September 21, 2011

Cover crops will be the focus of a field day Wednesday, September 28 at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. This free event will be from 1 to 5 p.m. with plenty of time for questions and answers and discussion.

The field day will showcase 33 cover crop plots and provide information on cover crop options that will help build and feed the soil system. Featured cover crops include grasses, legumes, forages, brassicas, cocktail mixes, and others. While these plots were drilled into wheat residue, cover cropping options after corn and soybean harvest also will be discussed.

Speakers will include UNL Extension and NRCS no-till specialists working with cover crops and several cover crop seed vendors who will share their experiences. Topics will include:

• Benefits of Cover Crops and Selecting Cover Crops
• Cover Crop Cocktails and Nitrogen
• Aerial Seeding Experiences
• Cover Crop Experiences and Recommendations
• Spring Seeded Cover Crops and Weed Control

Special thanks to Arrow Seed, Green Cover Seed, and Prairie States Seed for providing the seed for the plots. Door prizes will include cover crop seed so winners can try cover crops on their farms.

Visit http://ardc.unl.edu/direct.shtml for a map and directions to the ARDC.

Paul Jasa
Extension Engineer