Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host two Cover Crop field days on Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1, 2015.
Pictured is an oilseed radish.
Both events begin at 10:00 a.m. with refreshments and coffee, followed by a brief program.
Reservations are requested. Call the Rock Island SWCD office at 309-764-1486, extension 3, by Monday, March 30.
Cover crops, like this annual rye, are promoted to
- reduce soil erosion
- improve soil health
- help with compaction problems
- reduce the loss of nutrients from crop fields into area streams and lakes.
The first field day–in the north part of Rock Island County–is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, at Bob DePauw’s farm in Coe Township, at 27004 122nd Avenue N, Port Byron, IL 61275. This is one mile east of 256th Street N on 122nd Avenue N.
The second field day–in the southern part of Rock Island County–will be held Wednesday, April 1, at McMarthy-Anderson Farm in Rural Township, west of the intersection of 176th Avenue and 63rd Street. This is 1/2 mile east of Sherrard High School.
Results of last fall’s seeding plots will be discussed. Cover Crop specialists will discuss cover crop seeding and species options. Also, farmers who have tried cover crops will be present. A field tour of the fall seeding will follow a short program. Cost-share information and how to apply will also be discussed.