Cover crops - Articles

Winter Cereals as a Forage Cover Crop

September 27, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

Cereals, soybeans, and silage corn are all being harvested, or will be soon! That bare ground provides an opportunity to boost forage inventories by double cropping with a winter cereal, while getting all the benefits of a cover crop in the rotation. Read more in this article from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs.

Cover Crops After Corn Need More Time

September 27, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: University of Nebraska Extension

Cover crops have to produce a certain amount of growth, or biomass, in order to effectively reduce erosion and soil nutrient loss, suppress weeds, and supply forage. Several studies have indicated a threshold or minimum biomass (dry matter) of 1,000 lb/ac, which is similar to 6 to 8 inches of above-ground growth, although more biomass will likely lead to better outcomes. Read more in this article from University of Nebraska Extension.

From the Web: Midwest Cover Crops Council Podcast

September 25, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Looking for a podcast to help get you through long harvesting days? The Midwest Cover Crops Council offers this podcast that focuses on cover crops.

Fall Cover Crop Options Abound

September 25, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Sentinel-Tribune

There are many cover crop seed choices when planting after small grain harvest or on prevent plant fields. You can get complex with various mixtures or keep it simple. Read more in this article from the Sentinel-Tribune.

Have a Plan for Fall Cover Crops

September 25, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices

Source: Kenosha News

As harvest quickly approaches, farmers are looking to get cover crops applied. Aerial applications of cover crop seed began in late August and early September, but for any other methods of application, things might be pushed back. Iowa State Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Mark Licht said the volatile 2019 growing season made things more complicated. Find out more in this article from the Kenosha News.

Using Manure to Fertilize Cover Crops

September 24, 2019 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health

Timing, cover crop seeding rates and application methods are the keys to maximizing manure management for cover crops, according to Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff. Groff recommends that growers plant covers before applying manure and try to do both as early in the season as possible to get the most days with warm enough weather to help the cover crop stand get established. Applying manure to covers can be an efficient way to restore nitrogen in the soil.

[Video] Soil Regeneration Pioneer

September 23, 2019 | Posted in Soil Health

Gabe Brown, along with his wife, Shelly, and son, Paul, own and operate a diversified 5,000-acre farm and ranch near Bismarck, N.D.

Historic Crop Resurfaces as Biomass Producer, Forage Cover Crop

By Sarah Hill posted on September 23, 2019

Corn is one of the most common agricultural crops around the world. The crop got its start from the humble teosinte, a Mexican grass that was selectively bred and domesticated over 10,000 years to increase ear size and number of kernels to become the corn crop we know today.

Grazing Brassicas as a Cover Crop Can be Challenging

September 23, 2019 | Posted in Grazing

Source: Manitoba Cooperator

Brassicas feature in most polycrop seed mixes on the market, but feeding cattle on those mixes may require some extra consideration. Learn more in this article from Manitoba Cooperator.

Terminating Cover Crops with Tillage

September 23, 2019 | Posted in Termination

Source: Real Agriculture

Farmers looking to incorporate cover crops into rotation are often left with the issue of terminating the crop. Is spraying enough? If you need to work the ground, what’s the best option? Find out in this article from Real Agriculture.