The gap between cover crop knowledge and practice

Excerpt

Cover crops can provide a multitude of environmental benefits, including reducing soil erosion, minimizing nitrogen leaching, and increasing soil carbon storage (Delgado et al. 2007; Singer et al. 2007; Hargrove 1991). Cover crops also have the potential to suppress weeds, control pests, and create new sources of income for farmers (Clark 2007).

However, cover cropping is not widely practiced (Singer et al. 2007). So why aren't more farmers using cover crops? The key to greater adoption of cover crops likely involves a combination of approaches.

Singer et al. (2007) found that “approximately 56% of farmers indicated that they would plant cover crops if cost-sharing was available.” This suggests that cost-sharing mechanisms could be effective as one approach in a successful cover crop implementation toolbox.

More can also be done to translate the decades of cover crop research into practical information for producers. The Soil and Water Conservation Society has supported the sharing of information about cover crop research and practice over the years with several conferences and numerous publications on the topic. The Midwest Cover Crops Council is currently conducting a survey to assess cover crop experience in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi region. The information will be used …