Category: Cover Crops

Population Dynamics of Stink Bugs Within Cover Crops on the Eastern Shore of Maryland

Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu
Dwayne Joseph, Agriculture Agent; and Haley Sater, Agriculture Agent
University of Maryland Extension

Figure 1. Photo of a stink bug on a sweep net. Photo by N. Krambeck. 

There is emerging concern among growers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that our warmer winters and longer cover crop growing season may allow several stink bug species to overwinter and utilize cover crops for shelter and food. These stink bugs could then move into soybean fields after cover crop termination, potentially causing feeding injury and damping off damage to soybean seedlings. Fall-planted cover crops offer many benefits to soil health and the environment, so a survey was conducted during the 2024 growing season to investigate whether cover crops provide a suitable overwintering habitat for stink bugs.

Species of phytophagous stink bugs that are known economic pests of soybean include the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say), and the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). Stink bugs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the foliage and pods of soybeans, causing discolored, shriveled beans, reducing both the yield and quality of the crop.

Stink bugs typically overwinter as adults in protected areas such as fence rows, grassy field borders, under stones, or tree bark. Most species have one generation per year. They become active during the first warm spring days, typically in April. Females usually start depositing eggs in June. Nymphs hatch from these eggs and pass through five instars before becoming adults, with approximately five weeks elapsing between hatching and adult emergence. Adult stink bugs generally reach their highest population levels in September, when they can become an economic problem for soybeans.

To determine if stink bugs use late-season cover crops as overwintering habitat, 37 cover crop fields were sampled on the Eastern Shore of Maryland between mid-April and mid-May. The majority of fields surveyed were planted in a wheat-only cover crop. Densities of adults and nymphs were determined by taking ten sweeps with a standard sweep net at five to ten areas across each field. Fourteen fields were sampled twice before the cover crop was terminated. The other fields were sampled once due to weather constraints before terminating the cover crop. Eight fields were sampled again in June when soybean plants were 6-12 inches high. 

Ninety-nine stink bugs were counted across the 51 scouting times, averaging 1.94 stink bugs per field per scouting date.  94% of the species counted were adult native brown stink bugs. The majority of stink bugs (79%) were counted during the last week of April and the first week of May. Along with stink bugs, 225 ladybird beetle adults and larvae were counted. Fifteen stink bugs were found during the scouting of soybean seedlings in June. The low number of stink bugs found in 2024 in spring cover crops suggests they are not overwintered in cover crops, and adding an insecticide to cover crop burndown spray is unnecessary to control them.  

We want to thank all the farmers who allowed us to sample their fields. If you are interested in participating in this study in 2025, please contact Emily Zobel at ezobel@umd.edu or (410) 228-8800. The Maryland Soybean Board provided financial support for this project (project # 80333).

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: September 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to September 5, 2024.

Western Maryland

August brought us more rain than June and July combined. The hay and pasture fields responded, and there is hope for continued grazing and another cutting. The soybeans are probably the greatest beneficiary of the moisture. They are looking great as their pods fill. Modern varieties are a wonder to behold. Corn silage harvest began earlier this year thanks to the heat and drought. Many folks are glad they planted a little extra corn, primarily due to the need for forage and the low grain price forecast. Running it through livestock will add value. Triticale and oats are going in the ground for both fall and spring forage. Cool mornings and mild days have raised our countenance here in Western Maryland.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

August has finally brought some much needed rain; although amounts have been scattered throughout the region. A storm last week caused crop damage in some areas of the region. While it won’t be a year for record-breaking yields, most of the corn and soybeans are looking fairly good. The majority of corn is in the dent stage and is starting to dry down. Silage chopping has begun. Full season soybeans are in the beginning seed stage (R5).—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

About 6” of rain fell in August, which really woke up soybeans, especially later planted beans and double crops. Unfortunately, the rains have ceased, with the last measurable rainfall coming over two weeks ago. Rain is predicted for this weekend, so fingers crossed for good rainfall to finish out what could be a strong late season bean crop. Corn is rapidly drying down and a few acres have been harvested but the majority of corn is still 25% moisture or better. We are about another 10-14 days before the combines are rolling hard. Tar spot was also confirmed in the region at the end of August, consistent with the two years prior. A lot of good dry hay was put up over the last two weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

