Cover crops are promoted as a valuable practice to reduce erosion and nutrient loss while improving soil health. Incorporating this practice into current production systems can be challenging. Farmers want to know if they can successfully implement cover crops, how they impact soybean yield, and if the practice supports their profitability. This project is collecting and analyzing data to provide both short-term and long-term answers to those questions. At locations around the state, seven different cover crop species are planted in the fall. These treatments are compared to traditional winter fallow. Yield, economic return and soil health data helps identify trends over time.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents