Link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/orpmctn13328.pdf
This list of cover crop seed vendors was updated in 2018 by the NRCS West National Technology Support Center and Plant Materials Program.… Read the rest
Category Archives: Resources
Soil Nitrate Testing for Willamette Valley Vegetable Production (2019) EM9221
Link: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9221
This publication describes how to use in-season soil nitrate testing to adjust sidedress N fertilizer application rate to match crop N requirements. Data to support our recommendations comes from field trials conducted in the Willamette Valley for vegetable crops produced during summer months.… Read the rest
Irrigated Warm Season Cover Crops for Western Oregon
Link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/orpmcsr13158.pdf
Cover crop use is increasing in the Pacific Northwest, but information is not readily available on the growth potential, biomass production, adaptability, and bloom period of warm season cover crop species and/or varieties for this region. A study was conducted in 2015−2016 at the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Plant Materials Center in Corvallis, Oregon to evaluate commercially available summer cover crops for the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. The replicated trial included ten warm- season species that were evaluated for emergence, canopy cover, vigor, pest and disease susceptibility, bloom period, plant … Read the rest
Oregon State University Cover Crop Calculator and User Guide
Link: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/calculator
This free online tool compares the nutrient value and cost of cover crops, organic and synthetic fertilizers and compost. Use this Calculator to develop well balanced and cost effective nutrient management programs for your farm. Developed by Nick Andrews, Dan Sullivan, Jim Julian and Kristin Pool.
The OSU Organic Fertilizer and Cover Crop Calculator is a tool to assist with preplant nitrogen (N) input decisions. It forecasts the quantity of plant-available nitrogen (PAN) provided by inputs such as fresh organic materials, cover crop residues, and finished compost. The calculator is an Excel-based worksheet available for free download via the OSU … Read the rest
Legume Cover in Orchard Drive Alleys
This publication evaluates a broad spectrum of legume species and cultivars for their ability to thrive in an orchard environment and provide a significant nitrogen contribution.
Link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/wapmcsr12864.pdf… Read the rest
The Pasture Project
This webinar, featuring Dr. Kris Nichols, focuses on cover crops and grazing as ways to stimulate carbon flow to soil biology, and how using these practices can build resilience to weather, pest and disease issues, and increase overall profitability.
Link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/wapmcsr12864.pdf
No-Till Case Study, Richter Farm: Cover Crop Cocktails in a Forage-Based System
This free publication from ATTRA focuses on implementing a multispecies cover crop cocktail after an early forage harvest to add needed residue, organic matter, and available soil nutrients for the subsequent cash crop.
No-Till Case Study, Miller Farm: Restoring Grazing Land with Cover Crops
This free publication from ATTRA is a case study study on converting marginal cropland back to grazing land by planting several years of a diverse cover crop mixture containing legumes, tap roots, and more. For Ken Miller of Mandan, North Dakota, a cover crop cocktail helps break up the old plow layer, increase nutrient cycling, and improve productivity. Learn about his grazing system, how it’s working, and future plans.
Reduced Tillage in Organic Vegetable Systems
Cover Crop (340) in Organic Systems – Western States Implementation Guide
This document provides an overview of how the NRCS Cover Crop (340) conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations. It discusses different purposes for the practice’s use, design considerations, and how installation might differ in organic systems. Specifically, it outlines techniques and specifications to help NRCS conservationists and partners meet the requirements of the NRCS Cover Crop (340) practice standard and comply with USDA National Organic Program regulations.
Link: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=nrcseprd1212809&ext=pdf
