Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist, offers herd health advice as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Peel, Mark Johnson, and Paul Beck. Today, Johnson talks about gene editing technology.
The systematic and strategic use of cover cropping systems is vital for sustainable agricultural production as this practice can help alleviate soil stress as a result of intensively managed agricultural land. Cover crops offer multiple ecosystem benefits including: reducing soil erosion, conserving and enhancing soil quality by increasing soil organic matter, reducing fertilizer use, disrupting crop pests and disease cycles, increasing biodiversity, and weed suppression. Several studies have reported positive effects of cover cropping on soil microbial biomass and diversity, and total soil carbon and nitrogen. In addition, cover crops have been reported to enhance soil structure and water retention, reduce nitrogen leaching, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Most cover crop species make excellent cattle forage (for stocker and cow-calf operations alike) and thereby can reduce the expense of feeding hay. Cool season legumes can be used to improve wildlife habitat during winter and early spring when warm season feed resources are scarce. That being said, cover crop success depends on the selection of the best adapted cover crop varieties depending on the goal you plan to achieve. For example, winter wheat may yield the most pounds beef produced per acre whereas a mixture of clover, winter cow peas and radishes will do more to break through a hardpan soil and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer.
Accordingly, when choosing a cover crop, producers should consider a variety of factors, including the cost of the seed, the intended use (cover only, grazed, or harvested for forage), how the cover crop fits into the cash crop rotation in relation to anticipated planting and harvest dates, and long-term management goals such as preventing soil erosion or to improve soil organic matter. Soil and climate, as well as the availability of financial assistance, are also important factors. In 2017, approximately one-third of U.S. acres that planted cover crops received a financial incentive payment from either a USDA working lands conservation program or a similar State program.
Consider the following to determine what, when and if to utilize cover crops:
- Determine your purpose – start by setting goals.
- Diversity of the cover crop mix has advantages and reduces risk over monocultures.
- A well-maintained and properly calibrated planter or drill is key when planting – especially for a diverse crop mix. A diverse cover crop mix consist of both large and small seeds, making calibration a challenge. This can be helped by making it a standard practice to physically stir the seed in the seed box every hour or so and keep planting speeds below 5 MPH.
- Planting depth is important. Successful cover-croppers have found that planting at 1 – 1.5 inches depth provides a more uniform stand.
- Monitor the weather and soil moisture which will impact planting depth and potentially time of planting. Typically in Oklahoma, we plan to seed wheat and rye for grazing by early September, this is not a fixed rule for all cover crops. Weather forecasts should be considered when determining the best time to get seed in the ground.
- Establish cover crops by no-till (when possible) to help retain soil moisture.
- Establish a budget and stay within it. Determining what cover crop mix works best for your operation may take some trial and error. Start small, keep records and monitor success. Think long-term.
- Discuss your goals with seed dealers and extension specialists to arrive at the best cover crop mixes to meet the goals of your operation.
References:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plant-materials/news/cool-season-annual-cover-crop
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