Cover Crops

Rye cover crop

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.

Read more

person measuring corn stalk diameter
Figure 1. Corn height and stalk diameter for the different treatments were measured weekly and compared.

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.

Read more

Rye in continuous corn April 19, 2018 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Education Center near Mead
Rye in continuous corn April 19, 2018 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Education Center near Mead

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.

Read more

Cover crop field trial

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.

Read more

Triticale crimped before adding green beans

Production of Soybean or Green Bean Following a Crimped Cover Crop

March 7, 2019
Based on Nebraska research and a review of findings from other studies, best management practices for crimping rye before planting soybean or green bean are explored. Data on degree of weed control and soybean yields are included.

Read more

roller-crimper
Figure 1. Crimping rye at a mild angle using a newly designed roller-crimper with two 10-foot barrels. (Photos by Rich Little)

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.

Read more

Early-planted rye

Central Nebraska Cover Crops Conference

February 18, 2019
From seeding to innovative methods to incorporate cover crops to grazing options, the Central Nebraska Cover Crops Conference offers the latest information to help Nebraska growers profitably incorporate cover crops into their operation.

Read more

Cattle grazing cover crops
The benefits of grazing cover crops will be one feature of the Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conference March 6 in Beatrice.

Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conference March 6

February 4, 2019
Soil health, cover crops, and grazing annual cover crops will be among the topics at the Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conference on Wednesday, March 6, in Beatrice.

Read more