08 Dec 2021

2021 NREC Cover Crop Guide

2021 NREC Cover Crop Guide_Dec2021

https://forms.gle/FoAUuhrx7PT54Ube7

This 16-page Cover Crop Guide was created through the collaboration of NREC-funded researchers. Together they pooled their research results and compiled the information so that new adopters can easily understand the technical aspects (why, what, when, how much, where and other considerations) of planting cover crops. NREC, along with the researchers, is encouraging producers to “think a systems approach” when planting cover crops, rather than thinking of cover crops only as an additional input. To order printed copies, click on the link above.

 

04 Dec 2018

Cover cropping on a large scale

Using cover crops shows the potential to reduce nutrient loss, but most of this research has been done at the plot or field scale levels. This project explores whether the use of cover crops can effectively be scaled up to the watershed – not just a field – and whether the addition of cover crops alone, with no other changes in farm management, can improve surface water quality. An overview of Dr. O’Reilly’s research can be found here:  Catherine O’Reilly

04 Dec 2018

DNRA – what the heck is that?

Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) is also known as nitrate ammonification and is the result of anaerobic respiration. In this process microbes oxidize organic matter and use nitrate (rather
than oxygen) as an electron acceptor, reducing it to nitrite – then ammonium (as opposed to nitrogen gas – as in denitrification). Get a simple explanation to better understand how this can help farmers manage nutrients. Click her to download the flyer.

04 Dec 2018

Looking at the big picture of cover crops – Dr. Kaiyu Guan

Today’s agriculture requires efficient, profitable and sustainable production practices – all closely interconnected to reach the goals of environmental responsibility. Dr. Kaiyu Guan and Yang Qu of the University of Illinois are assessing cover crops at the regional scale for Illinois

16 Jan 2018

Western Illinois Crop Production Conference – Quincy

The Western Illinois/Northeast Missouri Crop Production Conference (formerly No Till) will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018, at John Wood Community College, 1301 S. 48th St, Quincy.

There will be two general sessions, one starting the day, a presentation by James Garris of the Browning World Climate Newsletter.  A second general session will end the day with an overview of the research being conducted by the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council presented by NREC Executive Director Julie Armstrong.

Additional breakout topics include:

  • Grain Marketing Outlook
  • Weed Control / Cover Crops
  • 2018 Farm Bill Outlook
  • Farmer Panel

The program starts at 9:15 am, and concludes at 2:00 pm.

Cost is $20 per person, and includes lunch. CCA Credit Hours Offered.

Cost is $75 for Exhibitors, and includes one registration.