Cover Crop Strategies Boost Soil Health

Enhancing soil health is at the forefront for farmers as they harvest crops across the nation. One strategy gaining traction is the planting of diverse cover crops, a practice highly recommended by soil experts like Anthony Bly from South Dakota State University. Bly, a seasoned farmer and advocate for soil health practices, sheds light on the variety of late season cover crops suitable for different climates and goals.

For those managing a corn-soybean rotation, incorporating cover crops can be challenging, yet winter annual grasses such as wheat, cereal rye, and winter triticale present viable options. Rye stands out for its ability to germinate on soil surfaces and manage water effectively, proving to be an excellent choice for many farmers.

Bly's farm uses a diverse 12-way mix of cover crops, including brassicas, legumes, and some warm-season species, primarily for cool-season diversity. Each species is chosen for specific purposes, like flax promoting mycorrhizal fungi development. Rooting crops like radishes and turnips ensure a balanced soil ecosystem with tap and fibrous roots.

These cover crops play a pivotal role in building organic matter and enriching the soil with carbon. Brassicas, turnips, and legume crops are particularly beneficial as they promote the breakdown of crop residues, contributing to the carbon cycle essential for soil vitality.

The Farmers for Soil Health program, backed by the Conservation Technology Information Center, is assisting farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota by increasing cover crop use on corn and soybean acres. Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Association, emphasizes the uniqueness of each piece of land and the need for personalized solutions.

The program, funded by Climate Smart Commodity grants from the USDA, aims to register 30,000 acres of cover crops in South Dakota in its initial three years, offering payments and assistance for both new and existing cover crop users.

Photo Credit: minnesota-corn-growers-association