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Spring covers gaining popularity

A specialist with Precision Conservation Management (PCM) says many farmers are seeing success with spring planted cover crops.

Jacob Gard works closely with farmers in Illinois and Indiana on their conservation goals.

“It’s definitely a smaller percentage of people that are doing spring covers, but we’re starting to see a little bit more every year of it.”  He says, “Largely we get more interest out of weed suppression than probably anything, but if guys are going to do that, they try to get maybe some nitrogen fixation and things like that out of it.”

He tells Brownfield spring-planted oats, tillage radish, and field peas can all bring benefits.

“You get your oats out there. That’ll help with suppression.”  He says, “Your field peas that will fix nitrogen.  They actually grab some out of the air and help create some nitrogen for you.  They do mixes like this and then plant their corn into it.”

Gard says many recommended species die off in warmer weather, which eases termination concerns.

“I’ve got some guys that are very profitable at this point. They’re doing well.”  He says, “They’ve got the system figured out.  It’s helping hold soil, it’s helping build nitrogen and they’ve been able to cut back some of their input costs on their actual fertilizers.”

He says spring covers can be planted through mid-April in his area, and farmers interested in incorporating the practice can reach out to organizations such as PCM for guidance. 

AUDIO: Jacob Gard – Precision Conservation Management