Nematodes. Some types of these microscopic roundworms can be beneficial, but some are also parasites, causing serious damage to plant roots or even killing crops. There has been some research published about the ability of cover crops to manage plant-parasitic nematodes, since the roundworms can only move very short distances on their own.

Although many of you are probably still wrapping up harvest, it isn’t too early to start thinking ahead and planning for next year’s growing season. If you’re wanting to plant cover crops on rented ground next year, this is an ideal time to have a conversation with your landlord about what you’re planning to do and why.

Managing nutrients in the soil or eliminating waste to keep soils and waterways healthy is not just the right thing to do; it also helps build the soil so it can be healthier. Do you know a no-tiller or strip-tiller who does a great job with nutrient management in their operation?

If you’re looking for a cover crop that also can serve as a cash crop, then pennycress might be something to consider. This fall-planted, non-edible brassica can provide economic returns up to 990 pounds per acre, or 45-50 bushels per acre, with a seed oil content of 26-39%, says University of Minnesota Extension.

Sweet potatoes are a common vegetable crop but aren’t typically thought of in the cover crop lineup. But this low-lying, drought-resistant crop is recommended by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a cover crop.

Growing cover crops is not a one-size-fits-all practice. However, the practice does offer numerous benefits to all different types of growers. Here is some food for thought on how cover crops best fit for your operation, according to Keith Berns with Green Cover Seed.

Profitability is what all growers are aiming for, no matter the crop. However, profitability is a term that is relative when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of using cover crops. Over time, covers are giving more in terms of profitability than can be quantified — through improved soil health, increased water holding capacity, organic matter, earthworm activity, more supportive bacteria in the soil, cooler soil temperatures, and more. How do you put a price tag on some of those intangible, but extremely beneficial, qualities?

The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves are starting to turn, the kids are going back to school — fall is definitely in the air. The changing of the seasons means wildlife will be on the move and storing up for winter. There are steps to take to prevent woodland creatures from adding cover crops to the menu and potentially damaging your soil-building investment, experts say.

If you’re struggling through the rest of this growing season, it’s probably hard to think about getting ready for next year. But if you want to get cover crops in your fields, now’s the time to start ordering.