Cover It Up: Train-the-trainer program to expand knowledge and utilization of cover crops in Mississippi

Project Overview

ES17-132
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2017: $65,222.00
Projected End Date: 03/31/2020
Grant Recipient: Mississippi State University
Region: Southern
State: Mississippi
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Bill Burdine
Email
Mississippi State University Extension

Information Products

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: cover crops
  • Education and Training: decision support system, demonstration, extension, networking, workshop
  • Pest Management: mulches - general, mulches - killed
  • Production Systems: dryland farming, transitioning to organic
  • Soil Management: earthworms, organic matter, soil quality/health

    Proposal abstract:

    Mississippi producers of row crops, sweet potato and vegetable have generally been reluctant to use cover crops. Reluctance continues against substantial evidence concluding cover crops can reduce soil compaction and erosion while scavenge nutrients and improve tilth, aggregation, and general soil health. Producers often do not quantify the long-term benefits and justify input costs for something they will not sell.

    CoverItUp is a 2-year train-the-trainer program designed to educate producers on species selection, benefits, establishment costs, crop termination and cash crop planting tips. This project will be accomplished through a joint effort between MSU Extension, USDA NRSC, MS Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and producers. Key producers on strategically located farms will host on-farm demonstration plots.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    • Develop a plan-of-work to transfer cover crop education throughout Mississippi;
    • Develop/increase cover crop knowledge of Extension agents/NRCS staff;
    • Increase producer awareness and utilization of cover crops suitable for Mississippi climate.

     

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.