Green manure crops – like clover and other legumes – add nitrogen to the soil, allowing farmers to save on fertilizer costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this animated video, learn how green manure crops add nitrogen to the soil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how they fit onto Corn Belt farms.

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Legumes “fix” or capture nitrogen from the atmosphere, converting the element into a form plants can use. The manufacturing of nitrogen fertilizer mimics that process. The difference? Legumes power the process with sunlight, while the manufacturing of fertilizer powers the process with large amounts of fossil fuels. As we look to innovative solutions to improve the resilience of our farming systems, green manure crops will play a big role in a truly climate-smart agriculture.

For technical support and funds to get started with green manure crops, check out our cost-share programs at [ Ссылка ]

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