Cover Crops Take off Across New Jersey

A plane drops seed over a cornfield to establish a cover crop, a conservation practice that improves soil health and reduces runoff. Photo Credit: North Jersey RC&D

Beginning September 10th, 2026, low-flying planes will begin seeding 3,000 acres of cropland across northern and central New Jersey farms with a natural mix of winter rye, annual ryegrass and crimson clover. These cover crops, rather than being harvested, will protect and enrich the soil through the winter. 

On many corn and soybean farms, fields sit bare for 5–7 months after harvest, leaving soil vulnerable to erosion and nutrient loss. Cover crops keep living roots in the ground, reducing runoff, improving fertility, and protecting waterways. Ryegrass provides quick, dense coverage to prevent erosion, while clover naturally adds nitrogen. In the spring, the remaining vegetation will improve the soil’s organic matter and reduce weed pressure. 

Since 2013, North Jersey RC&D (NJRCD), a local non-profit dedicated to meeting community needs through natural resource conservation, has coordinated the aerial seeding program with farmers, seed companies, aerial applicators, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Seeding by plane allows planting before crops are harvested, giving cover crops extra weeks to establish. The program is supported by farmers and the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). “Planting from the air is efficient, timely, and eases the workload on farmers,” said Laura Tessieri, NJRCD Executive Director. “It builds healthy soils and protects water quality.”

Farmers sign up for the program through NRCS-EQIP months in advance, allowing seed to be purchased in bulk and aerial applicators to efficiently plan flight paths. Seeding requires calm days, and ideally with rain in the forecast. The 100% non-GMO seeds should sprout in the coming weeks leading to a living blanket that protects and enriches the soil through the winter months ahead.

Municipalities and Counties where aerial seeding through North Jersey RC&D will happen:

• Hopewell Twp, Mercer County

• West Amwell Twp, Hunterdon County

• East Amwell Twp, Hunterdon County

• Raritan Twp, Hunterdon County

• Franklin Twp, Hunterdon County

• Holland Twp, Hunterdon County

• Greenwich Twp, Warren County

• Liberty Twp, Warren County

• Hope Twp, Warren County

• Blairstown Twp, Warren County

• Pohatcong Twp, Warren County

• Mansfield Twp, Warren County

• Franklin Twp, Warren County

• Harmony Twp, Warren County

• Washington Twp, Warren County