DEMO AREA OFFERINGS
USDA/ NRCS COVER CROP DEMO
Establishing Cover Crops at Time of Corn Planting
The USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) demonstrates a new
method for establishing cover crops in corn. The technology uses corn hybrids
resistant to herbicides that cover crops can tolerate.
Red clover, alfalfa, Dutch white clover, New Zealand white clover, perennial and annual ryegrasses, orchard grass, and tall fescue were established at corn planting. Herbicides will be sprayed to slow the growth of the cover crops, preventing them from competing with the corn. When the corn is harvested, the cover crops grow until mid-November. The method provides excellent cover over the winter for erosion control and early growth in the spring for added nutrients and organic matter.
See USDA - NRCS cover crop demonstration at the east side of the exhibit site in the field demostration area.
A USDA - NRCS representative provides guided demonstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
For additional information and technical assistance for establishing cover crops on your farm, contact Paul Salon at the USDA-NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center (315) 477-6535.