Local Producers Invited to Learn About Cover Crops at Field Day.
Field (stock photo)
What: Cover Crop Informational Field Day
Who: Farmers or landowners in Mahaska County
When: Friday, April 8, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Where: Gene De Bruin Cover Crop Demo Site at the junction of 285th and 290th St. Oskaloosa, IA 52577. In section 5 of Harrison Township.
OSKALOOSA — Landowners, farmers, and anyone else who want to learn more about using cover crops can attend an informational field day on Friday, April 8th. The field day, held from 9:30 a.m. to noon, is hosted by the Muchakinock Creek Watershed Project. We will be starting at the Gene De Bruin demo site – turn east off of HWY 63 south of Oskaloosa on to 290th St. for approximately 2 miles to the junction of 285th St. Then traveling to the Curtis and Lorie Jager demo site in East Des Moines township. Viewing several more cover crop sites along the way.
Jason Steele, Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Scientist, will be on hand to discuss soil health as it relates to cover crops and other conservation practices.
“Over the years, the diversity of crops grown in Iowa has changed significantly. The majority of producers have gone to either a corn-soybean or continuous corn rotation,” said Meleia Shelman, Muchakinock Creek watershed project coordinator. “The absence of small grain and forage crops, like oats and alfalfa, has resulted in a leaky system. This inadequate plant growth in the fall and early spring leaves the ground susceptible to nutrient loss and soil erosion.”
Cover crops may be a way to “plug” the leaks by taking up nutrients and holding them until corn or soybeans are planted. Studies through Iowa State University Extension and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have shown that cover crops protect the soil and may be used to reduce soil erosion, limit nitrogen leaching, increase infiltration, suppress weeds, and increase soil organic matter.
Rebecca Vittetoe, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Field Agronomist, will discuss herbicide considerations for establishment and grazing, as well as cover crop termination. She will also address frequently asked questions and new questions you may have during the field day.
Cover Crop Field Day Sponsored by: Muchakinock Creek Watershed Project, Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
