Marbleseed Conference 2025 - Presentations

To kick off the session, Nicole will present the results of research conducted on 6 farms in southern WI to identify the nitrogen credit of various summer cover cropping practices on corn. We will present data on cover crop biomass and nitrogen production, cover crop effects on soil nitrogen content preplant and mid-season, and on corn nitrogen uptake and ultimately, yields. A nitrogen credit will be calculated for each cover crop type via analysis of a corn yield response curve to a nitrogen fertilizer series in both cover cropped and non-cover cropped treatments. Our data will help producers to replace off-farm inputs of nitrogen with on-farm legume N sources while ensuring total nitrogen managements meets corn requirements to maximize yields and economic returns.

Following Nicole's presentation, a panel of farmers including Leon Atwell and Glen Philbrick will have a Q&A on how they have improved soil health by using cover crops.