Clark SD | Mark, you make a good point when you say " i think it depends ". Yes a cover crop growing in the spring can deplete topsoil moisture under certain conditions resulting in poor emergence. that is why it is important to monitor the soil moisture status and make adjustments, like terminating the cover earlier to conserve moisture if it is dry early. That's what we did this spring on some of our lighter soils and so far it looks like it is paying off. Now it is my experience that under long term continuous no-till you have to have residue covering the soil,if you don't it isn't going to conserve as much moisture. The key is in my opinion is to be willing to make adjustments as conditions change. |