MONROE - The four soil health principles were outlined at the "Cover Crops for Soil Health" field day on Oct. 21 northwest of Monroe.
Principles included keeping the soil covered as much as possible, disturb the soil as little as possible or reduce tillage, plant diversity increases diversity in the soil, and to keep living roots in the soil feeding the soil all year round.
The individual species of cover crops planted at the plot were dug to examine their unique root structure. Brian Hillers, area resource conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, explained the different benefits.
Participants at the field saw root nodules on the winter peas and hairy vetch that had been growing for about 60 days. The nodules are created from a symbiotic relationship between the microbes in the soil and the root of the plant. This is free nitrogen for next year's crop to consume.
Another field day is being planned for 9 until 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at the county farm, off Highway 81, northwest of Monroe. The cover crop plot is open anytime for all those interested to visit. For more information or for a personal tour of the plot, contact the Green County Land Conservation office at 608-325-4195 ext. 3.
Principles included keeping the soil covered as much as possible, disturb the soil as little as possible or reduce tillage, plant diversity increases diversity in the soil, and to keep living roots in the soil feeding the soil all year round.
The individual species of cover crops planted at the plot were dug to examine their unique root structure. Brian Hillers, area resource conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, explained the different benefits.
Participants at the field saw root nodules on the winter peas and hairy vetch that had been growing for about 60 days. The nodules are created from a symbiotic relationship between the microbes in the soil and the root of the plant. This is free nitrogen for next year's crop to consume.
Another field day is being planned for 9 until 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at the county farm, off Highway 81, northwest of Monroe. The cover crop plot is open anytime for all those interested to visit. For more information or for a personal tour of the plot, contact the Green County Land Conservation office at 608-325-4195 ext. 3.
