Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for crop growth and is usually required in the greatest quantities for maximal biomass and grain production. Unfortunately, residual -N remaining in
Soil microbial community structure and functioning, including substrate catalysis and nutrient cycling, in agroecosystems vary with soil management practices. Intensifying and diversifying cropping systems by integrating cover crops can increase
The increasing pressure from land cover change exacerbates the negative effect on ecosystems and ecosystem services. One approach to inform holistic and sustainable management is to quantify the ES provided
The Soil Health Institute and Cargill conducted this project to provide farmers with the economics information they need when deciding whether to adopt soil health practices and systems. The 10
The presence of cover crops in the U.S. Midwest maize and soybean fields has shown to be a beneficial practice from an environmental benefits viewpoint. Cover crops reduce water runoff,
The Soil Health Institute and Cargill conducted this project to provide farmers with the economics information they need when deciding whether to adopt soil health practices and systems. The 10
Two ryegrass species are of great importance in forage/livestock production; annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass. Both species are easy to establish, versatile in how they can be used and adapted
Annual ryegrass adaptability, quick establishment, and aggressive growth are also considered to be characteristics of a weed. The annual ryegrass we know as a cover crop is the same species
On farms in the Midwest, Annual ryegrass has sometimes been observed in fields a year or more after the original seed was planted. There is a perception that when it
Annual ryegrass is a vigorous cool-season grass with an extensive root system. As a cover crop, annual ryegrass helps prevent erosion, builds soil organic matter, improves soil tilth, captures residual
Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same
The following sections include 22 species that are used throughout the Northeast as cover crops. After each section and at the end of this review, the sources of information used
Agricultural landscapes can present many threats to native bee communities. Such threats include destruction or fragmentation of natural habitat and the food and nesting resources it provides for pollinators, as
The fifth annual cover crop survey by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program and the Conservation Technology Information Center draws on the insight of 2,102 farmers—88% of whom reported
Cover crops (CC) preceding corn may influence subsequent nitrogen (N) availability, but it is not clear whether N strategies require adjustment. Field studies conducted in 2015 to 2016 evaluated the
Introducing summer cover crops to the system could increase soil conservation and farm profitability if grazed. Short-term benefits of planting a summer cover crop might include reduced soil erosion in
Within semi-arid environments, reduction in soil moisture by cover crops is a potential disadvantage. Water is often the most limiting factor in crop production across the U.S. Great Plains. Water