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Agronomic Crops Network

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Cover Crops

Cover crop mix
Photo credit: Randall Reeder

Cover Crops can help farmers address a number of issues in fields including reduced soil erosion, nutrient scavenging and nitrogen fixation. Different species provide different benefits. Producers should identify what the goal is they want cover crops to acheive. This will help narrow down the species decision and allow for measurement of success in the future.

 

General Resources

The Midwest Cover Crop Council has extensive resources on cover crop management from deciding which covers to use to planting and termination. The selector tool assists in deciding which cover to select based on planting time and management goals. Access the tool at https://mccc.msu.edu/.

Cover Crop Fundamentals Fact Sheet

Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations SARE Publication

Cover Crop Economics SARE Publication

Managing Cover Crops Profitably SARE Publication

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

OSU Soil Health Website

 

Conservation TIllage and Tecnology Conference Presentations

2020 Cover Crops, No-till and Soil Health

2020 Spring Management

2019 Issues and Benefits

2019 Cover Crops, No-till and Soil Health

Radish as cover crop in November

Species Decision Tools

USDA Cover Crop Chart

Midwest Cover Crop Council Selector Tool

Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide ($5)

 

Management Issues

Controlling Vole Damage in No-Till Corn and Soybeans

Radish interseeded in corn

Farmer interview podcasts on using and managing cover crops:

Linda Vernon and Tim Lyden join us to share why they are so passionate about cover crops. Tim discusses his history in using cover, the challenges he’s faced as well has the benefits seen on his farm.

Listen on: iTunes Stitcher

Jack Sommers and Tim McDaniel, farmers in Champaign County, talk about how they got started using cover crops and what it means for their operation today. We talk about equipment, species used and benefits, including the economics of it.

Listen on: iTunes Stitcher

 

Planting Green at Farm Science Review

 

 

C.O.R.N. Newsletter Articles

  1. Cover Crops Roundtables Hosted in Paulding County

    Author(s): Rachel Cochran, CCA , Author(s): Sarah Noggle

    Paulding County Extension is re-starting its Cover Crops Roundtable Series after a three-year hiatus. This series was created as a platform for farmer-to-farmer interaction, with OSU Extension serving as the discussion moderator. The goal of the series is to allow peer learning through networking, problem-solving, and idea sharing regarding the benefits and challenges of growing cover crops on the farm.

    Issue: 2023-01
  2. Cover crop blend of cereal rye, radish, and balansa clover

    Seed testing for cover crops to meet germination and purity requirements

    Author(s): Alexander Lindsey , Author(s): Laura Lindsey

    Seed quality is key to establishing a good crop (or cover crop). Earlier this year, the Ohio Seed Improvement Association seed test laboratory closed. However, if you need your cover crop or wheat seed tested this fall, some alternatives include the Illinois Crop Improvement Association, Indiana Crop Improvement Association, and Michigan Crop Improvement Association.

    Issue: 2022 - 30

  3. ODA Extends H2Ohio Deadline for Cover Crops

    Author(s): Sarah Noggle , Author(s): Glen Arnold, CCA

    Due to a late harvest and adverse weather conditions, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is extending the 2021 H2Ohio Program deadline for planting overwintering cover crops, including those following small grains, and manure incorporation. With the recent expansion, all 24 counties in the Western Lake Erie Basin are now included in the H2Ohio Program.

    Issue: 2021-36
  4. Cover Crop

    Cover Crop Seeding Rates

    Author(s): Alyssa Essman , Author(s): Mark Loux

    Cooler temperatures and maturing crops indicate the start of harvest season.  For those growers using cover crops to protect soil and suppress weeds over the winter, it also means the time to establish fall-planted cover crops is imminent.

    Issue: 2021-33
  5. Cover crop mix in field.

    Regional Field Days Focus on Cover Crop Application and Termination

    OSU Extension will host two educational field days focused on soil health and cover crops next week. Extension specialists and farmers experienced with cover crops will present on topics including inter-seeding cover crops into a growing crop, terminating cover crops, cover crop variety selection, and more. Field demonstrations, cover crop plots, and equipment demonstrations will be on-site.

    Each field day is free to attend. Registration is appreciated. Register at go.osu.edu/RegionalFieldDay

    Issue: 2021-26
More Newsletter Articles

Publications

  1. Ohio Agronomy Guide 15th Edition, Bulletin 472
    04/2017

    Ohio Agronomy Guide 15th Edition, Bulletin 472. The newly revised Ohio Agronomy Guide serves as the official compilation of adaptive results and recommendations from research and educational programs. Described in this manual is information on Ohio's climate and soil, soil and water management, soil fertility, and corn, small grain, and forage crop production and management. Also, seed evaluation and weed control for the previously listed crops are discussed.

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