July’s much-needed rains tapered off, leaving August with sporadic showers that varied significantly depending on your neck of the woods. This inconsistency has led to some challenging conditions for crops. Signs of water stress have become apparent; soybean leaves are cupping and corn leaves are curling from lack of moisture. In response, center pivots on irrigated fields have been fired up again, helping to maximize yield potential after a brief respite in July. Corn is drying down, with some early-planted fields already harvested. Soybeans are also moving along, with early maturing varieties starting to turn and double crop beans filling out their pods. The dry conditions earlier in the season provided the perfect environment for Palmer amaranth to thrive and compete with the crops. They can clearly be seen towering over the soybean and even corn in both conventional and organic fields. The region has also noticed more spotted lanternfly activity as these pests hit their final growth stage and take to the air. While they’re mostly just a nuisance in agronomic crops, controlling them can really help out your local fruit and vegetable grower, who would surely appreciate the effort.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is drying down, but harvest has not yet begun. Due to low grain prices, farmers are inclined to let corn completely dry in the field, rather than take a moisture price hit at the mills. Drought stress during vegetative and early reproductive phases hurt corn. Yield is anticipated to be poor, and ears look small. Soybean is looking better than corn, especially double-crop soybean planted after wheat. There have not been reports of serious pest or weed damage. Cover crops are being flown into some corn fields via airplane.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Conditions remain very dry across the majority of Southern Maryland. Corn harvest is in full swing with reports of average to well below average yields. Yields vary greatly within and between fields depending on soil type and where isolated showers happened to fall. Grain quality is a major concern this year. Growers are encouraged to get corn off as early as possible. Beans continue to put up the good fight. Many full season beans are yellowing and drying down. Double crop beans will need some more help to fill out pods. Farmers have been scouting for pod worms and stink bugs. Thankfully, only a few fields have reached threshold and required a treatment so far. Weeds continue to require attention as fields have taken longer to canopy if at all, allowing greater opportunity for weeds to gain their share of the limelight. We continue to see ragweed, pigweeds of all types, and morning glory present. Deer damage is readily apparent in later planted beans that are failing to re-grow or canopy following deer feeding. Forages have struggled this summer with many fields of cool season grasses requiring replanting this fall or next spring.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to June 6, 2024.

Western Maryland

I have a  good friend who says, “I don’t have forty years of experience farming; I have one year’s experience forty times.” This spring has been just like that. We have had more moisture than last year, but then came the hot days, cool weather, and more moisture. Corn is planted, and the first cutting of hay is in the barn. Soybean planting is winding down, and grain harvest will be here before you know it, starting with barley. With the moisture we will see how much disease took its toll. Fungicide applications weren’t always as timely as we would hope because of the frequent showers. Until next month when harvest is underway it is then the story will be told.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Planting is almost complete. Slugs have been an issue; some soybean fields will need replanting. It was getting a bit dry, which did provide a good hay-making window. However, a thunderstorm is rolling in as I write this, giving us some needed moisture. Small grains are looking good. Summer annual weeds like pigweed, crabgrass, and foxtail are starting to take off with this warmer weather.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Spring has been a little challenging in our area. A dry spell in mid-late April made herbicide efficacy less than ideal, followed by several weeks of a lot of rain, which activated herbicides but prevented the timely termination of other cover crops. Early planted corn and beans are up and out of the ground, with earliest planted corn around V6 and getting it’s second shot of nitrogen. Rainy weather in late April early May delayed planting the remainder of the crop by about two weeks. These later planted fields are much further behind than usual but are looking good. There has been some slug damage present, it gets worse the further west you go in the region. Barley nearing harvest and wheat is starting to turn. There are symptoms of head scab but it remains to be seen how severe DON levels are in the grain. The wet weather has made it very difficult to make timely dry hay.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Corn acreage is looking good, with a nice color and uniform growth. Depending on when it was planted, corn is in the V2 to V5 stages right now. Most of our full-season soybeans are already in the ground. As usual, rain across the region has been hit or miss, with some areas getting a lot more than others. These downpours might not be ideal, but they’re certainly better than no rain at all. Barley harvest is just around the corner. Summer annual weeds are popping up and are ready to impact yield potential. If your residual herbicide program hasn’t kept them in check, now’s the time for a POST application. And remember, using multiple modes of action in your tank-mix slows down the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

has been planted and currently in emergence stage to around V4 stage. Corn is looking good, and being sprayed to combat early season weeds. Soybean planting is currently underway. In a few instances, early planted soybean (early April) had to be replanted due to slug damage. Wheat is looking good and drying down. Farmers are gearing up to cut wheat, which is earlier than anticipated.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

As I write this, a very welcome rain is falling outside my window. As we move into the hotter days of June, the old adage that we are only a week away from a drought at any time is holding true. Two weeks ago it was too wet to get into fields and this week we have corn fields starting to show curling leaves and drought stress. In general corn is off to a good start with most sidedress N applications completed. There have been a lot of catch up full season beans planted in the last 2 weeks. Slug feeding has been minimal this year. Barley is drying down with harvest expected any day. Wheat will not be far behind. Ryegrass continues to be a challenge for producers in both burndown situations in corn and beans, as well as small grains. Many fields may need a harvest aid to kill the ryegrass and allow for timely harvest of wheat. Given the wet conditions following flowering, we are encouraging producers to get the wheat crop off as quick as possible to maintain grain quality.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: May 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 3, 2024.

