Cover Crops

The Highboy Cover Crop Interseeding Project Fall 2023 Updates

March 28, 2024

Introduction

Cover crops are a recognized method for increasing soil health by reducing soil erosion, increasing soil organic matter and improving soil structure. Cover crops can also safeguard water quality by reducing nitrate leaching.

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Palmer amaranth in dry beans
Figure 1. Photo of Palmer amaranth abundance in the dry bean only (left) and cover crop (right) plot.

Can Cover Crops Help with Weed Control?

March 20, 2024
Research insights from UNL's Weed Science Program trials investigating the benefits of using winter and spring seeded cover crops to control weeds in dry beans.

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Man stands near rainfall simulator during presentation
The Nebraska Soil Health School at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab will include soil health demonstrations and the live rainfall simulator from USDA NRCS soil scientists. (Photo by Nicole Heldt)

Dryland Cropping Systems to be Focus of Upcoming Nebraska Soil Health School

March 11, 2024
The first Nebraska Soil Health School of 2024 will feature presentations on the impact of tillage, biochar and cover crops, soil health measurement and carbon markets, and more.

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Tire tracks in muddy clay soil
Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.

The Soil Health Exchange: Addressing Waterlogging Issues with Soil Health Management

January 30, 2024
Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, UNL experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices that can improve drainage issues. 

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Collage of people attending soil health events in 2023
In a recent survey conducted by the Soil Health Team, 43% of respondents reported that they have implemented soil health practices influenced by UNL soil health events. (Image by Carolina Córdova)

UNL Soil Health Team Celebrates Year of Success in Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

January 3, 2024
Following eight successful events that stand to impact nearly 13 million acres of U.S. farmland, preparations are underway by the UNL Soil Health Team to deliver more robust sustainable ag research and innovations in 2024.

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Female farmer in field
All sessions of the 2023 Successful Farmer Series session will be livestreamed and archived on YouTube for on-demand viewing.

Extension’s Successful Farmer Series Will Dig into Cropping Systems Hot Topics

November 17, 2023
Split into three sessions, the series will feature discussions on ag policy and marketing, weather and climate projections, cover crops, nitrogen and nitrate management, water quality and more.

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Cattle grazing pasture
The 2023 Cover Crop Grazing Conference will feature keynote speakers Dr. Bart Lardner, University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nebraska Extension Provides Cover Crop Grazing Conference Nov. 7

October 12, 2023
This expo will help first-time and experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source.

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Orchard with mustard cover crop
Figure 1. A comparison of bare ground vs. cover crop for two adjacent almond orchards after receiving 3/4-inch of rain. The grower, Donny Hicks, used mustards to breakup compaction and improve infiltration in his orchard soil. (Photo courtesy Donny Hicks)

The Soil Health Exchange: Natural Solutions to Soil Compaction — Beyond Mechanical Means and Cover Crops

October 5, 2023
Soil health experts share techniques for reducing soil compaction without the use of long-term cover crops.

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