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“Putting cover crops back into no-till is going to change everything in the system … Cover crops open the pathways for your crops to get down there.” — Ray Weil, Soil Scientist at the University of Maryland
When was the last time you took a soil sample deeper than 12 inches? Ray Weil, a soil scientist at the University of Maryland, says by only analyzing a foot of your soil, you’re only seeing a snapshot of the available nutrients in the topsoil.
Weil and his students took soil samples down to seven feet deep at several dozen mid-Atlantic region farm fields. They wanted to find out how cover crops benefit soil nutrient levels from the topsoil down.
In this episode of the No-Till Farmer Influencers & Innovators podcast, we’re sitting in on Weil’s presentation about his research. He explains how cover crops influence nutrient profiles, optimal planting dates for cover crops and how well different kinds of cover crops can penetrate dense, compacted soils.
View Ray Weil's powerpoint presentation of "Digging Deeper into Cover Crop Benefits."
P.S. There’s lots more great no-till stories and history in Frank Lessiter’s new book, From Maverick to Mainstream: A History of No-Till Farming. Check it out here.
The No-Till Influencers & Innovators podcast series is brought to you by Martin Industries.
Since 1991, Martin Industries has designed, manufactured and sold leading agriculture equipment across the U.S. and Canada. Known for Martin-Till planter attachments, the company has expanded to include a five-step planting system, closing wheel systems, twisted drag chains, fertilizer openers and more in their lineup. Their durable and reliable planter attachments are making it possible for more and more farmers to plant into higher levels of residue. Click here to learn more.
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