NDSU Extension Crop and Systems Specialist Victor Gomes says there’s evidence that certain cover crops can still be beneficial in drier soil conditions. “It’s something we call dormant seeding. That is when we seed the crop or a cover crop under either a cold soil or a dry soil and then because of those conditions, they do not imbibe water and do not germinate until the spring next year.” Winter-hardy varieties work best in the dormant seeding system. “Keep in mind that not every cover crop species will work in this kind of planting system. Farmers should opt for winter hardy crops like cereal rye, winter camelina hairy vetch, and winter wheat.”

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