Row crop farmers have a Cover Crop Decision Tool to help them decide which cover crop will work best on their farms for potential fall/winter grazing.
The free online tool simplifies decision-making and reduce risks for those wanting to plant cover crops, says University of Missouri Extension specialist Charles Ellis.
The Cover Crop Decision Tool is an initiative of the Midwest Cover Crops Council. Ellis serves on the council’s board of directors.
“Cover crops are a useful conservation practice for improving soil health, scavenging and recycling nutrients, reducing erosion and contributing to more resilient cropping systems over the long term while potentially providing fall/winter grazing,” says Ellis.
The tool’s pull-down menu lets row crop farmers and crop advisers consider their goals in planting cover crops. They then input specific information, including crop rotation, soil type and drainage. The tool then lists cover crops and seeding periods for reliable establishment. It also notes if the crop is suitable for frost seeding.
Source: missouri.edu
Photo Credit: minnesota-corn-growers-association
Categories: Missouri, Crops