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

Marc-Olivier Gasser, researcher

Marc-Olivier Gasser

Researcher, agr., Ph.D.

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Contact Marc-Olivier Gasser

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

From 2016 to 2018

Project duration

Field crops

Activity areas

Soil health

Service

As part of this project, growers were visited in nine Québec regions to promote the use of clover as a cover crop.

Partners

Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec - Prime-vert Programme | Agri Action de la Montérégie | Club Agri-Durable | Club agroenvironnemental de la Gaspésie–Les îles | Club de gestion des sols du Témiscouata | Club des services agroenvironnementaux de l'Outaouais | Club du Soleil Levant | Cogenor Lanaudière | Ferme Barilo | Ferme Bogemans | Ferme Dégelait | Ferme des Sabourin | Ferme Gagnon St-Bruno | Ferme Grogg et Fils | Ferme Joliane | Ferme Michael K Smiley | Ferme N. J. Pagé | Ferme Patasol | Ferme Prélude | Ferme Waridel | Fermes Rolling Acres | Groupe conseil agricole de l'Abitibi | Groupe Envir-Eau-Sol | Groupe Lavi-Eau-Champ | Groupe-conseil Agrivert | La Ferme Chénard | Les Entreprises E.M.B. | Pontiac Soil Management Club | Solfort GN | Terre-Eau

Publications

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