Planting a variety of forage crops in the same field can be successful, but it’s important to watch for potential dangers
REGINA — Poly crops have become a popular way to feed cattle, but more research is needed into the nutritional properties of the plants in each blend. Jennifer Hayden, a livestock and feed extension specialist from North Battleford, Sask., said poly crops can provide relief to pastures, especially during drought. They can be grazed, baled […] Read moreTag Archives cover crops — page 2
U.S to incentivize climate friendly farming
Farmers offered money to adopt practices that store carbon in the soil, but experts doubt the approach will be effective
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — President Joe Biden’s administration is offering farmers money to adopt practices that store carbon in the soil to fight climate change, but soil science experts and a review of U.S. Department of Agriculture research indicate doubt that the approach will be effective. Planting cover crops and reducing tillage are key to the […] Read more
Corn-fuelled flight faces restrictions
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Biden administration will soon release a preliminary climate model for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidy program that is more restrictive than what the corn-based ethanol industry had expected, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Under the preliminary model, which could be released by May 15, ethanol is not […] Read more
Cover crop efficiency may drop
Cover crops can help improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, cut fertilizer costs and increase soil organic matter. But how climate change will affect the practice remains a wild card. A recent study from the University of Illinois suggests cover crops may become less efficient in the future. The study also showed that yields of […] Read more
Cover crop blend helps keep forage in rotation
A grain and cattle producer from Saskatchewan calls a mixture of 15 different crop varieties ‘Mother Nature’s blueprint’
GALAHAD, Alta. — Cattle producers across the Prairies are beginning to use a mix of several different seed varieties in a single cover crop for high-quality feed, said an agrologist during a field day. “Farmers are looking at it for better yields and high quality feed,” said Adam Smith, sales manager for Covers and Co. […] Read more
Cover crops may help better control flea beetles
Researcher says cover crops may make it harder for flea beetles to find canola, and can attract bugs that prey on the pest
Flea beetles can wreak havoc on canola but new research from the University of Manitoba could offer natural ways to control the pests. Associate professor of entomology Alejandro Costamagna started research on the value of cover crops in 2022 on mitigating flea beetle damage in canola. He said cover crops may help decrease flea beetle […] Read more
New cover crop attention revives interest in safflower
Proponents say the plant’s deep tap roots make it a desirable option when producers are considering cover crops
As more farmers deal with rising input costs and learn to work with fewer chemicals, cover cropping is gaining attention as a viable alternative for weed control, better soil health and overall biodiversity.
Cover crops may have potential to lower yields
Researchers have found the effect cover crops have on primary crops depends on the environment and how they are used
Recent research has shown that cover cropping could lower crop yields and lead to negative environmental impacts caused by expanded cultivation necessary to make up for those yield losses.
Cover crop survey expands its focus
A survey on cover crops is going beyond the organic producers who commissioned it to seek input from anyone interested in the practice at a time of increasing concern about climate change. “I think it makes sense for cover crops to become a bigger part of what is agricultural standard practice,” said researcher Brenda Frick. […] Read more
Cover crops come under scrutiny
BRANDON — Seeding a cover crop is one of the cornerstone practices of regenerative agriculture. The basic idea is to keep the soil covered and have a living plant in the ground for as long as possible to enhance the health and long-term productivity of the soil. But at a regenerative agriculture conference held mid-November […] Read more
