As producers gear up to begin harvesting corn silage, some consideration should be given to following bare ground with a cover crop.

The environmental, economical and managerial benefits of cover crops are a few producers should consider if they are not part of their rotation.

Improved soil structure, reduced compaction, increased organic matter and reduced soil erosion are just some of the environmental benefits of cover crops.

When used in conjunction with a no-till system, cover crops provide plant growth nearly year-round. This improves soil structure with biological action as well as increased earthworm activity as they feed on the constant decaying and re-growth of the cover crop plant. This activity aerates the soil, which increases water absorption and air flow to heat the soil, providing a quicker planting opportunity come spring.

Structure and compaction is also improved and reduced by the root growth of the plant. More often than not, many producers comment about compaction in fields and blame deep compaction or plow-pans.

Although pans can develop and are found in some soil types, most compaction is found at the surface and is a result of equipment traffic across fields during less than ideal conditions. This can include the daily hauling of manure, planting when field conditions were not the best and harvesting operations.

By planting a cover crop in the fall, when soil moisture is typically high, soil is easier to loosen up and regaining and rebuilding structure with the plant’s fibrous root system, which can extend several feet, is much easier.

Meanwhile, producers who apply manure throughout the winter also can see multiple benefits. When manure is applied to bare ground, nearly 50 percent of manure nitrogen is lost into the atmosphere and through runoff. That’s like buying a ton of urea and throwing half of it away.

However, when applied to a cover crop the nitrogen is retained, and by spring it can be either killed or plowed under to significantly reduce the fertilizer expense of the next crop.

Soil erosion is also reduced, which in turn improves soil structure and soil organic matter. This fluffy, nutrient rich area improves water and air infiltration and reduces the need for fertilizer and liming materials.

Producers have a whole host of crops that can be used as living cover.

The most common in crop production is rye, wheat and barley, with rye being the most common.

Rye is typically the cheapest and easiest to manage and can be used as ryelage or spring kill with a herbicide treatment. Rye also has some allopathic properties, which inhibit smaller weed germination a few weeks after killing.

Oats are another option for winter cover. The crop winter kills, a benefit for producers who are pushed for time in the spring. You should still see enough growth over fall and early winter to see benefits from planting the cover.

The Environmental Quality Incentive Program, EQIP, currently provides incentives for planting or trying cover crops. Payments range from $25-$35/ac and vary based on planting method.

EQIP also offers incentives for a whole host of practices; fencing, watering systems, no-till and barnyard structural practices like concrete feeding pads and manure storages. We also offer incentives to develop nutrient management plans and energy efficiency plans.

Producers interested in learning more about what EQIP has to offer, or to enroll by the Sept. 30 cutoff, should contact our office at 724-482-4800, Ext. 108.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.