Multipurpose Cover Crop and Conservation Practices for a Sustainable Agricultural System to Improve Soil Health, Environmental Quality and Farm Productivity

This project will demonstrate the environmental benefits of adopting a production system focused on soil health and conservation practices. The project aims to measure in detail reductions in soil erosion, nitrogen, phosphorous, and herbicide losses and some measure of pesticide losses to surface water. It also aims to enhance wildlife richness and diversity by demonstrating increased richness and diversity of wildlife as a result of field edge buffers and Cover Crops. It also aims to demonstrate the economic benefits of adopting a production system of soil health and conservation practices with the goals of exhibiting increased productivity, decreasing input costs and increasing farm profitability. Finally, the 9 project will develop and implement a user friendly tool to recommend best management for cover crop selection, nitrogen application and economic return.