Different cover crop mixes can have substantially different impact(s) on soil quality and physical properties.
2016 Farmer Survey
- Nebraska Cover Crops: What, Where, and How: A brief summary of survey results
- Full Report on Survey of Cover Crop Use with Nebraska Farmers
In Crop and Forage Systems
- Cover Crops and Ecosystem Services: Insights from Studies in Temperate Soils. An Agronomy Journal review by UNL agronomists of cover crop research conducted by multiple universities, shining light on the science behind how cover crops affect the ecosystems where they are used.
- Cover Crops for Prevented Planting Acres — Benefits, suitable cover crops for eastern Nebraska, cost-benefit estimates; cover crop seed suppliers, prevented planting payments and cover crops
- Study Initiated on Cover Crops in Corn and Soybean Systems
- Corn and Soybean Herbicide Options in the Spring for Planting Cover Crops for Forage in the Fall
- Long-term UNL Study Examines Impacts of Cover Crops on Soil, Water
- Nebraska On-Farm Research: Five 2014 Studies Show Varied Results
- Research Update: Winter Cover Crop Soil Nitrate-N Conservation After Seed Corn Production
- Cover Crops for Storm-Damaged Fields
- Cover Crop Options after Corn or Soybean Harvest
- When Herbicide Labels Restrict Using Cover Crops as Forage
- Double-Cropped Cool-Season Annuals (Cover Crops) for Late Fall and Early Spring Forage, links to related UNL articles
- Dryland Cover Crops as a Grazing Option for Beef Cattle, 2014 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report
- Cover Crops Following Weather-damaged Bean and Corn Harvests
- Rental Agreements for Cover Crop Grazing
Also see UNL's Beef.unl.edu for related information.
USDA SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Resources
- Cover Crops Topic Room. From selection and management to economics to pest management.
- Cover Crop Innovator Series (video). Farmers describing how they integrated cover crops into cash crop operations.
- Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations
- Downloadable SARE Cover Crop Book, Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd Edition.
Other States Cover Crop Resources
- Tips and Considerations For Getting Started With Cover Crops (ISU Extension)
Other Resources
- 2016 Cover Crops Crop Insurance, Cover Crops and NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines
- USDA Cover Crop Chart — valuable information about different cover crop types
- The Midwest Cover Crops Council Field Guide
Related Articles
Effect of Rye or Oat Cover Crop on Corn Growth and Development in a Rain-Fed, Wheat-Corn Rotation March 12, 2019
Cover crop species and planting date are two factors that could affect the following crop. In this student study the effects on corn of cover crop species and planting dates were evaluated.
Soil Microbial Communities under Cover Crops March 12, 2019
This study examined impacts of using a cereal rye cover crop in corn systems in eastern Nebraska and found that it boosted the microbial community in the upper two inches of the soil. This may improve soil aggregation, nutrient cycling, and other soil health benefits.
Cover Crops and Carbon Sequestration: Benefits to the Producer and the Planet March 11, 2019
This student study of a four-year research project found cover crops may significantly improve soil aggregation and particulate organic matter concentration in the short-term, which suggests the potential for cover crops storing soil carbon in the long term.
How Does Cover Crop Planting Date Affect Soil’s Susceptibility to Water Erosion? March 11, 2019
This Nebraska student study of how cover crops planted pre- and post-harvest affected soil erodibility found that the amount of water-stable aggregates and biomass production increased with pre-harvest planting.
A Roller-Crimper for Cover Crop Termination and Weed Suppression March 7, 2019
Following unsatisfactory crimping results with a commercial crimper, in 2016 researchers built a crimper with a unique design with two gangs that pull at an angle to the direction of travel. View research results from field tests with the new crimper.