Annual Ryegrass Cover Crop Improves Soil Microbiology

This beautiful stand of annual ryegrass, crimson clover, and radish is ready to burn down. Barry Fisher NRCS State Agronomist preaches soil health from the pit.

This pit had the highest count of earthworms, egg casings, and channels that I have ever seen in a soil pit. The field has been no-till for only 2 years.

The cover crop is giving this farmer a jump start on soil biology and a competitive edge!

(Photos, commentary by Dan Perkins, SWCD program specialist, spring 2012, Indiana)