Controlling Vole Damage in No-Till Corn and Soybeans

Abstract

Row crop production using conservation tillage farming systems has expanded dramatically in recent years throughout Missouri. No-till systems typically involve minimal soil disturbance in fields where plant residues cover about 90 percent of the soil surface. The conservation and agronomic benefits of no-till are numerous. However, several rodent species, particularly the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), have the potential to damage germinating seeds and small seedlings of corn and soybeans in certain fields. This publication provides information about prairie voles and how to prevent them from damaging corn and soybeans.