1996 Annual Report for FNC96-153
Cover Crop Inter-row Seeder for Row Crops
Summary
"Producers in this area and the North Central region are asking for current comparative data on nitrogen-fixing cover crops. I want to improve the soil structure--tilth and organic matter--of my farm. I also want to cut fertilizer costs."
Objectives: To seed nitrogen-fixing legumes (hairy vetch and Austrian winter peas) into growing milo in late-summer, to be turned under the following spring for the nexrt year's milo crop.
Results: The project coordinator developed an inter-row seeder by mounting a used 16-inch John Deere grain drill on a 15-inch tool bar. The seeder is set up to cover six rows of milo while seeding two rows of legumes between each row. Mounted on a three-point hitch, the seeder is driven by a hydraulic motor. The first year's vetch crop is established, and data on soil tests and yields will be available after the 1998 harvest.