Growth termination of cover crop has been a subject of many studies. In no-tillage production, the cover crops are killed either by the contact herbicides, or by a mixture of
Most agricultural soils are depleted of their soil organic matter (SOM) reserves. A severe loss of SOM content may degrade soil functionality, its capacity for provisioning of essential ecosystem services,
According to a survey of cover crop users in the United States, the second biggest challenge to the adoption of cover crops is successful establishment in a corn or soybean
Compared to tilled soil, no-till soils are cooler and wetter, potentially delaying planting dates and seed germination. Despite the benefits of cover crops, no-till farmers that use CCs tend to
Healthy soils constitute the foundation of thriving ecosystems and societies and are directly tied to food and nutritional security, water quality, human health, climate change mitigation/adaptation, and biodiversity. While soil
The soil health improvements that can come with the use of cover crops are associated with a variety of potential on-field benefits for the farmer. Cover crops can enhance soil
Ron Morse (Virginia Tech, emeritus) shares how to successfully fit cover crops into a vegetable rotation, including establishment methods, matching the right species to the right methods, recommended rotations and
Greg Roth (Penn State) presents on behalf of Scott Rushe (Seedway), discussing his take on the future of cover crops, including past and current demand for cover crop seeds (species,
Gina and Rick discuss keeping tabs on your weed seedbank, the benefits of cover cropping long term, and how to maximize weed control from your cover crops in organic, no-till
Mary and Zack talk about taking grazing to the next level. Mary dives into detail about the feed value of different cover crops while Zack introduces stock-cropping, his innovative way
Steven Mirsky (USDA-ARS) and Greg Roth (Penn State University) provide a rundown of common establishment methods for cover crops: aerial seeding, interseeding and post-harvest drilling. They also discuss the importance
Natalie Lounsbury (University of New Hampshire) discusses how to manage cover crops for such ecosystem services as: suppressing weeds, attracting pollinators, cycling nutrients, promoting biological diversity, and controlling erosion.
Many of the benefits of cover crops are known and their use is increasing, but more can be done to evaluate and improve their performance and adoption. In this session,
In this session, Steven Mirsky (USDA-ARS) discusses the role of cover crops in integrated fertility management and maximizing nutrient availability, as well as the role of grasses versus legumes and
In this session, leading experts dive deep into the soil-related benefits of cover crops. Ray Weil (University of Maryland) discusses the physical benefits, including improved water infiltration and aggregate stability,
In this panel, farmers Skip Paul (Rhode Island), Jeff Frey (Pennsylvania) and Perry Lilley (Maine) share their experiences with cover crops, including their motivation for using them, successes and challenges,
Whether it is a wet year or a dry year, cover crops can help with water storage. In this session, Andrea talks through her research looking at cover crops and
In this session, Emily and Morgan talk biological and physical aspects of soil health in long-term cropping experiments. Jean explains how landowners are an essential part of getting cover crops
Cover crop mixes, or cocktails, can do a lot, but can also be complex to put together. Mitch Hunter (Penn State University) discusses the principles of how to assemble different
Rob Myers (North Central SARE, University of Missouri) reviews data from three years of a national SARE/CTIC cover crop survey, including yield and economic data, and gives examples of new
Have you received your free copy of the NEW Cover Crop Basics, 3rd Edition? Order for yourself, your neighbor, or your soil health event today!
