Lee County Farmer Sold on Benefits of Cover Crops

EQIP Provides Landowner with Incentive to Implement Residue Management

Chip Clanton farms 700 acres in Lee County, along with his good friend David Holland, whom he’s known since high school. “David was always a straight-A student, so I knew he would make a great business partner,” remarked Clanton, who farms full-time. Together, the farming duo produces soybeans, corn, and wheat. Clanton worked with NRCS Conservation Program Manager Lori Bataller in the Lee County USDA Service Center to establish field borders, filter strips, and implement residue management with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). By establishing a protective cover crop of rye, Clanton is preventing soil erosion and improving soil health by adding organic matter. Also known as crop residue management, the practice is one of the most important conservation tillage factors for improving soil’s physical and chemical properties.

“I grew up around farming, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” explained Clanton. A typical day around the farm starts at 7 a.m. and ends about 8:30 p.m. “It’s a labor of love, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Clanton has proven his dedication to protecting natural resources through implementation of no-till farming. He permanently adopted 100% no-till conservation into his farming technique by implementing residue management. No-till leaves the soil and crop residue undisturbed except for the row where the seed is placed in the ground.

“Chip is serious about soil and water quality protection, and by planting cover crops, and installing field borders and filter strips, he’s really making a difference in the health of the land. Even after receiving all his cost-share, he’s continued to farm his land with conservation in mind, and he’s a great role model for other farmers,” explained Bataller. Clanton planted the rye cover crop for several reasons, including the fact that it helps hold soil in place against the forces of wind and water. The roots of the rye also prevent soil compaction, and can help control weeds. Bataller says, “This no-till, cover cropping system saves on labor, fuel costs, conserves and protects water, and improves the soil structure of his cropping systems. So, it’s really a win-win situation for him.” Plus, extra time not spent in the field tilling, less wheel traffic, and the conservation of water are all big benefits. Rye is an excellent cover crop because it quickly produces a protective ground cover, and improves soil tilth. Clanton says, “Economically, adoption of no-till has helped us become successful, increase our yields even in drought situations, and lower our costs.” The end result means a lower per unit cost of production.

Another often-overlooked benefit of no-till agriculture is an increase in the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat. Couple this with the fact that Clanton also established field borders and filter strips and it’s obvious that his operation is providing enhanced wildlife food and cover. “He’s planted a variety of native herbaceous plants and grasses in order to protect and improve water quality, and this also provides critical habitat for bobwhite quail, rabbits, songbirds, and many other species of wildlife,” remarked Bataller. Similar to field borders, filter strips are bands of vegetation adjacent to ditches or other water bodies that trap sediments, chemicals and nutrients. They also provide nesting and brooding cover for quail, and allow birds to access the interior of larger fields.

Clanton and his good friend David are doing their part to protect the land. “Even though our land out here is relatively flat, erosion is still a problem,” said Clanton. “But with NRCS assistance, and with the help of EQIP, I was able to implement residue management, and now I can’t imagine farming any other way.”

For more information, please contact Amy Maxwell.

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