Frequent rain in September and into October has played a big role in the slowed start to the harvest season. However, Warren County farmer John Strickler says the abundance of moisture and heat has offered cover crops the chance to get established over the fall. By using cover crops, Strickler says it’s part of their approach ot protecting the soil, using manure from the cattle operation.
“We use manure, we use it more for more of a nutrient-scavenging aspect, but also for the fact it’s got a little bit of role to it. So we try to keep that; we do a no-till strip-till program, which I think is getting to be a more common theme,” says Strickler. “We’re just trying to use that to hold some of that soil in place, so it’s here for us and future generations to come.”
When cover crops are established following manure application, they can help capture available nutrients, including nitrogen, and reduce the risk of nutrient loss. Their roots and ground cover also help protect the soil from erosion, keeping valuable nutrients and topsoil in the field.
