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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #379414
Research Project: GxExM Systems Approach to Crop Disease Management

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Make cover crop planting a priority this harvest season

Author
item GAMBLE, AUDREY - Auburn University
item Balkcom, Kipling

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2020
Publication Date: 10/13/2020
Citation: Gamble, A., Balkcom, K.S. 2020. Make cover crop planting a priority this harvest season. Alabama Cotton Shorts. Available at https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=2e7abc152e2f2c6ce03899776&id=763077cf36

Interpretive Summary: Cover crops are an investment much like any other input for agricultural operations. In order for producers to get the most out of their investment, cover crops should be managed to maximize benefits while minimizing costs. An ARS scientist in Auburn, AL has conducted numerous studies to identify best management practices for cover crops across the Southeast. This information was summarized by an Auburn Univ. colleague as part of a monthly newsletter related to cotton production. Many of the benefits associated with cover crops are enhanced by increasing cover crop biomass--for example, greater amounts of residue on the soil surface following termination can help suppress weeds and improve soil moisture retention during the cash crop growing season. Growers should consider planting early, optimizing seeding rates, and apply N fertilizer efficiently.

Technical Abstract: Cover crops are an investment much like any other input for agricultural operations. In order for producers to get the most out of their investment, cover crops should be managed to maximize benefits while minimizing costs. Many of the benefits associated with cover crops are enhanced by increasing cover crop biomass--for example, greater amounts of residue on the soil surface following termination can help suppress weeds and improve soil moisture retention during the cash crop growing season. Growers should consider planting early, optimizing seeding rates, and fertilize efficiently.