ISA Funded Research Provides Insights on Cover Crop Planting Dates

What is the ideal planting date for a clover cover crop? University of Illinois Extension Educator, Nathan Johanning, provides an update from the Belleville Research Center – recorded on May 26th. He walks through the trial site and explains the outcomes between the October and November planting dates of balansa clover and crimson clover. Cover crops are an important tool in preserving and increasing soil productivity, stewarding water resources, suppressing weeds, and retaining nutrients. However, planting cover crops coincides with the busy harvest season. Results of this trial will give farmers better guidance on
planting dates and optimum cover crop species for their soybean–corn rotations. Johanning’s research project is funded by the Illinois Soybean Association check–off program. To learn more, visit Johanning’s research page on ILSoyAdvisor.com.

Link to Johanning’s research page: Understanding the Importance of Cover Crop Planting Date in Illinois Row Crop Production – ILSoyAdvisor

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.