By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
A tent, straw bales, and trucks filled a field on Wednesday near Sulphur Springs but it wasn’t for hoedown. Rather, farmers and scientists gathered to learn about the abilities of cover crops on behalf of the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District.
“We hold different Field Days throughout the year on different topics and subjects,” explained Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District program administrator Mike Hall. “This just happens to be one where we got a good example of cover crops in this area.”
The fields he was referring to were located on Zeigler Road and owned by Dave and Nathan Brause. The field on the north side of the road – formerly a wheat field – featured a cover crop cocktail of kale radish, oats, and crimson clover that was seeded at the end of July while the field on the south side still sported corn inter-seeded with cover crops.
Nathan and Dave Brause both said they were learning as they go when it comes to their fields and the cover crops that work best for them.
Soil pits were dug in both fields so those attending the event could how the cover crops catch the nutrients within the soil. Hans Kok, a nationally known ag conservation consultant from Indiana, led the demonstration on soil health and cover crops.
“Both are very important topics because of the effects they have on Lake Erie and on our other rivers and streams,” Kok said. “It’s important we understand what’s happening in the system.”
In addition to Kok, Kevin King, a research scientist with USDA Ag Research Service, discussed “Edge of Field” studies that are being conducted on Crawford County farms and within the Lake Erie Watershed. Ryan Shanks and Eric Niemeyer of Buckeye Soil Solutions, who planted the cover crops for the Brause family, promoted the use of cover crops and talked about the different processes they use to adjust for various fields.
“It’s just a good opportunity for the producers and landowners alike to get out and take a look at what we’re promoting here at the office: good conservation, sound science. All these cover crops and the soil health we’re talking about and stuff like that is definitely geared towards assisting and helping our Lake Erie,” Hall said.
“It’s just an opportunity for people to get out and see what we’re talking about,” Hall added. “You hear a lot about cover crops, but guys, they don’t know what they are all about. They can get in there and get their hands in it and feel it.”
The educational outreach brought out a crowd of nearly 30 people, including producers and members of SWCD from Marion, Erie, and Coshocton counties.