Forage Matters: More about cover crops, grazing and nitrogen fixation

In annual systems, legume nitrogen fixation may benefit subsequent crops more than the current crop. (NDSU photo)
In annual systems, legume nitrogen fixation may benefit subsequent crops more than the current crop. (NDSU photo)

By James Rogers, NDSU Extension forage crops production specialist A few years ago, I listened to a forage specialist from Auburn University giving a talk at a national meeting. His opening line was “In the South, we love three things: football, NASCAR racing and legumes.” I remember him going on about the benefits of growing legumes, including their ability to fix nitrogen.

In last month’s Forage …