Delmarva Farmers Embrace Cover Crops and No-Till

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A recent drive through the Delmarva Peninsula revealed that cover crops and no-till farming have become the norm among local farmers, boosting incomes and protecting the environment. The author, part of a photo workshop at the Chincoteague wildlife refuge in Virginia, was amazed to see fields of corn and soybeans with newly seeded cover crops or double-cropped wheat and barley.

Why it matters

The widespread adoption of cover crops and no-till practices in the Delmarva region demonstrates how sustainable agriculture can be successfully implemented at scale, providing economic and environmental benefits. This shift represents a significant step forward in addressing climate change and soil health concerns.

The details

During the drive, the author noticed that most corn fields had already been harvested, with many soybeans still standing - likely double-cropped behind wheat or barley. University of Maryland soil scientist Ray Weil explained that Delmarva growers harvest corn early to allow for double-cropping of soybeans, which are planted the same day the wheat or barley is harvested, around July 1. The author also observed that corn fields were 'greening up' with recently seeded wheat, barley or cover crops, with no signs of intensive tillage.

• In mid-November, the author was part of a photo workshop held at the Chincoteague wildlife refuge in Virginia.
• Most Delmarva soybeans are later-maturing varieties than beans in the Midwest, and double-crop beans are no-tilled the same day wheat or barley is harvested, around July 1.