1. COVER CROP BENEFITS ON CLAYPAN SOILS Newell Kitchen USDA-ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit Columbia, MO Translating Missouri USDA-ARS Research and Technology into Practice A training session provided by USDA-ARS-CSWQRU, 10-11 October 2012, Columbia, MO

2. Why do we do cover crops?

3. We Need Cover! Cover: blanket, canopy, cloak, hood, layer, shield, overlay, veil, cap

4. Poorly-Drained Upland Soils are not Exempt

5.  Lost topsoil from erosion  Lost organic matter  Lost soil structure  Lower fertility What essential is “cover” when you’ve lost 60-90% of the function of that original soil?

6. How have we incorporated cover crops on the Precision Agriculture System (PAS)?

7. 2005, 2007, 2009 Wheat Cover

8. 2006, 2011 Cereal Rye

9. 2007 Sudex (following wheat)

10. 2008 Rye Grass

11. 2009-2012 Grass/Legume/Brassica Mix

12. What benefits do we see with cover crops?

13. Mulch tillage, Corn-soybean rotation (MTCS) No-till, Corn-soybean-wheat rotation (NTCSW cover) Quickly shows reduced erosion

14. Improved Water Quality

15. What are the hidden below ground impacts of cover crops?

16. CRP (cool) CRP (warm) hay (cool & warm) Improved Water Infiltration

17. Improved Soil Aggregate Stability

18. Recovered Nitrogen after Drought

19. Changes in other Soil Quality Indicators Highlighted items are significantly different between samplings

20. Typical Positive Impacts from Cover Crops on Soil Physical Properties Increased soil organic matter Enhanced infiltration Enhanced aeration Improved soil structure/aggregation Decreased soil strength Preventive of soil compaction Reduced evaporation potential