The spring rains and warmer soil temperatures are allowing rye and wheat cover and grain crops to really take off. Questions about termination occur as farmers consider the cost of the cover crop, their goals, and gaining more biomass growth for their investment. Read more in this article from the York News-Times (York, NE).
The 2020 summer was hotter and drier than normal for most farms, so herbicide carryover will be a major issue for planting cover crops. Herbicides degrade based on soil temperature, rainfall, time of application, organic matter, soil type, soil pH, and sunlight. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
Dr. Elwyn Taylor, Iowa State University climatologist reported that 200-bushel corn needs 19 to 23 inches of water during the growing season. For 200-bushel corn at 75 degree F (soil temperature), corn needs 1-acre inch of water per week, doubling to 2 inches at 85 degrees F, and doubling again to 4 inches at 95 degrees F. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
In many parts of the Midwest, spring is almost here. Some growers may be dealing with spring snowstorms, which will further push back planting season, but planting is on many farmers’ minds.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Last week we had boots on the ground at the Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, Iowa where agronomist David Kleinschmidt emphasized the importance of considering Carbon to Nitrogen ratios of cover crops and residues.