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Early Maturities, Cover Crops Can Help Tough No-Till Soils Flourish

Research on two southern Illinois farms shows the potential of using early maturity crops to establish covers sooner and boost yields in poorly drained, drought-prone, underperforming fields.
By Mark McNeely posted on March 24, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
Randy McElroy sees the tough soils sometimes from behind sunglasses, because when the ground dries out completely it can be a white as a sand beach in Florida.
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No-Till Fields Need Phosphorus, Cover Crops

March 23, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Ohio State University Extension
Left untilled, fields gain organic matter and maintain high yields, but there’s a tradeoff to consider when deciding not to till. Fields that aren’t tilled are less likely to erode, sending soil and the components of fertilizer, including phosphorus, downstream, a threat to water quality. Read more in this article from The Ohio State University Extension.
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Economic Incentives of Soil Health are Growing

March 23, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Farm Talk
As soil health takes on a higher profile with food companies and consumers, various avenues are emerging for farmers to collect environmental incentives. The growing number of soil health programs can seem overwhelming, but one farmer and soil health advocate believes it’s a case of more is better. Read more in this article from Farm Talk.
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Cooling Off Soils with Covers Yields Success

Cover crops have helped Myron Johnson boost soil organic matter and retain crucial soil moisture in Alabama’s humid, subtropical climate.
By Sarah Hill posted on March 23, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
From an early age farming is what Myron Johnson knew would be his occupation. But dryland farming near Headland, Ala., isn’t easy: retaining moisture, keeping the soil cool and keeping weeds away are constant challenges.
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Exchanging Cover Cropping Ideas, Outcomes & Experiments

Four farmers sit down to discuss the regional and even farm-specific considerations for variety selection and seeding strategies for developing a successful cover cropping program.
By Jack Zemlicka posted on March 16, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
A conversation among farmers about cover cropping can produce as many questions as answers. But those exchanges are beneficial in understanding opportunities and limitations with a cover-cropping program.
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Poor Soil Health Causes Compaction, Poor Soil Structure

March 16, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Ohio's Country Journal
Engineers insist that soil compaction is caused by wheel traffic (true) but it also comes from excessive tillage, rain (think hard driving rains) and gravity (to a lesser degree). Soil compaction is poor soil structure due to a lack of roots and active carbon (soil organic matter, SOM) from root exudates. Read more in this article from Ohio's Country Journal.
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10-Year Study: Covers Help Improve Soil

March 13, 2020 | Posted in Soil Health
Source: Iowa Public Radio
Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa conducted a 10-year study on the conservation benefits of planting cereal rye as a cover crop on corn and soybean fields. Their results show the practice improves soil health. Read more in this story from Iowa Public Radio.
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Cover Crops Around the Globe

March 11, 2020 | Posted in Seeding Practices, Soil Health
Farmers around the world face different challenges, but North American growers can learn a lot from how farmers in other countries solve problems. Pennsylvania cover crop expert Steve Groff shares insights on how growers use cover crops to retain moisture in the soil in Australia, managing soil erosion in Tasmania, observations on soil types and structure in France, and more.




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The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 9-12, 2024! Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 32nd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. Jan. 9-12, 2024. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.

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Cereal Rye vs. Winter Wheat: Is One Better than the Other?

Cereal Rye vs. Winter Wheat: Is One Better than the Other?

This week I traveled to Weninger Farms for a Pre-Planting Clinic hosted by the Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water.  The event was filled with lots of great discussions and presentations. Here’s Cover Crop Specialist Brendon Blank answering the age old question of which one is better: winter wheat or cereal rye?

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