It seems like everywhere you go these days, farmers are talking about cover crops. Producers across the country are using them not only to create a diverse mix of plants to feed their livestock, but also as a potential solution to soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies and weed problems in their fields.
In this episode of Farming Forward, Dr. Chris Nichols, soil microbiologist with the Food Water Wellness Foundation, explains more about why growers are becoming so enthusiastic about a diverse plant mix.
In a cover crop mix, root diversity creates a variety of root structures and sizes, allowing plants to access different areas in the soil profile to reach water and nutrients that they may not be able to reach in monocultures. The diversity of plant types above ground creates huge soil food webs and networks below ground.
Nichols also offers common sense suggestions on how to get the most out of cover crop selection, field selection and matching your cover crop strategy to field-level problems.
“Farming Forward” is a video series brought to you by Farmers for Climate Solutions’ Farm Resilience Mentorship Program and Farm Learning Hub. Visit the Hub Learn more about events in your area and access resources to improve soil health.
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