2009 Annual Report for GNC08-093
Recycling Nutrients with Cover Crops to Decrease Hypoxia/Eutrophication while Promoting Sustainable Crop Production
Summary
Cover crops were planted on 2700 acres in the Grand Lake River Watershed and 1400 acres in the Upper Wabash River Watershed. Another 600 acres were planted in the St. Mary's River Watershed.
More than 75 farmers attended a cover crops field day at Covington and 35 attended a cover crop walk at Fort Recovery. Plots included oilseed radish, cereal rye, buckwheat, oats, and winter peas.
Objectives/Performance Targets
A goal of 5,000 acres of cover crops in the Upper Wabash and Grand Lake St. Marys River Watershed.
Cover crop plots initated at Ohio State University (OSU) South Piketon and Hoytville research branches.
Accomplishments/Milestones
Approximately 4700 acres were planted to cover crops in three watersheds (Upper Walbash, Grand lake, and St. Mary's).
Cover crop data was collected from OSU South Piketon and Hoytville research stations.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Farmers have started using cover crops to soak up manure nutrients. Approximately 8% of Grand Lake Watershed has cover crops and 20% has green covers (from hay or wheat for winter wheat for grain.)