Purpose
In 2015, Norfolk Soil and Crop undertook a project to determine the viability of cover crops in relation to our varied crops (corn, soys, small grains and a myriad of horticulture crops) and soil types (primarily sand). With an extended fall; 2015 cover crop interseeded into corn, across all trial locations, was excellent. The mild winter allowed for vigorous spring growth, which presented its own challenges.
2015 Observations
- Less is more: more than 15 pounds broadcast is not needed, and leads to higher input costs
- Earlier, rather than later: V4-V5 made for a more consistent rate of germination, when compared to anything applied at a later corn stage