www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management summary-6 Chapter 5 Summary Cover crops provide many benefits in conservation tillage systems. Many of the benefits are directly proportional to the biomass produced by the cover crops, which in turn is dependent on cover crop management. Management tips to enhance beneficial effects of cover crops: Maximize the cover crop’s growing season by planting as early as possible in […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management research-case-study-2 Research Case Study Enhancing Sustainability in Cotton Production through Reduced Chemical Inputs, Cover Crops, and Conservation Tillage Project Information Project type: Research and Education Grant Project number: LS01-121 Project dates: 2001–2004 Principal investigator: Harry Schomberg USDA-ARS (Georgia) Project reports: https://projects.sare.org/sare_project/LS01-121/ Problem Statement At the outset of this project, over 11.6 million acres in the Southeast United States was […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management economics-of-cover-crops Economics of Cover Crops Using cover crops increases production costs in both time and money. The cost of seed and planting along with the time associated with cover crop management can be a deterrent to using them. For example, growers need to adjust their schedule of operations to address both timely cover crop planting and termination. This adds to […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management cover-crop-influence-on-subsequent-crop Cover Crop Influence on Subsequent Crop Cover crops directly influence subsequent cash crops, such as when a legume provides nitrogen to the crop as it decomposes. They also indirectly influence subsequent cash crops by increasing soil organic matter, which affects water availability and nutrient cycling. In many cases, cover crops provide multiple benefits to cash crops that are enhanced as biomass […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management termination-of-cover-crops Termination of Cover Crops Cover crop termination influences soil temperature, soil moisture, tillage, cash crop planting and weed suppression. It also affects the amount of nitrogen fixed by legumes or scavenged by grass as well as subsequent nitrogen release through cover crop decomposition and nitrogen uptake by the cash crop. In addition to the following information, Balkcom [2] published […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management cover-crop-management Cover Crop Management Cover crop management begins with determining the objectives for the cover crop and then selecting a cover crop (see previous sections). When first using cover crops, consider the additional management needs. For example, wheat might be a better choice than cereal rye for a winter cover crop if growers are new to cover crops. Cereal […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management cover-crop-selection Cover Crop Selection The desired outcome is an important consideration when selecting a cover crop. Keeping the end result in mind during the cover crop selection process goes a long way in making the best choice. Be sure the plants chosen are not a host for pests of the following cash crop. In addition, consider the following characteristics […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management cover-crop-benefits Cover Crop Benefits Cover crop benefits result from the aboveground biomass and roots below the soil surface. Live or dead plant material above the soil surface protects soil from water and wind erosion. Surface material dissipates raindrop energy, which can reduce rainfall runoff, soil erosion, soil crusting and splash dispersal of pest organisms. It also slows wind speeds, […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-5-cover-crop-management Chapter 5: Cover Crop Management Kip Balkcom, USDA-ARS Harry Schomberg, USDA-ARS R. Dewey Lee, University of Georgia Cover crops have long been recognized as an important component of conservation tillage systems due to the many benefits they provide. In addition to being a source of organic matter inputs to improve soil organic matter and bulk density, cover crop residues protect […]
www.sare.org publications conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast chapter-4-the-calendar-management-tasks-by-season case-study-a-row-crop-calendar-corn-cotton-peanuts-and-soybeans Case Study: A Row Crop Calendar–Corn, Cotton, Peanuts and Soybeans Cotton, Peanuts and Soybeans Barry Martin is a farmer from Hawkinsville, Ga. (USDA Hardiness Zone 8) in the upper Coastal Plains. He has been using conservation tillage since 1996 to grow 600 acres of row crops including corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and wheat. Here is the to-do list for the farm. July through August Scout […]