University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Which Cover Crop Species are Best Suited for Your Farm Goals?

By Raylene Nickel posted on May 10, 2024 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health, Termination

Researchers’ trials have shown that combining cover crops with no-till creates soil health benefits exceeding those created by no-till alone. The two practices combined with applications of manure create the greatest soil health benefits.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Highboy Project Will Monitor Biomass & Nitrogen in 2024

April 2, 2024 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Cover crops are a recognized method for increasing soil health by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil organic matter and improving soil structure. Cover crops can also safeguard water quality by reducing nitrate leaching.

How Cover Crop Species & Termination Time Affect N Release

By Gustavo Pesini, Tuana Ferreira de Almeida, and Andrea Basche posted on August 7, 2023 | Posted in Soil Health, Termination

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Cropwatch

While later cover crop termination in the spring can allow for more biomass accumulation, such later termination can change the C-to-N composition of the plants impacting residue decomposition. Therefore, identifying the best time for cover crop termination to provide optimal N cycling benefits can help farmers make decisions about cover crop management.

Potential Impacts of Different Herbicides When Interseeding Cover Crops

By Steve Melvin, Jenny Rees, Chris Proctor, and Amit Jhala posted on April 24, 2023 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

With increasing use of cover crops for different goals, we receive more questions each year regarding potential impacts of different herbicide programs on cover crops.

Comparing the Tradeoffs of Cover Crop Termination Methods

By Chris Proctor, Jenny Rees, Katja Koehler-Cole, and Amit Jhala posted on April 10, 2023 | Posted in Termination

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

Each year we receive questions on termination timing of cereal covers. This question occurs as farmers consider trade-offs between a positive return on investment from the cover crop, by allowing more biomass growth with the potential for yield loss if termination is delayed too long. Information being shared can be confusing, with one source saying to terminate pre-plant while another says to plant green into the cover.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tests Broadcast Interseeding Using Highboy

December 21, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Planting cover crops at the right time is a key driver of cover crop productivity. This August and September, a UNL-led team tested establishment of cereal rye and a cover crop mix in 29 corn fields using a Highboy Interseeder.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Working on Highboy-Seeded Covers

October 11, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Traditionally, most cover crops in Nebraska are planted following cash crop harvest. However, this planting method, while perhaps the most simple and convenient, in most cases does not allow for sufficient time for cover crops to establish and produce biomass before winter temperatures arrive.

This Week

Cover Crop Strategies' Best of the Web: Sept. 30, 2022

September 30, 2022

Cover Crop Strategies editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great agricultural industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week. The Best of the Web This Week series is brought to you by Salford Group.