New Research Shows Effectiveness of Cover Crop Drilling

A research trial by scientists at the University of Idaho tested the effectiveness of drilling as a cover crop planting method. Farmers have been reluctant to drill cover crop seed, out of fear that the planting would damage corn crops. However, University of Idaho Extension Educator Steven Hines’ research showed that if cover crop seed is drilled when corn is young, it results in good germination and increased forage production without damaging much corn. Drilling also improves the germination rate for larger seeds like peas, compared to broadcasting seed. Hines used a three-point drill for the test, making sure that tires went between crop rows.