Farmers’ Biggest Challenge with Growing Cover Crops: Time

Growers want the soil health benefits of cover crops, but some say it’s a struggle to get them planted during short planting windows.

By Sarah Hill posted on June 23, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Using cover crops is not a short-term investment. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Cover crops are an investment in the long-term soil health and a conscious decision to focus more on stewardship of the land rather than short-term profits.

[Video] Protecting Soil Health with Cover Crops

May 4, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices

A Tennessee farmer discusses why he uses cover crops to keep his topsoil on his farm, scavenge nutrients, and erosion control.

Tips on Cover Crop Termination

March 20, 2020 | Posted in Termination

Source: Ohio's Country Journal

The 2019 growing season came and went and left many fields in a state of disarray heading into 2020. Many growers that were unable to plant decided to use cover crops, to reduce soil erosion and provide some weed suppression during the extended fallow period. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.

Balance Economics with Winter Cereal Grain Cover Crops

September 13, 2019 | Posted in Economics

Source: Wisconsin State Farmer

Although “the economics are marginal,” that's not a reason to avoid growing winter cereal grain cover crops and other forages after the harvest of corn silage, according to Kevin Shelley, a University of Wisconsin nutrient and pest management program specialist who serves counties in the south central part of the state. Find out more in this article from Wisconsin State Farmer.

Study Shows No Damage to Soils from Cover Crop Grazing

February 12, 2015 | Posted in Grazing

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service

A 7-year USDA study found that relatively low-level grazing does not compact the soil or significantly affect the amount of soil organic matter.

Videos

Cover Cropping in Integrated Farming Systems

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.

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Items Tagged with 'cover crops reduce soil erosion'

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