Soil health workshops focus on cover crops
For the past seven years, soil health experts have educated farmers on the shore through workshops and field days presented by the Delaware Soil Health Partnership.
Three virtual webinars were held recently. Subject matter experts discussed topics including cover crop termination strategies, mixes and seeding rates. The online format allowed knowledge to be shared with a wider audience while feedback following each event dictated topics and speakers for subsequent events.
The Dec. 9 webinar featured Steve Groff, owner of Cover Crop Coaching Inc., and Mark VanGessel, PhD, professor and extension specialist at the University of Delaware, who discussed cover crop termination challenges and successes with more than 20 agriculturists.
VanGessel urged attendees to have a backup plan when terminating cover crops, since numerous variables are at play.
Groff stressed the importance of mimicking nature. “Soil is meant to be covered,” he said. “Crop residue is year-round earthworm food.”
Keith Berns, co-owner of Green Cover Seed, discussed cover crop diversity, rotation and species Jan. 14. Berns supports the use of cover crop mixes, noting that benefits reach far beyond the next cash crop. Attendees inquired about interseeding and companion cropping; Berns encouraged them to experiment widely and wildly, cautioning growers to start small so as not to harm their cash crop.
Berns said there is a cumulative effect of residual nitrogen from previous cover crops, but it’s nearly impossible to measure nitrogen stored in roots and nodules.
The Feb. 10 workshop focused on cover crop seeding rates. Jayme Arthurs, state resource conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Delaware opened the discussion by explaining how seeding rates are set and updated as new data becomes available. Arthurs said the USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standards are available in the Field Office Technical Guide, accessible at de.nrcs.usda.gov.
Amy Shober, PhD, professor and extension specialist at UD, provided an overview of current cover crop research including limitations and challenges encountered during the process. Shober said while it is difficult to measure what lies below the surface, smartphone apps have made it easier to measure canopy coverage above ground.
“Cover crops are another tool that farmers can select, mix and apply to provide benefits, not only to a cash crop, but to soil and water quality as well,” said Debbie Absher, director of agricultural programs at Sussex Conservation District.
"The virtual events will never replace in-person events, but the virtual format worked really well to make these conversations accessible to speakers and participants. We had lots of good discussions between local farmers and soil health experts from around the country," said Jen Nelson, executive director of the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts.
Additional resources are available at de.nrcs.usda.gov or sussexconservation.org.
