From farmers using cover crops in rotations to field experts alike, one of the most common questions they get asked is "The principle of cover crops makes sense, but how much are they going to cost me?” But according to Jerry Hall, Director of Research for GO SEED, this question needs to be flipped on its head with farmers asking, “How much can cover crops save me?”

Cover crop response to herbicides will be influenced by a number of factors, including biological and biochemical characteristics of the plant, chemical characteristics of the herbicide, and weather conditions since herbicide application, says Kansas State University Extension. 

Many of us may have heard the term “Nature abhors a vacuum” (Aristotle) and we can see the effects of that when a field is left fallow — for example, after winter wheat harvest. Instead of tillage or herbicides to control the weeds that will try to fill this “vacuum,” a warm-season cover crop can be planted, says University of Nebraska Extension.

Beginning in crop year 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) will offer the Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) in certain states for non-irrigated corn, providing coverage for producers who use this practice that is considered better for natural resources and saves money for producers.