Cover Crop News

Regenerating the land is achievable, but it is not a recipe. It starts with a belief that soil, water, plant, animal and human are all connected, meaning every decision must work with this natural rhythm and not in spite of it.

Generally speaking, a 1% increase in organic matter corresponds to an increase in soil water-holding capacity by about 20,000 gallons of water per acre.

Noble scientists are using the gene editing technique CRISPR to improve legume cover crops.

One of the greatest challenges facing agriculture is economic uncertainty. Farmers and ranchers can mitigate economic risk by building resiliency in their operations, and Noble research aims to help.

Specialty crop growers can use protected agriculture technologies to manage risks associated with growing fruits and vegetables in unpredictable, often extreme weather events. Technologies include raised beds equipped with plastic mulch film, floating crop covers, low tunnels and high tunnel hoop houses.

Cover crops can provide soil health benefits, but it is important to have a plan. Before growing cover crops, producers should consider goals, herbicide and pesticide use, and available resources.

Rob Myers, Ph.D., regional coordinator for North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education at the University of Missouri, describes Bill Buckner, retiring president and CEO of the Noble Research Institute, as an advocate for cover crops who is committed to helping farmers and ranchers overcome challenges in adopting them for their soil health benefits.