Cover crops bring benefits for Arkansas producers

Management

January 3, 2013

8 Slides

IN A SCENE reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, the above-ground portion of tillage radishes are shown post-burdown on Long Lake Plantation near Helena, Ark. The radishes, along with cereal rye and dwarf rape/canola are used as winter cover crops to prevent erosion. The leftover organic matter helps reduce damage to young crop seedlings from strong spring winds.

Mike Taylor and his son, Mikey, prevent erosion and wind damage on their 6,500-acre Long Lake Plantation near Helena, Ark., with a “cocktail mix” of winter cover crops. They plant tillage radishes — which can send a tuber as much as 60 inches into the soil —cereal rye, and rape/canola on about half their acreage.

About the Author(s)

Hembree Brandon

Editorial director, Farm Press

Hembree Brandon, editorial director, grew up in Mississippi and worked in public relations and edited weekly newspapers before joining Farm Press in 1973. He has served in various editorial positions with the Farm Press publications, in addition to writing about political, legislative, environmental, and regulatory issues.

See more from Hembree Brandon

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About the Author(s)

Boone, IA

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