St Patrick’s Day is approaching! You’ve probably
noticed that stores have added shamrocks to just about everything, from
cupcakes to knee socks, but did you know that the Irish “shamrock” is just
another word for a young clover leaf?
Seeding a cover crop on your fields isn’t about luck or
Irish tradition, but fields that are “wearing the green” between crops can
expect improved soil texture, less erosion, higher retention of nutrients, and
reduced compaction. Some cover crops, like clover, can also fix nitrogen
in the soil. The roots of cover crops add organic material to the soil as
they decay. Later on, water can move downward through the spaces left by
the roots. This helps fields hang onto scarce rainfall from fast
thunderstorms in the hot summer months, and helps soggy fields drain in the
spring.
By the time St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, most of our
fields are either brown or white. But the brown residue of a
winter-killed cover crop can still hold soil during snowmelt or spring
rains. The roots and dead tops still work to protect the soil. And
this is an important time to protect your valuable soil; most erosion and
nutrient loss from fields occurs when there isn’t a commodity crop in the
field.
Since St. Patrick went to Ireland, less than two inches of
topsoil have developed. This much can be lost in one bad winter!
Consider adding a cover crop to your rotation. With a little luck, it
might even put some green in your pocket from increased yields. For more
information on cover crops, and possible cost-share programs, contact the Wood
SWCD office.
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| Photo From University of Wisconsin Extension |
