Midwest Cover Crops Council Annual Conference: Feb. 11-12 in Kansas City
Registration is open for the Midwest Cover Crops Council Annual Conference, Feb. 11-12, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The conference will have sessions on both row crop and cattle operations.The meeting is open to the public.
Midwest Cover Crops Council Annual Conference: Feb. 11-12 in Kansas City
Registration is open for the Midwest Cover Crops Council Annual Conference, Feb. 11-12, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo.The conference will have sessions on both row crop and cattle operations due to the large number of producers in the Kansas City area producing both grain and livestock. Registration information is in this article.
Cover crop termination considerations
Now is the time to begin considering how to terminate winter cover crops in preparation for summer crops. Some cover crop species, such as oilseed radish or fall-planted oats, are likely to be killed by freezing over the winter. But, many cover crops will need to be terminated by mechanical or chemical methods in the spring.
Managing spring-planted cover crops for grazing
A comprehensive publication detailing recommended practices for managing spring-planted cover crops for grazing is summarized in this article. This publications targets producers in the High Plains region.
New cover crop publication discusses planting cereal rye after corn harvest
As a cover crop, cereal rye can be part of an effective weed management program in soybean production. A new publication from K-State and the Midwest Cover Crop Council provides helpful information for producers looking to incorporate a cereal rye cover crop following corn harvest.
Cover crops grown post-wheat for forage under dryland conditions in the High Plains
Post-wheat planted cover crops may offer a longer and more flexible grazing period than spring-planted cover crops within wheat-based dryland cropping systems. Read more in a new publication from researchers at K-State and Colorado State University.
Cover crop response to herbicides
Cover crop response to herbicides will be influenced by a number of factors, including biological and biochemical characteristics of the plant, chemical characteristics of the herbicide, and weather conditions since herbicide application.
Evaluation of cool-season cover crop varieties
A new publication has been released from the NRCS Plant Materials Program that summarizes a 2-year evaluation of 56 commercially available varieties of cool-season cover crops. Use this resource to make informed decisions when planting cover crops this fall.
Updated cover crop selection tool now available for Midwest farmers
An updated cover crop selection tool is available for farmers in Kansas and across the Midwest. This tool can help farmers choose the best cover crop variety for their specific goals and production system.
Cover crop termination considerations
Now is the time to begin considering how to terminate winter cover crops in preparation for summer crops. While some species will be killed due to freezing over the winter, others will need to be terminated by mechanical or chemical methods.
Crop residue decomposition and nutrient release rates
Crop residue is often considered to be a valuable source of nutrients, especially when the residue is from a nitrogen-fixing legume. Learns what factors determine the amount of nutrient release and how quickly residues are decomposed.
Planting spring oats and turnips in the fall for forage
Enhanced forage allowance in late fall and early winter improves the forage budget in forage-based livestock systems. Spring oats and turnips can be an alternative, especially when farmers want to extend the grazing period.
Does grazing cover crops impact soil properties?
Integration of cover crops into no-till crop production has been recommended to regenerate soils degraded after many years of conventionally tilled, low-intensity cropping systems. A recent study investigated cover crop grazing impacts on residue return and key soil properties in west central Kansas.
Flickner Innovation Farm Field Day - August 31
The Flickner Innovation Farm in Moundridge will host a field day event on Tuesday, August 31, highlighting current work by local producers, industry members, and K-State researchers to conserve water use while improving water quality and soil health.
Field day to showcase cover crop management for livestock producers - August 24
Kansas State University research scientists and extension specialists will host a field day event on Tuesday, August 24, to discuss and demonstrate cover crop management options for soil health and water quality benefits in livestock operations.
Cover crop response to herbicides
As September begins, some producers are thinking about seeding winter cover crops in fields currently planted to corn. The successful establishment of winter cover crops is influenced by several factors. This article provides some additional details about cover crop responses to various herbicides.
weed control cover crops herbicide termination herbicide injury
Does Grazing Cover Crops Impact Soil Properties?
Cover crops are typically used by producers in dryland no-till cropping systems to improve soil health, reduce soil compaction, enhance nutrient cycling, improve soil structure, and improve water infiltration. Read more from this study about how grazing of cover crops can be a viable management option to intensify no-till crop production, improve soil health, and maintain or increase overall system profitability.