Pest Management Through Cover Crop Farming - For Better Earnings

Cover crop farming is being used since centuries to get practical and economical benefits. The farming extra edges of cover crop have been proved by research studies. Still some benefits are not known to farmers. Pest management is just one among those. Experienced Ecologists state that stabilized natural system is much diversified. Variety of birds, plants, microorganisms, mammals and arthropods are the part of natural system. Cover crop farming enhances the diversity in cropping in a particular land. In a stabilized natural system, natural management of pest outbreak occurs at its own.

Farmers and researchers have observed the presence of beneficial insects just because of cover crop. Cover crop farming provides pollen and nectar. It provides a space for insects’ natural growth. No tillage supports this process because this farming technique spares considerable major farm portion unaltered. Zero tilling or strip tilling disturbs the minimum intermittent crop insects beneficial. Cover crops may be in living or dying process. Whatsoever may be the case, cover crop farming protects farming friendly insects. As the main crop grows, these benefits start pouring into the pocket of farmers in visible or hidden manner. The right selection and right time sowing of cover crop bring the proven benefits sooner. Some farmers intermix the cover crop and main crop to save time and expenses.

To get benefits of cover crop farming, perfect rotation is must. Corn and Soybean rotation allows having rye crop to create change. Rye is known for supporting water-conservation and suppressing weeds for next soya crop. Hairy vetch crops can be planted just after soya crop. Hairy vetch provides nitrogen to the farm soil for the next major crops. Each crop has its own properties and nature, so selection should be made on the basis of personal parameters instead on the basis of suggestions.

Some farmers, who switch over to cover crop farming report the drop in their annual farming outputs. There is nothing to worry; it is natural and this may occur because of many reasons. Wrong selection of cover crops, equipments or machinery, wrong time of sowing, weather difference farm soil properties etc are the common reasons. If you too are willing to increase annual yield and profit, search for a reliable source that offers free help. Many government agencies offer subsidized seeds, fertilizers and chemicals besides appointing an expert to monitor your efforts. Even if you need to invest little for this switchover, think it as the investment for better tomorrow.

About the Author:- Jonnie T. Allen is writing articles for slyagri, We specialize in agriculture Development by strip-till, striptill, cover crops , strip tillage, strip cat, cover crops and many more…