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Large-scale organic farmers can use a special tractor implement called the roller crimper, invented by Jeff Moyer, Rodale Institute CEO, instead of tilling or using chemical herbicides to kill cover crops before the next planting.
As the farmer drives over the cover crop, the water-filled drum with chevron-patterned blades mows the plants down, cutting the stems every seven inches. The cover crop, now terminated, remains on the ground where it forms a thick mulch that suffocates weeds. Implements on the rear of the tractor then part the cover crop mat, drop in seeds-soybeans, for example-and cover them up to ensure soil contact. It happens in a single pass, saving vital time and energy for farmers. The cash crop then grows straight up through the cover crop mulch.
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Dan Kemper, Master Trainer
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