Why Cover Crops?
Cover crops are important to the health of the Chesapeake Bay
and the productivity of Maryland’s farmland. In the fall, cold hardy
cereal grains such as wheat, rye and barley are planted
as cover crops in newly harvested fields. As they grow, cover
crops recycle unused plant nutrients remaining in the soil
from the previous summer crop and protect fields against wind
and water erosion. Maryland’s revised nutrient management
regulations require farmers to plant cover crops when organic
nutrient sources are applied to fields in fall. In addition to
their water quality benefits, cover crops improve soil health,
increase organic matter in the soil, reduce weeds and pests and
provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Grants to Plant Cover Crops
To help offset seed, labor and equipment costs associated with
planting cover crops, the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality
Cost-Share (MACS) Program provides farmers with grants to
plant small grains on their fields immediately following the
summer crop harvest. This year, Maryland has earmarked
approximately $20 million for the cover crop program. There
are two ways to participate. Farmers who plant traditional
cover crops receive a base rate of $45/acre and up to $55/
acre in add-on incentives for using highly valued planting
practices. Harvested cover crops qualify for $25/acre with a
bonus payment of $10/acre if rye is used as the cover crop.
Some restrictions apply. For more details and payment options,
farmers should visit their soil conservation district during the
enrollment period.
Sign Up Dates
June 24 – July 15, 2013 at soil conservation district offices statewide.
Guidelines
-The planting deadline is November 5, 2013. Early planting incentives exist.
-Cover crops may be planted after corn, soybeans, sorghum, tobacco or vegetables are harvested.
-There is a five acre minimum, but no acreage caps.
-The planting deadline is November 5, 2013. Early planting incentives are offered.
-Barley, canola, rapeseed, kale, rye, ryegrass, spring oats, triticale, forage radish and wheat may be used as cover crops.
-All seed purchased for cover crops must e tested and labeled in accordance with Maryland Seed Law and Regulations. The current year's seed tag for all purchased seed must be attached to the fall certification.
-Seed must be free of prohibited noxious weed seeds, have a minimum germination rate of 80 percent and have no more than 16 restricted noxious weeds per pound.
-If homegrown seed is used, it must be tested prior to planting for purity, germination and noxious weeds by either the Maryland or Delaware State Seed Laboratory.
-Cost-share for seed testing is provided at 50 percent (up to $15)
-Applicants must be in good standing with MACS and in compliance with nutrient management regulations.
Traditional Cover Crops
Traditional cover crops may not be harvested, but may be grazed or chopped for on-farm livestock forage after becoming well established. Kill-down/suppression may take place any time after March 1, 2014, but no later than June 1, 2014. Traditional cover crops qualify for add-on incentive payments if certain environmental guidelines are met.
-Base Payment: $45/acre with add-on incentives for using highly valued planting practices (see payment chart below).
-Acreage Cap: None.
-Manure Use: Yes, in accordance with nutrient management requirements in the fall, however, no incentives offered.
-Certification with SCD: Within one week of planting and no later than November 12, 2013.
-Killdown/Suppression: Between March 1 and June 1, 2014.
Harvested Cover Crops
This program option is available to farmers who want to harvest their cover crops. Farmers should provide their best estimate of acres they plan to harvest on their applications.
-Payment: $25/acre; $10 acre bonus if rye is planted as the cover crop.
-Acreage Cap: None.
-Fertilizer Use: After March 1, 2014. Early fertilization at green up is prohibited.
-Certification with SCD: Within one week of planting and no later than November 12, 2013.
The 2013-2014 Cover Crop Program is administered by the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Fund and the Chesapeake Bay 2010 Trust Fund.