Ag Air Cover Crop

American farmers are the most environmentally responsible people on earth. Deriving  

their living from irreplaceable soil, these conscientious producers know the importance of  maintaining the soil at maximum productivity. Due to rising production costs of agricultural  inputs, growers are rediscovering and reevaluating cover crops as an integral part of their  agricultural practices. They intuitively know that with the proper application of the correct mix  of cover crop seeds they will have a future payback in productivity and a compensating financial  return. Cover crops add humus, increase fertility, reduce fertilizer costs, loosen compacted soils,  increase earthworm activity, improve drainage and prevent erosion.  

Aerial applicators are a vital part of the process since an aerially applied cover crop is  

the most practical way to apply the seeds. However, one can almost hear the collective sigh of  despair coming from fellow applicators when “cover crops” are mentioned. Thoughts  immediately focus on all the problems associated with the application of cover crops from a  logistical perspective. Initial thoughts include long ferries with small and unusual shaped fields  resulting in unprofitable operations. Following that are images of converting the aircraft to a spreader, estimated gate-box  

settings, best guess on swath width, volume and density considerations, consistent flow rates due to seed shape compounded  with not enough acres at one time to make the job worthwhile. Finally, the potential reimbursement of expensive seed if one  estimates incorrectly. Consequently, because of all the variables and uncertainties, cover crops have been at the bottom of  aerial applicators’ “fun” things to do list. 

Aerial applicators need to be encouraged to take a second look at cover crops applications. If applied properly, this  practice could bring increased revenue on a consistent basis at a time of year when many operations are winding down.  However, there are two critical issues of concern for both aerial applicators and growers:  

Seed Integrity--It is important to buy seed from a reputable company. This issue alone has caused some problems in the  growth of cover crop usage because of inconsistent performance. It has been documented where some seed companies have  mixed varieties when they are running short and the grower does not get what he ordered. Therefore, to keep the integrity of  the cover crop market only buy from reputable and established seed dealers.  

Oregon grows most of the grass seed sold for cover crop uses. State and federal laws protect the purity of seed  products. Seed is inspected and tested for purity and performance. Be sure to check the analysis tag on any purchased seed to  assure quality.  

Aerial Integrity--There is an impression among cover crop enthusiasts that aerial applicators cannot be depended  upon to make quality applications. This has been demonstrated by the indisputable evidence of improperly applied cover  crops growing in fields for all to see. For aerial applicators to become an important part in the future of cover crops, ag pilots  must demonstrate a proficiency in keeping with grower expectations. A quality application is imperative or aerial applicators  will see their role in production agriculture marginalized.  

Of recent, this writer has had conversations with key people in four mid-western states. All expressed the same complaint;  hoping the aerial industry could develop a solution ensuring competent and consistent cover crop applications.  Evolving from meetings with cover crop specialists, a potential solution to reestablish aerial credibility is an Aerial  Applicator Certification Program proposed and currently in the process of implementation. Plans are being formulated to  conduct an Operation Safe Aerial Cover Crop Application Workshop in June of 2011, conducted by Dennis Gardisser of  WRK, Inc. Locations will be announced depending on attendees. The goal is to “certify” aerial applicators by incorporating  application techniques such as swath width, airspeed, gate box settings and various seed characteristics, along with actual  aircraft calibrations so that growers can employ aerial applicators to apply cover crops with confidence.

For more information  contact David Eby at dave@agriflite.com.