase resilience.

Soil Health, Cover Crops Can Improve Asparagus Crop

May 5, 2021 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Lancaster Farming

Longevity is a hallmark with an asparagus crop, and once the plants are in the soil they can keep producing for 20 years or more. Preparing for the perennial crop to remain productive for such a long stretch is imperative, and it all begins with increasing the organic matter in soil before the asparagus roots take hold. Read more in this article from Lancaster Farming.