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COVER CROP IMPACTS. Surveyed growers who used cover crops (Figure 1) overwhelmingly agreed the practice reduced both soil erosion and nutrient losses. Also, nearly 60% of livestock producers who planted covers reported increases in forage production for their herds. — Source: Iowa State University

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Poll Sheds Light on Cover Crop Use, Perceptions

Researchers probed grower experience with covers to assess what’s planted, any positive results from the practice, as well as changing attitudes over 10 years

Cover crops are widely credited for their ability to reduce soil erosion and nutrient losses in farm fields, and Iowa growers seem to agree increasingly at significant levels.

In a 2022-released Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll growers were asked about their 2020-2021 season experience with various nutrient management practices to reduce environmental impacts of applied plant nutrients. In a separate section of the survey, they answered questions about their use of cover crops.

The annual poll, begun in 1982, is a survey of Iowa farmers on issues of importance to agriculture and rural life across the Midwest and is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station. The project is the longest running poll of its kind in the U.S.

Agreement on Benefits

The cover crop survey results are based on 1,095 farmers responding to a mail-out of 1,781 questionnaires for a 61.5% participation rate.

By a large margin, (76%) agreed cover crops had reduced soil erosion in their operation, and 73% responded covers had reduced nutrient losses in their experience. Those reporting uncertainty about the benefits accounted for 20% and 25%, respectively (See Figure 1).

Nearly 60% of livestock producers reported adding cover crops to their operation produced more forage for their herds, with 38% agreeing and 20% strongly agreeing. More than half of respondents (55%) agreed cover crops had helped reduce weed pressure in fields, and 47% attributed cover crops with reducing weed control expenses.

Nearly half (48%)…

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Dan Crummett

Dan Crummett has more than 40 years in regional and national agricultural journalism including editing state farm magazines, web-based machinery reporting and has a long-term interest in no-till and conservation tillage. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Oklahoma State University.

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