robmgrig - 2/27/2021 08:29



Our yield trials comparing cover crops vs no cover crops have not show any statistical difference in yield. HOWEVER we have not had a year weather wise where I would expect a difference. We have not had a bad growing season (drought) where I would expect the cover crop plots to shine since I began theses trials.

As you know, it takes a long time to rebuild the soil. What I am doing with these trials is trying to quantify the benefits we see and track how long it takes to improve the soil. Some results I have been very impressed and surprised by, others I have been disappointed in. And I have learned many things from these plots. For example, the first year I planted corn behind covers, I learned my nitrogen program was all wrong and I suffered a yield penalty from having N tied up. I started applying more N at planting and less on my side dress and brought yields back up to what no till was yielding. I also saw how much a suboptimal stand of cotton was hurting me in the cover crop plot and had to make changes to my planter to increase seed to soil contact.

I have been able to make covers pay for themselves in cotton by reducing nitrogen use and herbicide use. I have not been able to make them pay for themselves YET in other crops. However I know I am building my land for the future and will be much better off when we have another drought of 2007/2012.

Year 1 benefits I saw: great weed control
Year 2/3: increased soil structure/water infiltration rates
Year 3: increased nutrient concentration in tissue tests.
Year 4: increased water holding capacity.