Farmers in Wisconsin are constantly looking for ways to improve
profitability and productivity of their farming systems while
still protecting soil and water resources. Cover crops are one
tool that can provide a wealth of benefits into our Wisconsin
crop rotations. Cover crops can enhance soil quality by
increasing soil organic matter, stimulating greater soil
biological activity, reducing soil erosion and utilizing extra
soil nutrients. The University of Wisconsin - Discovery Farms
Program has monitored on-farm water quality from crop fields
since 2001. Data from several farms across the state show that a
significant amount of annual nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment
losses occur either before vegetative canopy in the spring or in
the fall after crop harvest. Cover crops can provide protection
for the soil during critical times when cropland is more
vulnerable to nutrient and sediment losses. Below are factsheets
and helpful resources when trying to decide how and when cover
crops may fit into your managem