Managing for Profit
How cover crops affect the harvest
A Missouri farmer is pleased with harvest results of soybeans planted in tall rye. “This field averaged 67 bushels to the acre,” said Nathan Alpers, who farms with his father and uncle near Prairie Home, in central Missouri. “We had some other rye [cover crop] fields; one went 70, so we’re happy with that.”
There’s extra work involved. The soybeans were drilled in six-foot-tall green rye grass, but Alpers says he’s ok with the extra work considering the better yield and improved soil health.
“There’s absolutely no erosion out there,” said Alpers. “We’re improving organic matter, we’re bringing nutrients up.”
AUDIO: Nathan Alpers (3 min. MP3)
I was just curious if the ryegrass was spread or drilled in the fields, and if it was killed prior to planting or after.