By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University (NDSU) will host a field day on September 16 focusing on the benefits of cover crops, perennial forages, and integrating alfalfa and other perennials into intercrop systems. Led by Marisol Berti, professor of forage, cover crops, and biomass production, and Clair Keene, NDSU Extension small grains agronomist, the event aims to help farmers adopt sustainable cropping practices.
The field day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. at research plots west of the 15th Avenue North and 18th Street North intersection on the NDSU main campus. The program will run until 2:45 p.m. and include both morning and afternoon tours of the campus research plots.
Morning topics include forage sorghum, sainfoin, and alfalfa intercropping; establishing pollinator strips to boost biodiversity; research on perennial wheat and Kernza™ in North Dakota; cover crop benefits for soil health; studies on alfalfa winter hardiness, root structure, and plant growth enhancers; and ongoing alfalfa Rhizobium research.
In the afternoon, participants will learn about winter camelina research and related crop contracts, perennial wheat and Kernza advancements, and the role of pollinator plants and perennial sunflower biodiversity in farming systems.
Presenters will share how cover crops and perennials can improve soil quality, provide long-term yields, and support pollinator habitats. They will also discuss methods for integrating these crops into annual cash crops, such as sorghum, to increase farm resilience and productivity.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa, Education, Sustainable Agriculture