Nebraska Cover Crop Selector Tool Now Available May 13, 2019
The Nebraska Cover Crop Selector Tool is now available, rating individual attributes for 47 cover crops and six mixes. The online tool is free and was collaboratively developed by Nebraska ag groups and the Midwest Cover Crops Council.
Funds Available to Plant Severely Weather-Damaged Acres to Cover Crops April 17, 2019
To help manage cropland damaged by Nebraska’s severe spring weather, NRCS is providing funds to plant cover crops on cropland acres. Cover crops prevent erosion, improve soil’s physical and biological properties, supply nutrients, and suppress weeds.
Extension Releases Results from 2018 Farmer-Conducted Research April 12, 2019
An online database of results from the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network allows users to search and filter data from over 800 Nebraska on-farm research studies dating back to 1990.
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.
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.
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.