Jimmy CarterPlant MaterialsCenter

Georgia

ga.nrcs.usda.gov/

Mixed species cover crop in bloom.

The Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center is one of a national network of 25 centers dedicated to providing vegetative solutions, and developing and transferring plant science technology to solve conservation issues. The primary focus of this center is improving soil health.

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GA 2018 • February 2018

Active Projects at this PMC

Roller crimper terminating cover crop.

Cover Crop Adaptability StudiesThis study is part of a national effort by the Plant Materials Program to determine the adapted range of many different commercially available varieties of plant species that are used as cover crops. With over 60 different varieties of at least nine different plant species, this study is designed to determine the cover crops that are best suited for each region of the country. The goal of this study is to provide NRCS field staff, farmers and other interested parties with a list of the best adapted cover crop options for any given location.

Long-term Soil Health StudyThe long-term soil health study is designed to determine the effects of implementing conservation practices such as cover crops and reduced-tillage into an agronomic system. Treatments vary from plots that are managed for winter fallow periods with conventional tillage practices to winter cover crops with no-till. This study examines both physical and biological attributes such as soil bulk density, soil aggregate stability, soil organic matter, and several other properties associated with soil health. This study is scheduled for 10 years.

Long-term Cover CropComposition Study

As a companion to the long-term soil health study, the cover crop composition study is examining the effects that mixed species cover crops have on soil attributes in an agronomic system. Cover crop treatments in this study vary from simple single specie cover crops to complex multi-species mixed cover crops. This study will determine what soil health benefits a farmer might expect to see by planting mixed cover crops in their existing agronomic rotation.

Yellow IndiangrassAdaptability Study

Yellow Indiangrass is a native warm season grass that is used for erosion control, livestock forage and wildlife plantings. This study is a partnership with five other plant materials centers across the country to examine the adaptability of a new variety of Yellow Indiangrass across much of the U.S. Some of the plant characteristics measured in this study include plant height, plant growth and vigor, insect and disease susceptibility and seed production. The goal is to determine the adapted range of this new variety so that it can be recommended for plantings in the

areas in which it is best suited.

Crimson Clover Cover Crop Seeding Rate Study

Crimson clover seeding rates are being examined to determine the most appropriate seeding rate when planting crimson clover as a cover crop. Current crimson

clover seeding rates have been used successfully for many years, but have not differentiated between clean clover seed and clover seed that is coated. This study is designed to identify any differences between coated and uncoated clover seed and possibly develop new seeding rates for coated crimson clover when planted as a cover crop.

Mission and VisonA Plant Materials Program functioning as the plant experts for NRCS, fully integrated and coordinated with technical and field office staff, developing and delivering vegetative solutions and conservation technology.

For more information:

Visit the Jimmy Carter Plant Materials Center on-line at www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/plantmaterials/pmc/southeast/gapmc/.

Contact Us:

295 Morris Drive Americus, GA 31719 Phone: 229-514-3245

Fax: 855-409-5062

Driving directions: The Jimmy Carter PMC is located three miles northwest of downtown Americus and one mile west of US 19 north, off Patton Drive on Morris Drive. Visitors should call for an appointment to tour studies at the center.

Plant Materials Centers regional map. The Jimmy Carter PMC serves the southeast region.