50 Ways - 20. Control Weeds With Cover Crops

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50 Ways Farmers Can Protect Their Groundwater

Nitrogen

1. Set realistic yield goals
2. Test the soil
3. Credit other nitrogen sources
4. Apply nitrogen in the spring
5. Use nitrification inhibitors when effective

Scouting

6. Scout fields

Insecticides

7. Know the economic thresholds for insects
8. Consider insect-resistant crop varieties
9. Spot-treat insect infestations when possible
10. Know how tillage affects insects
11. Know how crop rotation affects insects
12. Adjust planting & harvesting dates to control insects
13. Conserve beneficial insects
14. Consider using biological insecticides

Herbicides

15. Know the economic thresholds for weeds
16. Fine-tune your weed program to reduce rates
17. Manage crops to compete aggressively with weeds
18. Don't increase herbicide rates with conservation tillage
19. Band herbicides and cultivate
20. Control weeds with cover crops

Pesticide Selection

21. Determine the organic-matter of your soil
22. Determine your soil's potential for leaching
23. Determine your pesticide's potential for leaching
24. Determine the soil-pesticide interaction rating
25. Consider other critical pesticide qualities

Pesticide application

26. Select the proper nozzle tips
27. Calibrate your sprayer
28. Consider direct injection
29. SPrevent backsiphoning

Pesticide disposal and storage

30. Rinse chemical containers thoroughly
31. Dispose of rinsed containers safely
32. Dispose of excess chemicals safely
33. Store agrichemicals safely
34. Prevent and clean up chemical spills
35. Construct a rinse pad

Site conditions, wells, and septic systems

36. Know your well site conditions
37. Locate your well away from contamination sources
38. Make sure your well is constructed properly
39. Seal abandoned wells
40. Make sure your septic system operates correctly

Water testing & treatment

41. Test your water routinely
42. Test your water for coliform bacteria & nitrate
43. Test you water for pesticides
44. Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water
45. Select effective water-treatment methods

46. Store livestock waste properly
47. Have old, underground fuel storage tanks removed
48. Dispose of other hazardous waste safely
49. Take precautions when irrigating
50. Take precautions when chemigating

20. Control Weeds With Cover Crops
	Cover crops are often planted to reduce soil erosion during the winter and early spring. If you manage cover crops properly, they may also help reduce weed populations. How much weed-control benefit you get from cover crops depends on many factors, such as rainfall, temperature, and soil characteristics. Some studies show that after rye and wheat are killed, they release chemicals that may reduce weed growth. If you kill them a few weeks before planting corn and soybeans in the residue, rye and wheat could help you fight weeds.
	Other researchers are not sure that the chemicals in rye or wheat effectively control weeds. Also, some point out that the chemical released to fight weed growth can hurt corn. But most agree that planting in the heavy residue left by these grasses will reduce weed germination and growth, as well as provide good mulch for your next crop.
	Oats planted in the fall can also reduce weed growth when crops are planted in its residue. But the protection is not as effective as with rye and wheat. The oats usually die over the winter and don't leave as much residue at planting time.