Cover crops can help protect soil erosion, keep nutrients in place and build valuable organic matter. Many farmers have questions on species selection and management strategies. On September 8, spend the day with cover experts and farmers using cover crops at a Cover Crop Field Day in Urbana.
Sarah Noggle, OSU Extension Paulding County, will talk about cover crop selection and how the Midwest Cover Crop Council’s selection tool can be used to assist in deciding which covers are best for individual farms. George Derringer is a soil scientist with NRCS and will cover soil health topics and how cover crops play a role in promoting soil health. Learn from experienced farmers during a panel session where they will discuss their cover crops uses and answer questions from attendees.
The afternoon will be spent exploring a local farm where different varieties of cover crops are growing. We will explore the soil structure and see a planting demonstration. Farmers are invited to bring soil samples for a slake test. These samples need to be the size of a tennis ball and dried for a week. Certified Crop Advisor credits offered include 4.5 Soil and Water and 0.5 Nutrient Management. Four hours of Certified Livestock Manager credits will be offered as well.
Registration is due by 9/5 and is $20/person. This includes lunch and materials. A registration flyer can be found at http://go.osu.edu/agevents . Questions can be directed to Amanda at Douridas.9@osu.edu or 937-484-1526. The event will begin in the Champaign County Community Center Auditorium, 1512 South US Hwy 68, Urbana.