Scientific Research
Our collection of scientific research studies and results offer deeper insights into how we are changing the landscape of no till farming using cover crops.
Cover Crop Research 2010-2012
Cedar Meadow Farms, Sponsored by Cover Crop Solutions — Apr 26,2013
Farm-scale cover crop research over 3 years focuses on short season corn yields, early season corn hybrids and early cover crop planting, and cash crop yield results.
Download ResearchUsing Cover Crops to Convert to No-Till
Ohio State University Extension — Jan 10,2012
This fact sheet provides research results comparing crop yields in no-till fields vs tillage; nitrogen recycling; soil temperature; water infiltration and tips for successful no-till corn.
Download ResearchSustainable Crop Rotations with Cover Crops
Ohio State University Extension — Jan 09,2012
This fact sheet provides recommendations for specific cover crop varieties in cash crop rotations based on desired soil health benefits. Also includes biomass production and N contribution data.
Download ResearchSoil Biology & Land Management
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Quality Team — Sep 01,2011
Information about how to improve soil biological health based on management practices including added organic matter, diversifying plant variety, ground coverage and soil disturbances.
View ResearchSoil Life: Microbiology on the Farm
Rodale Institute — Jul 13,2011
Mary Edmonds and Natalia Pinzón explain how soil structure and health is directly influenced by the complex set of biological and chemical interactions which decompose, retain, and recycle nutrients.
View ResearchCover Crops: An Essential Tool for Sustainable Cropping Systems
Purdue University - Conservation Technology Information Center — Jan 11,2011
The CTIC promotes information on cover crop and conservation tillage practices for benefiting soil, reducing pollution, and how to transition into continuous no-till farming.
View ResearchUsing Cover Crops to Improve Soil & Water Quality
Ohio State University — Dec 10,2009
James J. Hoorman, Cover Crops & Water Quality Extension Educator at Ohio State University Extension in Lima, Ohio, highlights the physical, chemical, biological, and economic benefits of cover crops.
View ResearchForage Radish: New Multi-Purpose Cover Crop for the Mid-Atlantic
Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland — Oct 22,2009
By Ray Weil, Charlie White, Yvonne Lawley; Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park
Download Research(Almost) Never Too Late to Plant Hairy Vetch
Rodale Institute — Feb 06,2009
Genevieve Slocum, with Dave Wilson, detail research findings of a dormant seeding trial using the winter annual cover crop Hairy Vetch.
View ResearchPerspectives on Cover Crops: Thinking across & beyond disciplines to make cover crops pay
Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture, University of Maryland — Dec 19,2007
From the Univ of MD: Dept of Environmental Science & Technology: Ray Weil, Soil Scientist; Bahram Momen, Statistician/Ecologist; Guihua Chen, Jill Dean, Amy Kremen, Yvonne Lawley, and more.
Download ResearchSoil Quality Publications
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Quality Team — Dec 15,2006
A rich resource from the NRCS and the USDA providing technical notes, information sheets, and test kits related to all aspects of soil quality, cover crops, erosion and more.
View ResearchCedar Meadow Farm Field Day
Rodale Institute — Aug 10,2006
Featuring findings from agronomist Dave Wilson; Jeff Moyer, Rodale farm manager; William S. Curran, PhD, professor of weed science at Penn State; Randa Jabbour and Meredith Murray; Steve Groff & more.
View ResearchPlanting TIme - Know Where Your Earthworms Are
Rodale Institute — May 05,2005
Steve Groff, a participating farmer in The Rodale Institute's No-Till + project, details the benefits of cover crops, earthworms and soil health.
View ResearchCover Crops & Crop Rotation Basics
Rodale Institute — Oct 01,2002
Stories and results from farmers worldwide effectively using cover crops and crop rotations to beat weeds, confuse bugs and keep diseases at bay.
View Research