10/02/2026
When diesel prices are high, making an extra field pass for cover crops might feel like a burn on your wallet, but skipping them usually costs more in the long run. Here is why cover crops are still a smart investment:
Lowers Future Fuel Use: Cover crops naturally break up hardpan and build organic matter, improving soil structure so your tractor draws less horsepower—and burns less diesel—during future tillage and field passes.
Cuts Fertilizer Costs: Legumes like vetch and clover capture free nitrogen from the air, returning 50 to 150+ lbs of N per acre. Spending a fraction of a gallon of fuel to seed them yields a massive return on nitrogen savings.
Prevents Nutrient Loss: Overwintering root systems hold onto residual nitrogen and phosphorus so high-dollar fertilizer doesn't wash or leach away during winter and spring rains.
Eliminates Extra Spray Passes: Dense cover crop growth chokes out early winter annuals and spring weeds, reducing the need for costly rescue herbicide passes later in the season.
Improves Field Conditions: Living roots soak up excess spring moisture so equipment doesn't get stuck or slip tires, while summer mulch shields soil to retain vital moisture during dry spells.
We also have the option to harvest the cover crop in the spring for added forages if needed, helping us feed our animals when inventory is low. We planted 30 acres of triticale and 90 acres of a winter wheat and vetch mix this year. Our no till drill needs some work right now, so we ended up broadcasting, disking and cultipacking.
