Cover Cropping a Solution for Northern Pennsylvania Farmers

Farmers in northern Pennsylvania face challenges with cover cropping due to the cold weather. The best time to plant cover crops is in September, but this can be difficult for farmers who are busy with harvest.

There are a few options for farmers who want to plant cover crops in northern Pennsylvania. One option is to interseed or broadcast cover crop seed into standing soybeans. This can be done with specialized equipment, but it can be expensive.

Another option is to think of covering crops as part of a double-cropping system. This could involve planting warm-season forages like sorghum sudangrass or forage sorghum, which could rotate with winter cover crops of rye or triticale.

Here are some additional tips for cover cropping in northern Pennsylvania:

Choose cover crops that are adapted to the cold winters.

Plants cover crops early in the fall, before the ground freezes.

Interseed covers crops into standing soybeans.

Think of covering crops as part of a double-cropping system.

Pay attention to the weather when planning to cover crops.

Be flexible and be prepared to change plans if necessary.

Weather is also a factor in cover cropping in northern Pennsylvania. Two out of every five years see a harvestable crop. Winter cereal rye, wheat, and triticale have all done well with the cold winters.

To get plants in the ground within the September window, manure application can be done after planting if necessary.

Cover crops can be allowed to grow long in the spring, delaying planting. This can help to get the full benefits of cover cropping.

Farmers who use cover cropping mainly for erosion control can create contour strips and grass waterways to help. Leaving corn residue in the field instead of baling can also help protect soil in the winter. Snow can also help prevent erosion in northern Pennsylvania.

Overall, there are several challenges that farmers in northern Pennsylvania face with cover cropping. However, there are also several options available to them. By carefully planning and adapting to the weather, farmers can successfully plant cover crops in northern Pennsylvania.

Photo Credit: minnesota-corn-growers-association