Western Maryland

April has brought us many showers. The triticale is all in the silos for the most part, and corn planting has begun. The wheat and the barley are looking good. Producers have a keen eye out for FHB, and thus, fungicide is on the docket. Pastures are looking good and first cutting alfalfa is not far off. Warmer temperatures are on the horizon.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

The wet, cool spring has turned into a hot, dry spring this week. Currently, the highest chance of rain (about 60%) is for this weekend. Planting is in full swing, and the first cutting of orchardgrass will start in a couple weeks. Wheat and barley are heading; if the drier weather keeps up, it will lower the risk for Fusarium.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Rain has been hard to come by with only about 1” of accumulated rain in the last 4 weeks. Corn and soybean planting has been in rolling for 2.5 weeks now, with a very large majority of it within the last week to 10 days or so. Small grains generally look very good, pastures and hay fields have also enjoyed the cooler than normal March and April. Wheat is anywhere from boot to head emergence. After a soggy start to April, we could use some rain.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

The rains from early in the month are now just a memory, with clear skies and no significant rainfall since. Dust clouds swirling on the horizon are a clear sign that #Plant2024 is underway. Farmers are terminating their cover crops and tilling the soil, readying it for planting. This year, we’re running a week or two ahead of last year’s schedule, raising hopes for another bumper crop. Small grains are currently heading, with some currently flowering.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.

Lower Shore

After a rainy stretch, we’ve gotten some dry weather this past week. About half or more of cover crop acreage has been terminated. Some ground is being tilled, while the majority will be planted no-till. Corn is currently being planted. Wheat is looking very good. If wheat varieties are susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight and if the wheat is flowering, fungicides should be considered. The first cutting of hay has started.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Field conditions are a mixed bag. Areas to the north have turned dry in the last week. Areas to the south received more rain delaying field operations. In drier areas, soil has become hard and compacted, aggravated by wet conditions over the winter. This is a year where big differences in soil conditions can be observed between no-till and tilled fields. Planters have been rolling for the last two weeks with conditions mostly ideal for planting. Corn emergence looks good so far. Slugs were a concern early, but drier weather has helped with that issue. We have many acres of early planted soybeans again this year. Burndown programs have been challenged this year with many escapes of annual ryegrass. Wheat is headed and beginning to flower now. We are observing some yellowing of the flag leaf and leaf below the flag leaf across many fields that showed up in the last 10 days. We are working to determine the exact cause, but believe it related to environmental conditions with perhaps some virus issues like BYDV as well. A lot of good dry hay has been made in the last two weeks. On the fruit and vegetable front, plasticulture strawberries look very good and are ripening now. All of our main season vegetable crops are preparing to go in the ground this week. High tunnel crops are coming off now.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Planting Green Workshop/Field Day

Farmers and ag service providers are invited to learn about the latest research on planting green techniques and slug control methods.

Activities will include:

  • Planting green demonstration
  • Biomass and root sampling activities
  • Soil pit investigation
  • Slug scouting and control methods
  • Single species and mixes, sandy and clayey soils

When: Thursday, May 9, 2024 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

*Field day will include coffee, light breakfast and lunch

Where: Central Maryland Research and Education Center

12000 Beaver Dam Rd, Glenn Dale, MD 20769

For More information and to register: https://millionacrechallenge.org/planting-green-workshop/

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: April 2024

Reports are for crop conditions up to April 5, 2024.

