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Cover Crop Sequences to Support Pollinators and Soil Health on Diversified Vegetable Farms
Johnson, Laura Grubinger, Vernon Maden, Rebecca
Johnson, Laura
Grubinger, Vernon
Maden, Rebecca
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Abstract
Insect pollinators are threatened by habitat loss and climate change, so many farmers are eager to adopt practices that support pollinators. In 2024, ten farmers planted sequential flowering cover crop plantings of 0.5-1 acre over the growing season to provide pollen and nectar to pollinators and support soil health. To ensure good establishment, avoid potential pest problems, and minimize management challenges, farmers preferred implementing plantings of proven cover crop species such as buckwheat or oats and peas mix, rather than less commonly grown species such as mustard or lacy phacelia. This trial showed how sequences of single species cover crop plantings fit into vegetable farm crop rotation plans.
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Date
2025-01-01