Cover Crops

Crop crops in field

Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference Set for Feb. 11

January 29, 2021
The Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference will advise growers on the latest techniques to maximize profit from cover crops in a corn/soybean rotation, including aerial imagery, using cereal rye for weed control, and on-farm research on a three-crop dryland rotation. 

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example aerial imagery

Using Aerial Imagery to Help Determine the Impact of Cover Crops on Cash Crop Growth and Development

October 15, 2020
Through education and on-farm assessment, Nebraska landowners part of the Soil Health Initiative (SHI) are evaluating the effects of diverse cover crop mixtures on both soil properties and agronomic indicators of soil health.

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example aerial imagery

Assessing Cover Crop Biomass Using Aerial Imagery: Lessons Learned During the UNL-NRCS Soil Health Initiative

October 15, 2020
Using aerial imagery, a non-destructive and easy-to apply method, we are able to gain insight into cover crop biomass production across an entire field, which would not be possible with traditional, boots-on-the-ground biomass sampling.

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cover crops in a field

Seeding Rates for Broadcasting Cover Crops Into Late-season Corn and Soybean

August 31, 2022
The middle to end of September is a good time to establish cover crops by broadcasting seeds into corn or soybean before harvest, which allows the crop to capture more sunshine, growing degree days and rainfall.

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Cattle in a field

Webinar - Cover Crops in Corn Systems: Opportunities for Dual Use - Set for Sept. 15th

August 27, 2020
Can planting cover crops in corn systems provide the dual benefits of improving soil health and be an economical source of forage? This webinar will cover lessons learned on incorporating cover crops after corn silage, high moisture corn, and dry corn harvest in Nebraska.

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

How Much Nitrogen Does My Cover Crop Take Up and When Do I Get It Back?

September 9, 2022
An evaluation on the range of biomass production of cover crops, the amount of nitrogen in their biomass, and their C:N ratio to help inform nutrient changes following cover crops. 

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cereal rye as cover crop in corn field

National Survey Shows a Wide Range of Cover Crop Benefits as Acreage Continues to Expand

August 20, 2020
The most recent survey included perspectives from 1,172 farmers representing every state and included a detailed exploration of “planting green” as well as crop insurance use among cover croppers.

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single crop and mixed cover crops in field

What Are the Benefits of a Cover Crop Mix Versus a Single Species Cover Crop?

July 6, 2020
The decision whether to mix species or plant a single species as a cover crop depends on your goals, time of the year, and costs.

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