2022 Fall Farm Outlook

2022 Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct 2022 Page 29 Cover crops are touted as having various benefits like preventing weeds, improving soil composition, preserving water, adding and protecting ground nutrients, and decrease time needed to prepare for planting. However, there is some question whether crops are all they are made out to be. Before deciding whether it is worth it to plant a cover crop, it is important to find out what is beneficial. Producers should examine what cover crops actually do for the soil and what cover crops will work best. Some of what is being promoted is not actually that effective in central Illinois, so that is one aspect that should be considered. The costs for planting cover crops are another factor to consider. Earlier this year, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered financial assistance to those wanting to implement conservation practices to address concerns such as soil erosion. Are all they are made out to be? COVER CROPS A look at the extensive research on cover crops can help determine whether or not cover crops can be beneficial for you. Selecting the right seeding program With cover crops, choosing the right seeding program is important. An article by the Rodale Institute says, “Farmers sometimes choose to plant different cover crops based on their root structures.” To “help prevent runoff and soil erosion,” use cover crops such as rapeseed that have wider roots. Other types of root structures provide different benefits. For aiding in aeration,the Rodale Institute says it is better to choose cover crops like oats and radishes with “narrower, longer root structures.” Soil compaction can be bolstered by cover crops like wheat and cereal rye, which have “denser root structures.” Finally, “covers with lighter roots like barley CONTINUED --