Great Bend Tribune
Published October 26, 2024
The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 22 shows a continued deterioration in drought conditions for the state. Barton County is still entirely in moderate drought as is Pawnee. Less than two percent of the state is out of dry conditions. The six to ten-day outlook (October 29 to November 2) indicates a 50 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 31 to November 6) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.
Last week, we discussed the potentials value of cover crops and their potential benefits to improve the soil environment and crop yields. This is even more important with climate change and the continuing drought. Today, what are the potential pitfalls and what can be used as a cover crop.
First, consider the challenges. Cover crops are used when the soil would normally be devoid of crop vegetation. The goal is to keep the soil free of weeds and hopefully store some water. The problem is that true fallow, even if accomplished totally with herbicides and surface residue only stores about one-third of precipitation under ideal conditions. A good cover crop can improve water holding capacity by increasing organic matter. Of course, when under extreme or exceptional drought conditions, it’s a moot point. The amount of growth expected varies by when the cover crop is in place and for how long. It also determines the amount of water it will use. After a summer row crop, it can be in place from about October until spring planting. After wheat, it can be in place from July until the next crop is planted, a period of typically more precipitation than fall and winter. Work in NE Colorado (a dry climate), showed you were still better off having a cover crop in place. Naturally there are conditions where a cover crop isn’t feasible due to drought conditions. However, even a marginal cover crop protects the soil and increases biological activity and organic matter content.
What can be planted as a cover crop? It depends on several factors. How much do you want to spend? When is the cover crop going to be in place and for how long? Do you want to also use it as forage for grazing or even hay? Are you interested in using something like tillage radishes to break up compaction? Is the addition of legumes as part of the mix to provide nitrogen for a succeeding crop? Have any soil applied residual herbicides that may limit selection been used? Many questions which means no one correct answer.
The crop can be as simple as fall-seeded rye or wheat. Planting spring oats in the fall and simply letting them die over winter. It can be as complicated as a blend of three or more species, a mix of grasses and broadleaves with an emphasis on legumes to provide nitrogen to the soil. For example, hairy vetch, clovers, peas, certain beans, and other legumes mixed into a grass or grasses. Here, the price of the seed increases significantly and a producer has to weigh the cost to the potential benefit. On the positive side, there are certain Federal programs that can help defer costs. Cover crops don’t fit all situations but for some are a potential benefit in soil management and crop production.