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Assessment of Cover Crop Management Strategies in Nebraska, US

Author

Listed:
  • Maxwel C. Oliveira

    (Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Liberty Butts

    (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE 69101, USA)

  • Rodrigo Werle

    (Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

Abstract

Adoption of cover crops has the potential to increase agricultural sustainability in the US and beyond. In 2017, a survey was conducted with Nebraska stakeholders in an attempt to evaluate current cover crop management strategies adopted in soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr.), field corn ( Zea mays L.), and seed corn production. Eighty-two Nebraska stakeholders answered the survey, of which 80% identified themselves as growers. Eighty-seven percent of respondents manage cover crops, and the average cover crop ha planted on a per farm basis is 32%. The primary method of establishing cover crops following soybeans and field corn is drilling. In seed corn, interseeding is the main seeding strategy for cover crop establishment. Cereal rye ( Secale cereale L.) appeared as the most adopted cover crop species (either alone or in mixtures with radish [ Raphanus sativus L.] or hairy vetch [ Vicia villosa Roth]). Over 95% of respondents utilize herbicides for cover crop termination in the spring before crop planting. Glyphosate is used by 100% of survey respondents that use herbicides for cover crop termination. The major observed impacts of incorporating cover crops into a production system according to survey respondents are reduced soil erosion and weed suppression. According to 93% of respondents, cover crops improve weed control by suppressing winter and/or summer annual weed species. The biggest challenge reported by cover crop adopters is planting and establishing a decent stand before winter. According to the results of this survey, there are different management strategies, positive outcomes, and challenges that accompany cover crop adoption in Nebraska. These results will help growers, agronomists, and researchers better guide cover crop adoption, management, and future research and education needs in Nebraska and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Maxwel C. Oliveira & Liberty Butts & Rodrigo Werle, 2019. "Assessment of Cover Crop Management Strategies in Nebraska, US," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:9:y:2019:i:6:p:124-:d:239783
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Plastina, Alejandro & Liu, Fangge & Miguez, Fernando E. & Carlson, Sarah, 2018. "Cover Crops Use in Midwestern U.S. Agriculture: Perceived Benefits and Net Returns," ISU General Staff Papers 201804290700001595, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    2. Bergtold, Jason S. & Duffy, Patricia A. & Hite, Diane & Raper, Randy L., 2012. "Demographic and Management Factors Affecting the Adoption and Perceived Yield Benefit of Winter Cover Crops in the Southeast," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 44(1), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Knowler, Duncan & Bradshaw, Ben, 2007. "Farmers' adoption of conservation agriculture: A review and synthesis of recent research," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 25-48, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Tong & Xu, Zheng & Kolady, Deepthi & Ulrich-Schad, Jessica D. & Clay, David, 2020. "Cover-Crop Usage in South Dakota: Farmer Perceived Profitability and Future Adoption Decisions," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 46(2), August.
    2. Anna Kocira & Mariola Staniak, 2021. "Weed Ecology and New Approaches for Management," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-6, March.
    3. Wu, Linghui & Khanna, Madhu & Atallah, Shadi S., 2023. "Drivers and barriers to adopting a cover cropping technology among midwestern farmers," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 335568, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    4. Anna Kocira & Mariola Staniak & Marzena Tomaszewska & Rafał Kornas & Jacek Cymerman & Katarzyna Panasiewicz & Halina Lipińska, 2020. "Legume Cover Crops as One of the Elements of Strategic Weed Management and Soil Quality Improvement. A Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-41, September.

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