This years historic drought has provided a prime opportunity for
a special focus on a most precious resource, our soil. Though we
tend to think first of the extreme weathers effect on our 2012
crop yields, its effect on feed supplies and the health of our
fields could easily extend the damage into next season and well
beyond. The state Department of Agriculture encourages our
farmers to minimize this effect by spending some time this fall
considering their opportunities to improve soil health. One way
to address soil health and make the most of these conditions is
by establishing cover crops such as oats, clover, rye grasses
and/or radishes. These can provide emergency forage (livestock
feed), reduce soil loss, scavenge (help retain) precious
nutrients, improve water quality for drinking water and
recreation, offer wildlife habitat, and rehabilitate pastures,
all while developing soil health at the same time. Its a win-win
for everyone. Specifically speaking, cover crops improve soil
health by creating more o