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Water Quality Impacts of Cover Crop Following a Drought

September 10, 2020

 There is a risk of elevated fall soil nitrate levels due to dry conditions this growing season. Dry conditions affect soil N cycling in several ways, resulting in excess residual nitrate in the soil profile after fall harvest and the potential for substantial N leaching with late fall or spring precipitation. An article, "Water Quality Impacts of Cover Crop Following a Drought" shares relevant data from research at two sites, with recommendations for how to minimize the risk of nitrate-N loss when rainfall occurs. Co-authors: Matt Helmers, INRC Director; Brian Dougherty, ISU Agricultural Engineer; Emily Waring, graduate student, agricultural and biosystems engineering. Published by Iowa Extension and Outreach - Integrated Crop Management.