ICCON New and Emerging Cover Crops Winter Series: Camelina

With support from the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC), ICCON will be hosting a 4-part winter series exploring “New and Emerging Cover Crops.” The widespread adoption of cover crops in Illinois is critical to achieving the goals of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, but we can’t rely on a one-cover-crop-fits-all-farms solution. We will need options for farmers to choose from that will best fit their unique needs. Looking beyond cereal rye, ICCON’s winter series will feature research, on-farm experience, and insights on 4 different species to expand the possibilities of cover crop adoption across Illinois.

Joel Gruver, Associate Professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Ag at Western Illinois University, will discuss his experience growing Camelina as a cover crop on WIU’s Allison Organic Research and Demonstration Farm. Camelina is a broadleaf (non-legume) member of the mustard family and an industrial oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae family. Camelina has been cultivated since 4000 BCE, and has recently gained interest for its oil, meal, and developed products. Additional research is needed on camelina’s freezing tolerance and weed control management practices before camelina is added to the growing list of commercially grown row crops.  Dr. Gruver will share his insights on the effectiveness of camelina as a cover crop in an Illinois context.

CEUs will be available for this series.