Cover crop trials are taking place on farms in the Midwest and Northeast. To participate in the trials, you will select one or more legume cover crops from a list of "best bet" species, and plant it in one bed or area of your high tunnel. You can choose whether you prefer to plant a cover crop in fall, early spring, or summer. The research team will provide seed, guidance, and all supplies needed for collecting and mailing samples.
"Low barrier" farmers will:
- Plant one bed or a part of a bed (8 bed feet minimum area) to a cover crop
- Collect a sample of soil and a sample of cover crop biomass to mail to the research team
- Fill out a short questionnaire to provide feedback on how well the cover crop performed for you
- Receive a free soil test and personalized consultation to interpret your soil test results and develop strategies for future nutrient management in your tunnel
- Optional: low-barrier farmers will have opportunities to join check-in webinars with other farmers participating in the trial to ask questions and compare experiences
"Focus farmers" will:
- Plant one bed each of two different cover crops, and choose an area to monitor as a non cover-cropped control
- Provide the research team with photos of your cover crop as it grows
- Allow a graduate student to collect soil and biomass samples in your high tunnel
- Monitor the yield of the following vegetable crop in your cover crop and control beds
- Fill out a questionnaire and participate in a phone call to provide feedback on how well the cover crop performed for you
- Receive a free soil test and personalized consultation to interpret your soil test results and develop strategies for future nutrient management in your tunnel
- Receive a $300 honorarium on completion of the trial
A webinar and Q&A session for potential field trial participants will be held on Friday, January 24 from 12-1pm CT/1-2pm ET. You can join the webinar at this link. 