Cover crops protect Indiana lakes

By Andi Anderson

For the third consecutive year, Indiana farmers have achieved a new record by planting more than 1.7 million acres of cover crops. These crops are essential in preventing soil erosion, which can lead to the pollution of Indiana's streams and lakes.

Shannon Zezula, the state resource conservationist for Indiana through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, highlighted the multiple benefits of cover crops.

They not only prevent soil erosion but also improve soil health and enhance its water retention capacity.

Zezula noted that the increase in cover crop planting over the past 12 years is largely due to state and federal efforts to educate farmers. "And then also farmers doing that, neighbors seeing the benefits and them speaking to the benefits themselves to other farmers. We've just seen more and more farmers wanting to try them and then having success when they do," he said.

He encouraged farmers to experiment with cover crops, even on a small scale, especially now with support from the Inflation Reduction Act.

This act has allocated over $18 billion to programs that help offset the cost of conservation practices. "Give us a couple 10 acres and work with us, give it the best shot and see if it will work well for the farm. Farmers who try cover crops, and they give it their best effort, have seen the value," Zezula added.

The counties leading in cover crop acreage after last year’s harvest include St. Joseph, Spencer, Washington, and Brown counties. This trend reflects a growing awareness and adoption of sustainable farming practices among Indiana’s agricultural community.

By planting cover crops, Indiana farmers are playing a crucial role in protecting the environment while also enhancing the productivity and sustainability of their farms.

This initiative showcases the positive impact of agricultural practices on both local ecosystems and the broader landscape.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev