Cover Crops, Take 2

Jul 17, 2024


no-till-drilled cover crop
The cover crop planting window is open. And, as discussed in last month’s article,  your options – and the benefits they provide – are many.
 
Cover crops supply nutrients and the ever-important nitrogen that soils need, especially in prevent plant situations.
 
At this point in the season, weeds are staging to set seeds and it’s “time to get things done,” according to Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager. Left alone, those weed seeds will generate weeds in higher populations to compete with next year’s crop.
 
“Cover crops are the bridge for making sure your soil biology doesn’t senesce,” said Carlson. Soil health is dependent upon a living root, and without it, future crops can take an economic yield hit. Cover crops also foster the soil fungus mycorrhiza, which is an “extension of the living root” that helps with nutrient absorption.
 
Cover crops – especially blends, including grasses – improve soil health in the otherwise fallow times.
 
Federated’s main source for cover crop seed is Aggasiz, and “they can deliver relatively quickly,” said Carlson, providing “just-in-time delivery” of one of their stock blends, or your custom blend.
 
Photo shows cover crop from years past, planted with a no-till drill. Carlson noted that the Great Plains No-Till Drill – a “phenomenal seeder” – is available for rent from the Kanabec, Pine, and Chisago County soil and water conservation people (NCRS) in those areas. He added that “working it up and broadcast seeding” the cover crop is also a viable option.
 
Talk to us, your Federated Agronomists, to discuss your best cover crop options.
 

Read More News

Jan 29, 2025
"Yield is the measuring stick for everything" and environmental stress is the primary yield buster.
Jan 29, 2025
Hybrid choices focus on yield, but look at more than yield data when deciding on the hybrids for your farm.
Jan 29, 2025
Mark your calendar and send in your RSVP for one of Federated’s three winter grower meetings, coming soon!

Related Topics