Farmers and agricultural professionals in the Upstate will have an opportunity to learn about the latest Clemson University research on cover crops and soil health during a Cover Crop Field Day on March 24 in Campobello, South Carolina.
The event, scheduled for 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Williams Feed, 8124 S.C. Highway 357, will highlight Clemson studies examining winter cover crops such as annual ryegrass and cereal rye and how planting timing influences establishment and growth.
Scientists and graduate students will present findings from ongoing studies focused on soil health, cover crop performance and conservation farming practices.
Dara Park, a Clemson professor specializing in soil and water dynamics, will discuss soil water repellency, including what it is, why it occurs in soils and how it can be measured in agricultural fields.
Payton Davis, a Clemson doctoral student from Canton, Georgia, will present research examining how planting timing and soil moisture conditions influence the establishment and growth of cereal rye and annual ryegrass cover crops. The work may help farmers improve the establishment of winter cover crops.
Luvina Madrid, a Clemson doctoral student from Nueva Ecija, Philippines, will discuss research on how interseeding cover crops can enhance the benefits of reduced tillage in organic corn systems. This practice may improve soil structure, reduce erosion and support sustainable crop production.
Akanksha Sehgal, a Clemson postdoctoral researcher, will share results from on-farm evaluations of cover crop performance across South Carolina, offering insight into how these crops perform under real farm conditions and across different environments.
Ricardo St. Aime, a Clemson postdoctoral researcher and Laspau Fulbright Scholar, will present research examining the suitability of fall-winter cover crops for improving soil health and supporting the performance of subsequent soybean crops.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view research trials, observe cover crop stands in the field and discuss management strategies with Clemson researchers.
Anyone interested in attending is asked to register via the online form, “Farmer Field Day Sign Up.”
