Steve Groff never planned to develop a new variety of cover crop. In fact, the Holtwood, Pa., no-tiller and cover crop expert believes that he is more often recognized for his contribution of the tillage radish as a cover crop in the early 2000s.
Producers are increasingly planting cover crops to improve soil quality, help manage weeds or pests, and provide livestock forage – but is root rot a possibility when pulses, specifically peas and lentils, are added to improve the nutrition of the mix?
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but price fluctuations of fertilizers leave farmers looking for alternative solutions. Planting legumes as a cover crop can increase soil nitrogen and perhaps even reduce reliance on fertilizers.
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but price fluctuations of fertilizers leave farmers looking for alternative solutions. Planting legumes as a cover crop can increase soil nitrogen and perhaps even reduce reliance on fertilizers.
The application of manure after the growth and demise of legume cover crops in rotations is a recipe to increase nitrous oxide releases during ensuing corn growth, according to a team of Penn State researchers who conducted a new study.
As harvest quickly approaches, farmers are looking to get cover crops applied. Aerial applications of cover crop seed began in late August and early September, but for any other methods of application, things might be pushed back. Iowa State Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Mark Licht said the volatile 2019 growing season made things more complicated. Find out more in this article from the Kenosha News.
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.