Cover crop termination

Comparing the Tradeoffs of Cover Crop Termination Methods

By Chris Proctor, Jenny Rees, Katja Koehler-Cole, and Amit Jhala posted on April 10, 2023 | Posted in Termination

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

Each year we receive questions on termination timing of cereal covers. This question occurs as farmers consider trade-offs between a positive return on investment from the cover crop, by allowing more biomass growth with the potential for yield loss if termination is delayed too long. Information being shared can be confusing, with one source saying to terminate pre-plant while another says to plant green into the cover.

Is Planting Green a Useful Tool for Managing Multiple-Resistant Waterhemp?

January 19, 2023 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Termination

Source: Penn State University Extension

For the past two years, we have been participating in a multi-regional US Soybean Board funded experiment that is investigating the effects of planting green on no-till soybean production and management of multiple-resistant waterhemp populations. Planting green is the delay of cover crop termination until after cash crop planting, which is a departure from the standard practices of terminating a cover crop 10-14 days prior to planting. Our coordinated project focused on no-till soybean (30" row spacing; Enlist system) preceded by cereal rye (60 lb/ac) that was sown after field corn.

Can I Terminate Cover Crops with Chisel Plow's Wide Sweeps?

January 17, 2023 | Posted in Termination

A question about cover crop termination and chisel plows came up in the Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) email group and was quickly answered by other farmers who have some experience on the subject.

Lundell Plastics Unveils Crimping Gauge Wheel Product for Cover Crop Termination

January 11, 2023 | Posted in Termination

The Iowa-based plastics manufacturer, Lundell Plastics Corp., officially unveils its latest product: The Crimping Gauge Wheel.

Consider Cover Crops First To Fight Drought

By James Hoorman posted on November 3, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health, Termination

The Midwest is dry and experiencing drought problems, especially the Mississippi river with reduced barge traffic. Most no-tillers want to know: what is the probability of a drought next year?

Dragline With Manure Assists Cover Crop Termination

No-Tillers from Perrysville, Ohio, utilize manure from their 650-cow dairy to maintain high-yielding double crops, and feed for their herd.

By Sarah Hill posted on October 20, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Grazing, Termination

The practice of using a dragline on emerging corn began in 2019, due to the extremely wet weather rearranging the Ayers’ cover crop termination schedule. The termination date varies each year, thanks to several factors, including the custom spraying schedule, the weather and what herbicide program the Ayers are using. They typically use glyphosate and 2,4-D to terminate the cereal rye.

Killer Tips for Rolling Your Covers

Thorough cover crop termination with this equipment requires using the right plant varieties and carrying out operations at the right time.

By Laura Barrera posted on August 3, 2022 | Posted in Termination

“When conditions are right, rolling cover crops and not using herbicides can work about one out of five times,” says Holtwood, Pa., no-tiller Steve Groff, who’s been rolling and crimping covers since 1995. “One out of five times it’ll be a disaster, and three out of five it’ll be in the middle. That’s the realistic expectation.”

The Impact of Overseeding Cover Crops

June 28, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Termination

Source: Iowa State University Extension

In the last decade, cover crops have grown in both interest and acres, yet there is still room for more adoption. It is obvious that cover crops require more management though and with that management there will undoubtedly be challenges. Read more in this story from Iowa State University Extension.

Study: Low-Seed-Rate Rye and Planting Green For Stable Yields

June 1, 2022 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Termination

Overall, planting green had many benefits. It doubled the cereal rye biomass because it was able to live longer. While it resulted in drier soil at planting, planting green saved soil moisture later in the season and kept the soil cooler.

The Long-Term Costs of Covering Up

November 29, 2021 | Posted in Economics

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

How much cover crops cost to implement and whether they can make you money is a subject of heated debate. Costs are obvious: seed, time and fuel to plant and terminate them. Read more in this article from University of Minnesota Extension.