BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Last summer after the lake turned green, the agriculture community started talking about cover crops. These crops are now in the ground, soaking up nutrients, improving soil texture, and protecting fields from winter erosion and nutrient loss.
The Wood County Soil and Water Conservation District and ten local producers have teamed up to demonstrate different cover crop species and different planting techniques. This drive-it-yourself tour can be done anytime between now and March, and sites are located throughout the county.
Each field is designated with a green sign, and a brochure showing all of the stops will be available on the signposts, at local ag retailers, online at www.woodswcd.com, and at Greenwood Center in Bowling Green.
Cover crops are plants grown between cash crops. They are planted around the time the cash crop is harvested, and are maintained until the next cash crop is planted.
Cover crops help hold the soil in place, add organic matter, and hold nutrients in the field for the next cash crop. Some farmers take advantage of cost-share programs to help offset the expense of the seed and equipment.
For more information, contact Abby Wensink at 419-352-5171.
