Benefits of cover crops presented at free workshop
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From enhancing soil fertility to controlling weeds and pests, research has shown that cover crops can be a valuable aspect of crop production.
A Sept. 15 workshop, free and open to the public, will explain how to incorporate cover crops into a farming operation.
"Cover crops can help to improve farm profitability by lowering fertilizer costs, protect our environment by reducing the need for herbicides, protect water quality, and strengthen the future of Ohio's farms by improving soil health," said Carol Goland, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association executive director. "Cover crops are a cost-effective way to promote a sustainable and healthful food and farming system in Ohio."
The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Fisher Auditorium on the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center campus in Wooster, Ohio.
The workshop will cover such topics as the benefits of cover crops; how to choose the right cover crop; how to use cover crops to build soil fertility and tilth; and how to manage insects, diseases and weeds.
OSU Extension specialists John Cardina and Alan Sundermeier and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program educator Andy Clark will be the featured speakers.
Presentations will be based on SARE's recently released book, “Managing Cover Crops Profitably: Third Edition.” The first 75 people to register for the workshop will receive a free lunch and copy of the book. Pre-registration is recommended to reserve a meal and a copy of the book. To register, contact Laura Wies by Sept. 7 at laura@oeffa.org or 614-421-2022.
The workshop is presented by OEFFA and sponsored by Ohio State University Extension’s Sustainable Agriculture Team and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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