Discover cover crop benefits at Haskell ag lab field day

By Scout Nelson

The upcoming Field Day at Haskell Ag Lab in Concord, Nebraska, promises an educational afternoon dedicated to the exploration of fall-planted cover crops.

Scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., this event is tailored for anyone interested in understanding the versatile management goals of cover crops within agricultural systems.

Participants will embark on guided tours through three significant research trials, each shedding light on different aspects of cover crop application and benefits. The journey begins with a visit to the USDA NRCS-funded plots, where the focus lies on the fertilizer N equivalence values of cereal rye in long-term tillage, nitrogen rate, and crop rotation studies.

This session will illustrate how cover crops impact various agricultural practices and share the methodology behind the data collection process.

The exploration continues with an examination of diverse cover crop varieties, including rye, triticale, wheat, barley, oats, hairy vetch, brassicas, and their mixes.

This segment, supported by USDA NRCS funding, aims to equip attendees with the knowledge to identify cover crop species, understand their growth stages, and set achievable goals.

A discussion on the data collection assessing cover crop performance will complement the learning experience.

The concluding stop will present findings from a USDA NIFA-funded study on the integrated use of cover crops, mulch, and manure management to reduce nitrate leaching in cornfields.

Insights into water sample collection methods for nitrate leaching analysis and soil health data gathering efforts will be highlighted.

Set against the backdrop of the University of Nebraska's Haskell Ag Lab, this field day is a prime opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from leading research and interact with experts in the field. Refreshments will be available, making for an engaging and informative afternoon.

While there is no fee to attend, participants are kindly requested to pre-register by Monday, April 29, to facilitate planning. The event is brought to you by Nebraska Extension, a testament to their commitment to agricultural education and sustainability.

For more information, please reach out to Nebraska Extension Educator Katja Koehler-Cole at 402-504-1016 or Javed Iqbal, nutrient management and water quality specialist, at 402-472-2811.

Photo Credit -gettyimages-eugenesergeev