Promoting undersown clover cover crops in small grain production: A network of farm demonstration plots across Québec

Description

Given the decrease in meadowlands and animal production and the increase in acreage planted to annual crops, good conservation practices such as the use of cover crops are important to preserve soil health and water quality. Six demonstration plots were set up on farms in eight outlying and more central regions in Québec. In each region, a demonstration plot showcased the ability of undersown clover cover crops to reduce nitrogen fertilizer requirements and another presented their ability to reduce weed pressure and the need for herbicides. A number of demonstration days, videos, and documents with testimonials from growers about the impact of the cover crops complemented the demonstration plots.

Objective(s)

• Increase the acreage of clover cover crops protecting nitrogen-hungry annual crops
• Show that nitrogen fertilizer use can be reduced on subsequent crops
• Show that herbicide use can be reduced on subsequent crops
• Using a variety of knowledge transfer vehicles, document and disseminate agricultural practices that promote the successful establishment of clover cover crops in grain fields