Cover crops have been used in the southeastern United States to control erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil conservation. The Soil Dynamics Research Unit is a leader in cover crop management research to maximize cover crop benefits, while maintaining grower profitability.

A conservation system combines conservation tillage and high residue cover crops to minimize surface soil disturbance and maximize surface residue to enhance soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.  Research designed to improve the soil ultimately results in greater yields, profits, and soil health for the growers.

Cotton growing in rolled black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) residue.  Cover crop residue suppresses weed emergence and growth.  Research continues looking at utilizing cover crop monoculture and mixtures for weed suppression in conservation systems.

Shallow subsurface band application of poultry litter (manure) is achieved with this prototype implement, designed and developed at the National Soils Dynamics Laboratory.  Application with this implement substantially reduces nutrients in runoff water, thereby improving runoff water quality, compared to conventional broadcast application.

Erosion is be a huge problem for soil management. Our scientists study methods to reduce nutrient loss due to erosion. Rainfall simulation studies allow them to carefully control the variables for accurate results.

These chambers contain a select group of plants used in this environmental project. A team of technicians measure the plant growth and development during the length of the study. At the completion of the project the root system will also be carefully analyzed.