Charles Vollmer, Northeast Kansas Farmer, shares his knowledge learned through farming corn and soybeans. Due to erosion, weed control, and soil health concerns, Charles is testing rye as a cover crop.

Rather than being harvested, cover crops are used to improve organic matter in the soil, protect the topsoil from precipitation, control pests and diseases, and much more. Cover crops also sequester carbon, meaning that they take carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Before planting a crop for harvesting purposes, the cover crop is terminated by chemical or mechanical application.

A rollercrimper is a pullbehind piece of mechanical equipment that terminates the cover crop and suppresses weeds at the same time. Charles shares that not many of his neighbors have tried crimping rye yet. While this practice is still new to Charles, he has already seen the benefits. One of the immediate benefits is no need for a burndown herbicide application and a reduced need for preemergence herbicide application to control weeds.

The Jackson County Conservation District in Kansas has a rollercrimper available for loan. Call your local county conservation district to see what resources and equipment are available for you to use.

KACD helps forge key partnerships among federal, state, and local entities all committed to a common goal: wise and efficient conservation practices to protect the state’s natural resources. These partnerships spanning more than six decades have been highly effective and mutually beneficial, allowing for shared space, equipment, and knowledge.

Our mission: "Providing local leadership to protect and improve Kansas Natural Resources through collaboration, education and implementation."

Visit https://kacdnet.org for more information and to learn about our programs and resources!