Perennial Cover Crops

A big reward potential is attracting research dollars to a new cover crop management variation in several Midwest states.

Continuous cropping with corn and soybeans is standard practice in the Midwest, but only about 7% of Midwest farms use cover crops, according to the University of Illinois.

Cover crop adoption is slow, and it faces challenges. Real or perceived risks may discourage adoption. These include:

Seed, planting, and termination costs
Fitting fall planting and spring termination into a management schedule
Potential for lower crop yields
However, scientists and the USDA see significant long-term benefits. Success with cover crops can address concerns such as soil erosion, nutrient management, and weed suppression. Managed with no-till, corn stover can be harvested for biofuel and additional revenue.