Western Maryland

Wet, wet, wet. This spring is off to a very different start than last year. Late winter and early spring have gone a long way in replenishing soil moisture and groundwater. Soil temperature and moisture will delay planting for a few weeks, but we are happy to have the moisture. Chicken litter, dairy manure, and first-pass nitrogen have been applied. These rains are now filling pits uncharacteristically. We are seeing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in some triticale. This is new since triticale was once thought to be resistant to everything. Next fall, we will need to think about scouting for aphids. All in all we are off to a better start than 2023.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

We’ve had quite the up and down with the weather this month. A few days in mid-March brought highs into the 60s, but most of the month has been cooler (lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s). In the past week, areas around the region have received 2 or more inches of rain. Soil temperatures have hovered around 50 degrees F. Green-up and manure applications have gone out. Looking forward to some warmer weather next week!—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

The past week has been cool and wet, which has been the story for most of the winter/early spring thus far. Field work has been very limited due to all the rain; second shot of nitrogen on wheat and weed control is needed as soon as the weather turns. Soil temperatures are still cool and the first seeds will not be going in the ground any time soon. Cover crops and small grains are generally variable across fields and winter annual weeds have been noticeably abundant this spring.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

No report.

Lower Shore

It’s been a wet spring, which has interrupted farm activities. Many fields are waterlogged or flooded. Farmers have been applying manure as they can get into fields. Most cover crops are still growing, which has been helpful to keep the rain water in the crop fields. No corn or soybean has been planted yet.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Rains continue to fall with only a few days here and there suitable for field work. Farmers are practicing patience as much work remains spreading litter/manure, applying herbicides and completing field operations. If weather conditions allow, planting will commence in a couple of weeks. Soils are wet and cold at present. Small grain crops are at jointing stage. Most wheat acreage received a first application of N with the second application being made when field conditions allow. Aphids have been active in some fields. Alfalfa got off to an early start this year, and growers are encouraged to scout for alfalfa weevil which has also been active. In So MD, most populations are resistant to pyrethroids, leaving Steward as the best option. Cool season grass hayfields are greening up now. On the weed front, Virginia Pepperweed seems to be more prevalent this year. Marestail and Common Ragweed are around and need to be controlled prior to planting. Burndown applications are being made in preparation for planting. With cooler temperatures, we may struggle to kill larger Italian ryegrass, brassicas, and cereal grain with standard rates of glyphosate.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to November 16, 2023.

Western Maryland

Harvest is winding down. Nearly all of the corn and full-season beans are in the bins. Some of the double-crop beans weren’t even worth the cost of the fuel to harvest them. Cover crops are looking good as is the commodity wheat and barely. There are still a few acres that will get some rye. Manure is flying as we race to beat the December 15 deadline. Hay stocks are short but FSA has had the county designated a disaster area so there is some assistance available to make up for the shortfalls. Yields are all over the place depending on when the crop was planted and when the showers arrived. As always everyone is looking forward to 2024 being a better year.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

No Report.

Northern Maryland

2023 harvest has been about as smooth as anyone could ask for with very few weather interruptions. All but a few acres of corn and double-crop soybeans remain. Some rains here and there have been just enough to get cover crops and small grains off to a good start, especially those fields planted early, which have put on substantial growth and tillers. Corn yields have been very strong across most of the region and even record-setting on some farms. Soybeans on the other hand are average to below average in many fields and double-crop beans range from very poor to good. All things considered, yields (especially corn) were impressive considering how dry we started and finished the season; timely rains sure do make or break yields!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Both corn and soybean harvest is finishing up. The high yields across the region have made grain delivery the last fewPreview (opens in a new tab) weeks a little frustrating. Tanks and piles are full. Granaries have been working to move grain out, but purchasing grain with reduced hours. On a positive note, that seems to be resolved now. The weather has cooperated to make harvest as easy and stress free as possible. We are finally receiving some rain to replenish ground water. Small grains are off to a good start.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn harvest is 95% complete. Most full season soybean has been harvested. It has been very dry in the region, and soybean moisture is below 13%. Soybeans are dusty and farmers are blowing off combines due to fire hazard. Soybean yields are coming in average to slightly above average depending on how much rain fields received. Double crop soybean following wheat is still a few weeks from being harvested. Wheat planting is underway and farmers are planting into dry fields. In many fields, cover crops are already seeing substantial growth and some farmers continue to drill winter cereal cover crops following soybean harvest.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Wrap-up: The last acres of soybeans and corn are making their way off fields as we wind into the last chapters of 2023 season. The season started early, with ideal planting conditions in early April. Many growers planted beans and corn during that early window. Conditions turned dry and cooler through the latter part of April and into May and June. Growers struggled with annual ryegrass burndown control. Rains returned as we turned the page into summer and crops responded well. Concerns over the wheat and barley crop, which appeared uneven through he late spring, were unfounded. The small grain crop was of great quality and yield. Growers struggled during the later harvest period as rains delayed harvest well into July. Most corn made it through the pollination window with adequate moisture. Dry conditions returned once again in August and September, resulting in drought stress to beans and corn. Corn harvest started a little earlier than normal. Overall yield reports are above average, and something to be grateful for given the dry conditions later in the season. Beans were more of a mixed bag. Early planted beans performed well for the second year in a row, with most of the crop made by the time the rain ran out. Double crops beans ranged from very poor to very good depending on rain timing and stage of beans. The fall harvest season has been good. Wheat and barley has germinated well and is growing fast with warmer than normal fall temperatures.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

2022 Maryland Weed Control Results

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Figure 1. Preplant applications of Liberty (left) and Gramoxone (middle) compared to the untreated check (right) 10 days after application at Wye REC. Images: Kurt Vollmer, Univ. of Maryland.

