Cover crops have provided a lot of conservation benefits to dryland farmers in the Midwest, but it has proven more challenging in the Inland Northwest.

 

That according to WSU Researcher Bill Schillinger.

 

“We can grow these cover crops but they use water and then the subsequent crop doesn’t do very well because of less water.”

 

Cover crops are used in other locations by dryland farmers or by other farmers in the Northwest for conservation, soil health and many other positive benefits.

 

Schillinger said for dryland farmers in the Northwest however, they have to turn to other tactics.

 

“Wind erosion is our biggest concern and we’re making headway there with residue management, less tillage and/or going to no-till.”

 

Some farmland in the Inland Northwest receives just six inches of rainfall or other moisture over the course of a year.

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