MAKING MONEY WITH COVER CROPS
Sustainable Agriculture
James Hoorman
Assistant Professor
Ohio State University Extension
Ottawa
Abstract
Soil nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency improves by increasing the nutrient content and soil organic matter (SOM) levels. Recent research shows that organic nitrogen in crop residue has 73% more retention in the soil than commercial fertilizer N at 26% retention. Every 1% increase in SOM increases crop yields by 12%. A 1% increase in SOM increases land values by $650 in nutrients (1000# N, 100# P, 100# K, 100# S). Cover crops increase water infiltration and improve drainage, saving Northwest Ohio farmers $800 to $1000 per acre in subsurface drainage costs. Cover crops compete with weeds for sunlight and nutrients, reducing weed seed production. Farmers with no-till and cover crops reduce herbicide cost by one-third or $7-$12/Acre. Early weeds reduce corn and soybean crop yields by ten percent. Cereal rye in soybeans and oilseed radish before corn reduce early weed emergence. Cereal rye boosts soybean production by 20 to 30% by reducing disease pressure from phytophthora, phythium, fusarium, rhizoctonia , and sclertina (white mold). Soybean cyst nematode levels decrease 80 to 85 percent by growing annual ryegrass or cereal rye as a cover crop before soybeans. Slug damage in corn production was reduced by providing an alternative cover crop host. Additional cover crop benefits include protecting the land from soil erosion, reducing soil compaction, increasing nutrient uptake from manure, and improving water quality resulting in less dredging and water treatment costs to society. Cover crops do not cost farmers money, they make money!
Authors: Hoorman, J.
-
Hoorman, J. Extension Educator, Cover Crops & Water Quality, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45841