A recent study of cover cropping in Western Canada underlines the importance of setting goals before adopting the practice.
Jodi Holzman, who graduated from Royal Roads University with a master’s of science in environment and management, surveyed 26 farmers from across Western Canada who grew cover crops. She then conducted in-depth interviews with six farmers about their motivations, perceived benefits and challenges, and practices. Most interviewees had clear goals in mind when they started cover cropping. Those who did not were less successful in the beginning, but saw greater success once they clarified their goals. Common goals revolved around soil health, soil organic matter, biodiversity, water infiltration, reducing compaction, reducing inputs and grazing for livestock.
Farmers also reported using volunteers as cover crops, when opportunities arose. For example, one farmer reported letting hailed-out crops regrow the following year. Another mentioned allowing winter wheat thrown out by the combine to grow, and reasoning it could always be sprayed out the next spring, if needed.
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Most of the interviewed farmers reported seeing benefits within two years of cover cropping, which is in line with previous surveys in which most farmers reported benefits within three years.
For more information, contact Holzman via email.
