Cover crops and manure are tools that help farmers keep soil in place and provide nutrients for row crops. University of Minnesota Extension Associate Professor Melissa Wilson has spent three growing seasons looking at the best ways to use these tools together.
Last fall was not favorable for manure application to farm fields. Thus, many producers are interested in spring application with an eye on capturing the nitrogen contained in the manure to reduce the need for purchased nitrogen.
Can manure be successfully used as fertilizer for cover crops? The answer is yes, but how manure is used depends on your goals and situation, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. A few considerations when applying manure to cover crops, particularly in the spring, includes application timing, the growth stage of the cover crop, application rate, application method, and more.
Timing, cover crop seeding rates and application methods are the keys to maximizing manure management for cover crops, according to Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. Groff recommends that growers plant covers before applying manure and try to do both as early in the season as possible to get the most days with warm enough weather to help the cover crop stand get established. Applying manure to covers can be an efficient way to restore nitrogen in the soil.
The National Strip-Tillage Conference returns August 8-9, 2024!Build and refine your strip-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 11th Annual National Strip-Tillage Conference in Madison, Wis. Aug. 8-9, 2024. Experience an energizing 2-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led Strip-Till Classrooms and collaborative Strip-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
I’m in Sacramento, Calif., this week at FIRA USA and we’re just going to get right into it. Why don’t you take a look at some of the newest and most exciting Ag technology on display at this year’s conference.