Wisconsin farmers are contributing valuable insights to the understanding of cover crop usage through the Wisconsin Cover Crop Survey. As part of the Wisconsin Cover Crops Research and Outreach Project (CCROP) developed by CIAS researchers, this citizen science project is being used to address knowledge gaps in cover crop performance after different harvest cycles.

The survey, led by Dan Smith, Southwest Regional Agronomist for UW-Madison, primarily aimed to assess biomass produced by cover crops following fall or summer-harvested crops. Mrill Ingram, CIAS Participatory Action Research Scientist, continues to work on this project. Among the collected data, winter rye emerged as the most popular post-harvest cover crop, demonstrating significant biomass yields, especially after summer-harvested crops.

The survey’s findings also highlighted predominant trends in cover crop establishment methods, with no-till drilling being the primary choice for most farms. Other methods such as drone seeding, aerial seeding, and broadcast seeding were also utilized. Despite the identified benefits of cover crops, farmers cited time constraints and cost as significant barriers to adoption. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to obtaining spring biomass data.

In the coming months, the survey data will be accessible through an online tool, providing users with information on cover crop planting dates, previous cash crop details, cover crop species, and seeding rates. This tool aims to enhance accessibility and knowledge-sharing within Wisconsin’s agricultural community regarding cover crop practices.