Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and no-till field day near Ollie on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Scott Swanson’s farm. The event is open to farmers and landowners at no cost and includes a complimentary meal.
“This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil,” said Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. with Iowa Learning Farms. “When paired with no-till, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.”
Field day host, Scott Swanson grows corn, soybeans, clover/grass, hay and some small grains near Ollie in Keokuk County. Since he began farming, Scott has used no-till to make his farm sustainable and to enhance the health of his soil and to reduce soil erosion. He has installed contour buffers, waterways, terraces, and field borders as well. Several years ago, he began using cover crops on 300 acres, trying cereal rye, winter wheat, hairy vetch, radish and turnips. His goal for using cover crops to build soil organic matter and erosion control.
Source : usda.gov