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STAYING PUT. Corn planted following a cereal rye cover crop in a no-till system. Purdue Univ. research shows cereal rye can be an effective tool for reducing nitrate and P and K losses from farm fields. Univ. of Kentucky

Cover Crops Cut Nitrate Loss, Keep More P and K in the Field

By Dan Crummett posted on January 31, 2026 | Posted in Soil Health

Long-term studies across the Corn Belt show cover crops beneficial in reducing nitrate concentrations in tile drain water, plus they reduce surface erosion where P & K are lost

TAKEAWAYS

  • Cut nutrient losses with cover crops bundled with no-till and split-N applications.
  • Cover crops improve soil aggregation and water infiltration to cut surface erosion.
  • Soil-health and economic improvements from cover crops can take several seasons.

Cover crop use, like no-tilling itself, is a primary qualifying practice among many in USDA’s newly launched NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program. But cover crops themselves play a significant role in erosion control and bulking up other program-prescribed conservation, practices…

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KEYWORDS cover crops and nitrates drainage and nutrients farm drainage field drainage NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program stopping nutrient loss in fields tile drainage
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Dan Crummett

The late Dan Crummett had more than 40 years in regional and national agricultural journalism including editing state farm magazines, web-based machinery reporting and had a long-term interest in no-till and conservation tillage. He held B.S. and M.S. degrees from Oklahoma State University.

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Byron Seeds LLC is a team of individuals who have a passion for high energy forages, cover crops, and proper farming techniques. Byron personnel seek to understand our clients’ goals so that we may provide the best environment for our clients’ success through research, education, support, and...
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