Cover Crop Workshop March 8 at Dordt College


February 13, 2017, 12:13 pm | Elizabeth Ripley

AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host a cover crop workshop Wednesday, March 8, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Dordt College. The workshop is free, open to the public and includes a complimentary lunch.

Cover CropsCover crops continue to grow in popularity in Iowa due to their many benefits such as reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, increased soil organic matter and reduced soil erosion. Fall 2016 was another good season for cover crop establishment and growth, with adequate moisture and warm growing temperatures. Great fall growth can help protect the soil during heavy rain events, and equipped with a good termination plan and equipment adjustments, farmers can minimize any potential yield impacts.

At the beginning of the workshop, Mark Licht, assistant professor of agronomy, will invite questions and concerns from the participants. For the remainder of the workshop, he will address the topics and questions raised by the participating farmers and landowners. Licht will also be prepared to discuss herbicide recommendations for termination and establishment, planter settings to handle higher amounts of biomass, cover crop seed selection, impacts on crop yields and soil health.

The workshop will take place in the NW Commons Dining Hall at Dordt College, 498 4th Ave NE, Sioux Center. A complimentary meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 1 p.m. The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email ilf@iastate.edu.

For details on the workshop, and for more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit: www.iowalearningfarms.org.

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