Results from the 2022 Maryland Weed Control Trials are now available. These trials evaluate crop injury (PHYGEN) and herbicide efficacy (CONTRO) for certain weed species. This data can be used to compare herbicide options crops including corn, soybean, and wheat. Each metric is based on a visual assessment on a 0 to 100% scale with 0 being no control/injury and 100 being complete control/plant death. Products with a control rating less than 55% offer poor to no weed control. Growers should use caution when selecting an herbicide program based on one year of data as environmental conditions and weed populations can vary across locations. A copy of this report can be accessed at  https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/2023-07/2022%20Weed%20Control%20Results_FINAL.pdf or by using the QR code to the right, or by calling your local extension office for a copy. For more information on how to interpret this report, contact Dr. Kurt Vollmer (kvollmer@umd.edu).

Diversity Your Cover Crops: On-Farm Series

July 25, 1:00-3:00 | 5998 Bellevue Rd, Royal Oak MD

Hear farmers perspectives about their cover crop experiences; Strategies and tools for cover crop planning; In-field soil quality test demos.

Field-day focused on how to get more benefits out of a cover crop. The host farmer will discuss his experiences and strategies with cover cropping. We will discuss cover crop planning, species selection and management, and practical considerations. We will also have demonstrations of in-field soil quality tests.

The field-day is sponsored by University of Maryland Extension, Million Acre Challenge, Future Harvest, and Sustainable Chesapeake, with funding support from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This is a free program. Maryland nutrient management credits and Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered. Please reserve your spot by registering.

Field-day Location: Tuesday July 25, 1:00-3:00 PM at Swaine Farm, 5998 Bellevue Rd, Royal Oak, MD

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Sarah Hirsh at least two weeks prior to the event at shirsh@umd.edu.

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

 

Interested in ‘Planting Green’ but Worried about Stands and Slugs?

Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science | rweil@umd.edu
University of Maryland, College Park

Planting Green refers to no-till planting a primary crop into an actively growing cover crop before killing it mechanically or with an herbicide. This advanced soil health practice allows cover crops to grow longer, offering improved soil health and long-term agronomic outcomes. But for many farmers, the idea of planting through shoulder-high cover crops seems risky.  All that cover crop biomass might result in poor crop stands and more slugs. Fortunately, a few farmers have been planting green now for many years, and their experience and research data show that great stands and yields can be achieved with proper planning and equipment adjustments. Research also suggests that planting green may increase soil water available to the crop during the heat of summer, and even reduce slug damage instead of exacerbating it.

That’s why we (a group of University of Maryland Researchers and Extension Educators) have partnered with pioneering farmers who have long-term experience and success in planting green on their own operations across a variety of farm enterprises and soil types. The team is planning to conduct field research, on-farm trials, and demonstration days to better support Maryland farmers interested in adopting this enhanced cover-crop management practice.

We are looking to collaborate with farmers who might host replicated on-farm trials comparing several treatments, or simple side-by-side strip demonstrations (farmers would choose specific cover crops and termination strategies) – all supported by the research team and a panel of experienced farmers. Data would be collected and aggregated to evaluate soil health, agronomic, and farm management outcomes. Farmers could choose to enroll in our farmer-to-farmer mentoring program to receive additional technical assistance from researchers and farmer-mentors experienced in planting green.

It’s definitely time to plan your next cover crop moves for the coming fall and spring. If you are interested in participating (especially if you have slug problems!) or just want to learn more about cover crops and planting green, please contact one of us as soon as possible!

Sarah Hirsh, UMD Extension Educator, Somerset County: (410) 651-1350 shirsh@umd.edu

Dwayne Joseph, UMD Extension Educator, Kent County: (443) 480-8369, dwaynej@umd.edu

Mark Townsend, UMD Extension Educator, Frederick County: (301) 600-3578, mtownsen@umd.edu

Ray Weil, Professor of Soil Science, UMD, Dept. of Env. Sci. &Tech: (301) 405-1314, rweil@umd.edu