Strip tillage, cover crops improve soil quality, eVGN February 2013

Long-term research by Dan Brainard, a Michigan State University (MSU) horticulture researcher, has shown that strip tillage in combination with cover crops has benefits over traditional tillage. Benefits include improved soil quality and reduced wind and water erosion. The technique also conserves soil moisture, protects beneficial insects and reduces costs for the grower, according to MSU.

Brainard and his team of scientists examined the effects of a strip tillage and cover cropping system on land planted with sweet corn and cabbage.

“We’re experimenting with various cover crops to see which ones have the highest benefits for sweet corn and cabbage,” Brainard said. “So far, winter rye and hairy vetch seem to be working best.”

Weed management is the biggest challenge to the system, but researchers are seeing improvements, he said.

“The benefits most definitely outweigh the costs,” Brainard said. “It’s all about reducing costs to the farmer, and in the long run this system really does the job.”
Brainard’s team has seen a significant improvement in soil quality, which improves yields and crop quality. Cover cropping and strip tilling also reduce irrigation and fertilization costs by buffering erosion and keeping soil-applied fertilizers and pesticides in place. Less tillage also means fewer tractor trips across the fields, which reduces fuel costs, according to MSU.

“We’re going to continue to monitor for weeds and see if we can’t make our results even more impressive,” Brainard said. “We’re only looking to help growers save money by encouraging soil conservation, and that has proven benefits that can’t be ignored.”

– Matt Milkovich