1. Fitting cover crops into your rotation

2. Step 1: identify the issue Weed management Nitrogen fixation Organic matter building Nutrient “scavenging” Erosion prevention

3. Step 2: identify limitations Climate Soil drainage Equipment Rotation crops

4. Step 3: available options

5. Step 4: Plan and implement Have seed (and inoculant) ready Prepare a good seedbed Make a termination plan Stay flexible, respond to conditions

6. Step 5: Assess the results What worked, what didn’t? Did yield/quality of cash crop improve? How could the process be improved next time?

7. Choosing the right cover crop

8. The Cover Crop Selector Tool Case study #1: erosion control –Grow a cover crop in fall after harvest to prevent spring soil erosion

9. The Cover Crop Selector Tool Case study #2: nitrogen fixation –Grow a legume in rotation to fix some nitrogen for the subsequent crop

10. The Cover Crop Selector Tool Case study #3: combination of factors –Unable to plant cash crop –Want to cover soil during season –Want something that will suppress weeds, build soil and scavenge nutrients

11. Project funded by Agriculture Canada

12. Summary 1.Know your conditions 2.Make a plan 3.Stay flexible, adapt to changing conditions 4.Use decision-making tools 5.Assess the results, modify techniques as necessary