Improving Cover Crop Interseeding in Northern Climates

Abstract

Extensive research has found that cover cropping can increase the overall health of agricultural systems by scavenging excess nutrients, increasing water infiltration, reducing surface runoff, increasing biodiversity, and building organic matter. Furthermore, cover cropping can help enhance the benefits of other farming practices such as no-till planting, creating synergies that increase farm financial and environmental sustainability. In northern climates, there are significant challenges to establishing cover crops due to the short growing window following corn silage harvest. The authors of this article share their experiences, challenges, and successes of integrating cover crops into northern climates. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses.