Cover Crop Initiative Project Promotes Adoption and Understanding of Cover Crops in Nebraska

The recently launched Cover Crop Initiative Project held its inaugural field day at the Panhandle Research Education and Extension Center (PHREEC) in early May. This four-year collaborative agreement between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aims to advance the understanding and adoption of cover crops in Nebraska.

The project has established cover crop variety trials at five UNL research stations with diverse agroecological conditions. Vesh R. Thapa, UNL postdoctoral research associate, emphasizes the importance of locally sourced data in determining species selection and achieving specific management goals for successful cover crop implementation.

As part of the project, the PHREEC hosted a training session on May 9 for 18 NRCS Conservation Planners at the Scottsbluff campus. The program aimed to enhance participants' understanding and skills in utilizing site-specific cover crops for soil health management. The training included indoor sessions covering NRCS-Cover Crop 101, providing planners with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan, design, and integrate cover crops into existing cropping systems.

The outdoor segment of the training allowed attendees to observe the performance differences among various cover crop varieties in the field. The field trial at Scottsbluff consisted of 30 treatments, including grasses, legumes, brassicas, and mixtures. Three rye varieties (Elbon, Yankee, and Hazlet) displayed remarkable resilience despite winter grazing.

While the project is still in its early stages, it has provided valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between UNL and NRCS. This partnership enables the research extension plots at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study cover crops' effects on soil health and potential forages. The ongoing efforts of the Cover Crop Initiative Project contribute to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil quality in Nebraska.

Photo Credit: minnesota-corn-growers-association