Rotate Crops
Biodiversity adds to the mix of soil microorganisms, improving soil health. It also helps control pests that thrive in one crop but starve out in another. Legumes like alfalfa or soybeans add nitrogen to the soil, where it is available for the next year’s corn crop. Research says corn following alfalfa may not need any supplemental nitrogen.
Plant Cover Crops
The cool-weather plants keep the ground covered between growing seasons. They prevent soil erosion, hold nutrients, suppress weeds and improve soil health. Experts say cover crops can be used to graze livestock rather than feed hay or silage. During the winter time, we usually grow mustard, radish or oats to cover the field.
Support Pollinators
Bees and butterflies pollinate flowering crops as they gather nectar. Their numbers are in decline, partly due to loss of habitat. We can seed bee-friendly flowering plants in fence lines, road ditches or other untilled areas.