Cover crops - Articles

Use Caution When Harvesting & Feeding Frosted Cover Crops

October 15, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Temperatures in much of the Upper Midwest have already been below freezing, or will be soon. If you are still planning to graze or mechanically harvest forage on cover crop acres it is important to keep forage species in mind as some species can have toxic effects on animals. Read more in this article from University of Minnesota Extension.

Cover Crops Have Economic Impact on Cash Crops

October 15, 2019 | Posted in Economics

Source: University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Proponents say that rotating cash crops such as soybeans, wheat and corn with cover crops such as legumes, grasses and forbs has many benefits. It replenishes the soil, reduces erosion, cuts down on runoff pollution and helps to control pests. Read more in this article from University of Missouri.

Cover Crop "Recipes" Available

October 15, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Midwest Cover Crops Council recently distributed a publication intended to offer a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops.

[Podcast] Maximizing Legume Cover Crops for Less Nitrogen Use

Managing legumes as a cover crop requires smart decision making, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff.

October 8, 2019 | Posted in Economics

Managing legumes as a cover crop requires smart decision making, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)

[Video] 40 Years of Cover Crop Research

October 8, 2019 | Posted in Termination

David Brandt farms 1,150 acres in central Ohio's Fairfield County. He began no-till farming in 1971 and has been using cover crops since 1978. David has participated in yield plots for corn, soybeans and wheat into various covers.

Maximizing Legume Cover Crops for Less Nitrogen Use

October 8, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

Managing legumes as a cover crop requires smart decision making, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. From choosing the best nitrogen-producing species and planting legumes as early as possible to using winter hardy selections and planting into green legumes, Groff shares best practices for getting the most out your covers while using less nitrogen.

Covers Impact Pigweed Germination

October 7, 2019 | Posted in Termination

In this podcast, Dr. Avat Shekoofa discusses research on the impact of different cover crop species on pigweed germination, including cover crop termination timing.

New Rye Varieties are Promising Small Grain Crops

October 4, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Kenosha News

Ben Brockmueller, a South Dakota State University (SDSU) grad student, presented data gathered at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm (SERF) outside of Beresford, SD, that found they averaged roughly 100 bushels per acre on their hybrid rye. Overall, rye seemed to hold up better than most everything tested. Find out more in this article from the Kenosha News.

Rye More Responsive to Nitrogen Than Other Covers

October 4, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Source: Alabama A&M & Auburn University Extension

Coarse-textured, degraded soil found throughout the Southeast can be very receptive to these benefits. Persistence is key because hot, humid conditions in the summer speed up surface biomass decomposition. Find out more in this press release from Alabama A&M and Auburn University Extension.

[Podcast] 11 Keys for Successfully Planting Green

There are other options for growers besides letting your best soil blow away in the wind, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff.

October 2, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

There are other options for growers besides letting your best soil blow away in the wind, says Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. (Courtesy of Cover Crop Innovators)