Cover crops are certainly a popular buzz word in the soil health community. But what is all the hype about? Cover crops are a tool that can be utilized to improve the quality of soil, positively impacting plant growth and productivity.

If you are interested in learning more about cover crops and their impact on soil health, reach out to the Edmunds County Conservation District (ECCD).

The high intensity cropping rotation commonly used in the upper Midwest, focuses on maximizing returns. This method may produce higher returns for the producer; however, without feeding and nurturing the soil, the soil will not be able to support the desired level of plant production for an extended time.

The health of a soil can be determined through various soil assessments and tests including water infiltration, worm counts, aggregate stability, phospholipid fatty acids, soil respiration, pH, and organic matter. To keep these assessments and tests within the appropriate range, producers should implement practices that support positive soil health such as keeping the soil covered, have year-round living roots, limit soil disturbance and tillage, utilize a diverse cropping system with both warm and cool season grasses and broadleaves, and integrate livestock onto the field. Implementing these practices will make the soil more resilient against water and wind erosion, increase organic matter, lower fertilizer inputs, and increase water infiltration and retention.

Since cover crops are typically used as a diverse crop mix, they can incorporate many of the soil health practices all at once. When planted using a no-till drill following a cash crop, they add diversity, keep the soil covered over the winter and feed soil microbials. Depending on the year and seed mix established, there may be adequate growth to allow livestock to graze the cover crops for a period of time. Cover crops can also be used in wet areas that were not seeded in the spring, following a small grain or on corn acres that were chopped for silage.

The Edmunds County Conservation District has funding available to assist producers who want to incorporate cover crops into their operation. The district will cost share the first 80 acres of cover crops that a producer plants. These funds are available on a first come, first serve basis until grant funds expire. For those inquiring about the funding program, call Emily Kallas at (605)439-3336.