ARS | Publication request: Success with cover crops

Submitted to: Extension Service Bulletins
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: August 7, 2008
Publication Date: August 7, 2008
Publisher's URL: http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/
Reprint URL: http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/EB-102/EB-102.html
Citation: Lee, D., Gaskin, J., Schomberg, H.H., Hawkins, G., Harris, G., Barentine, R., Bellows, B. 2008. Success with cover crops. The University of Georgia, Colleges of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and Family & Consumer Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension.

Interpretive Summary: Cover crops are an important tool for producers interested in improving soil and crop productivity, especially when used in conservation tillage systems. They help control erosion, improve soil quality, improve soil properties that impact water infiltration and conservation, provide habitat and food for beneficial insects, and provide food for wildlife. Specialists from the University of Georgia and the USDA-ARS J. Phil Campbell Sr. Natural Resource Conservation Center in Watkinsville, GA developed an extension electronic bulletin specifically for County Agricultural Extension Agents to assist with educating producers about the benefits of cover crops. The bulletin is in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and a pdf file that includes the PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes. The bulletin covers -- what cover crops are, why they are important, how to select cover crops, planting cover crops, pest issues, fertility, and management of cover crops in conservation tillage systems. County Extension Agents can use the Powerpoint presentation and notes for use in workshops and training sessions. The information will be useful in delivering ARS and partners technologies for increasing adoption and use of cover crops in conservation tillage systems.

Technical Abstract: Cover crops are an important tool for producers interested in improving soil and crop productivity. They help control erosion, improve soil quality, improve soil properties that impact water infiltration and conservation, provide habitat and food for beneficial insects, and provide food for wildlife. Specialists from the University of Georgia and tThe Agricultural Research Service location in Watkinsville, GA developed an extension electronic bulletin specifically for County Agricultural Extension Agents to assist with educating producers about the benefits of cover crops. The bulletin is in the form of a PowerPoint presentation and a pdf file that includes the PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes. The bulletin covers -- what cover crops are, why they are important, how to select cover crops, planting cover crops, pest issues, fertility, and management of cover crops in conservation tillage systems. County Extension Agents can use the Powerpoint presentation and notes for use in workshops and training sessions. The information will be useful in delivering technology and increasing adoption and use of cover crops in conservation tillage systems by producers.