Iowa’s new guide to cover crops

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has released a series of cover crop fact sheets to guide Iowa farmers in adopting or experimenting with cover crops.

These fact sheets are designed to help farmers achieve specific goals on their operations, whether they are new to cover crops or seasoned users looking to try new species.

Thousands of Iowa farmers plant cover crops each year to reduce soil erosion, increase soil organic matter, suppress weeds, minimize soil compaction, scavenge excess nutrients, or provide supplemental livestock grazing.

Commonly used cover crops in Iowa include cereal rye, oats, wheat, radishes, and turnips. However, there are many other options available for farmers to explore.

The fact sheet collection includes information on legumes like hairy vetch and cowpeas, broadleaves like flax and buckwheat, grasses such as millets and triticale, and brassicas like camelina and rapeseed.

Each fact sheet provides details on identifying features, cultural traits, planting information, and performance ratings, accompanied by pictures that highlight various features and growth patterns.

“We feel these fact sheets are a good introduction to cover crops for producers who haven’t tried them yet,” said Mark Licht, associate professor and cropping systems specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “There are also species that a more seasoned cover crop user might be interested in learning more about.”

Currently, more than 25 fact sheets are available on the Iowa NRCS website, with a total of 33 fact sheets expected by the end of August.

There is potential to add more species as interest develops. This collaborative effort underscores the shared belief that all Iowa crop producers can find a way to make cover crops work on their farms.

“The collaboration between ISU Extension and Outreach and NRCS on the fact sheets is important,” said Hillary Olson, Iowa NRCS state soil health specialist. “We are on the same page in the belief that all Iowa crop producers can find a way to make cover crops work on their farms. We feel these fact sheets will be a valuable learning tool for producers.”

These fact sheets provide a valuable resource for Iowa farmers, offering practical information to help them make informed decisions about incorporating cover crops into their farming practices.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university