This multiyear field study, featured in the journal Weed Science, compared 19 monoculture cover crops from four taxonomic groups (brassica, forb, grass, and legume), with 19 mixtures containing multiple plants that represented from 1 to 3 cover crop species.

By grazing cover crops, farmers are adding to the established benefit of improved soil quality and other factors, says Denise Schwab, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist based in eastern Iowa. Prior to grazing in the fall, Schwab says to use the “pluck test” to check on root vigor.

Frost, hail and disease can cause nitrates to accumulate due to reduced leaf area, which limits the rate of photosynthesis. The risk of nitrate toxicity also increases when high levels of nitrogen fertilizer have been applied.

Data from the new report, Cover Crop Adoption & Outlook by High-Production U.S. Farmers: Applications, Economics & Trends, published by Ag Equipment Intelligence, reveals that most customers are wanting more from their current equipment dealer when it comes to cover crop knowledge, product availability and resources.

See the impact that cover crops and a no-till cropping system had on watersheds after high winds and heavy rains rolled through the Great Plains. The difference in the amounts of run-off water is astounding.

A recent study by North Dakota State University researchers helps farmers determine strategy for growing winter rye as preceding cover crop for dry bean.

Daryl Obermeyer had already implemented cover cropping practices in his operation before the NRCS and On-Farm Research study started. He used this study to validate what he was doing and get concrete data and results of what was really happening.