Cover crops can be used for different reasons, such as to provide soil erosion protection, alleviate compaction, control weeds, fix atmospheric nitrogen for the next crop, harvest for hay, and as a grazing resource. The reason for using a cover crop will determine which species or mixture of species you choose, as well as how you manage it.

One major consideration before deciding to plant a double crop or cover crop after wheat is the potential for herbicide carryover. Cover crops can be challenging in this regard.

Researchers are studying the soil around sorghum plants in hopes of gleaning how microbes help the crop continue to produce during droughts, possibly providing clues to helping other crops improve drought tolerance traits.

Allowing soils to regenerate is the key to bottom-line success for producers, and the No-till on the Plains Winter Conference is the place to learn more.

Josh Lofton, cropping systems specialist for Oklahoma State University Extension, discusses the need for growers to plan early for sugarcane aphid pressure, and what factors to consider when deciding whether to replant sorghum after recent cold weather and hail damage.

Kansas State University agronomist Alan Schlegel discusses his multi-year field tests of intensive dryland cropping systems for western Kansas, going beyond the conventional wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations.

Dow AgroSciences announced that in response to the states’ requests, the EPA has granted Section 18 emergency use exemptions in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Texas for the application of Transform WG insecticide for control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum. Section 18 approvals are still pending in five other states.