Cover Crops and Soil Health for Better Crop Fertility Decisions

Cover crops and soil health continue to be key management considerations on many farms. This webinar features Dr. Andrew Margenot and Heidi Allen Asensio discussing how cover crops influence nutrient management and soil function. John Pike also joins to provide a field-level perspective.

The program begins with a look at non-cereal rye cover crop options, including nitrogen-fixing species and what research shows about their role in supplying nitrogen. Presenters also address how cover crops can affect fertilizer needs, nutrient availability and soil moisture across tillage systems. The soil health segment focuses on practical soil testing tools, how organic matter contributes nutrients, and an overview of biological products and mycorrhizal fungi, including potential benefits and ways to evaluate them in the field.

About the Author: Kelsey Litchfield

Kelsey Litchfield is the Agronomic Outreach Manager and Editor of Field Advisor for the Illinois Soybean Association. In her role, she manages Field Advisor's media platforms and assists the agronomy team with events and field days. A native of Rio, IL, Kelsey earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2017 where she double majored in Agricultural Communications and Broadcast Journalism.