Indiana farmers conserve record number of acres
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Indiana farmers are doing themselves and the environment a favor as more people conserve more of their land using cover crops and small grains to nurture the soil.
A recent state conservation survey reported that 1.6 million acres of overwinter living covers were planted this year in the state. With the exception of corn and soybeans, cover crops are planted on more acres of land than any other commodity crop.
These crops when planted after harvest increase organic matter in the dirt by adding living roots during off months, improving water infiltration and acting as natural fertilizers.
“Protecting our most vital natural resources is top of mind for our Indiana farmers and this year’s record-breaking cover crop acreage is a testament to that,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development, said in a news release. “Through the implementation of cover crops and other conservation efforts, farmers are ensuring our land and water resources remain healthy and productive.”
The study estimates 1.7 million tons of sediment were guided away from waterways due to the cover crops. It also estimated 68% of farmed acres were not tilled.
The Indiana Conservation Partnership is credited with helping landowners make cover crops a priority for farmers through programs like the discounted cover crop insurance initiative.
“Conserving our natural resources is not a one-agency job,” said Curtis Knueven, acting state conservationist for Indiana’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Indiana conservation succeeds through its partnerships, working closely with individual farmers and landowners, local, state and federal government agencies, private industries, nonprofits, and many other people and groups.”