Day: May 14, 2020

Replacing Fallow with Cover Crops in a Semi-arid Soil: Effects on Soil Properties

Replacement of fallow in crop–fallow systems with cover crops (CCs) may improve soil properties. We assessed whether replacing fallow in no-till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow with winter and spring CCs for 5 years reduced wind and water erosion, increased soil organic carbon (SOC), and improved soil physical properties.

Response of Maize to Cover Crops, Fertilizer Nitrogen Rates, and Economic Return

Leguminous cover crops are considered part of sustainable agricultural systems. With the development of no-till crop- ping systems, cover crops have been recognized for their ability to provide N for succeeding crops. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the N contribution of summer cover crops and double-cropped grain crops following winter wheat […]

Winter Cereal Rye Cover Crop Effect on Cash Crop Yield

Farmers reported that in 63 of 70 site-years, properly managed cover crops had little to no negative effect on corn and soybean yield (and actually increased soybean yield in 10 site-years and corn yield in 3 site-years).

Seeding Technique and Date Effect on Cover Crop Establishment

Seeding Technique and Date Effect on Cover Crop Establishment. The highboy seeding technique allows for an early seeding date that resulted in additional cover crop growth when compared to the drilled treatment that followed corn and soybean harvest. When comparing biomass of cover crop mixtures, the cereal rye and oats in the cover crop mixes […]

Soil Compaction in Grazed Cover Crop Fields

Soil compaction and lack of fence are often identified by farmers as the two major barriers to grazing cover crops. While soil compaction can reduce crop productivity, issues can be avoided with proper management.

Planting Corn in 60-in. Row-Widths for Interseeding Cover Crops

This was the second year of on-farm research trials designed to evaluate planting corn in 60-in. row-widths for the purpose of improving the success of interseeding cover crops to the corn in early summer, while maintaining corn grain yield. Fred Abels, Robert Alexander, Nathan Anderson, Jack Boyer, Jeremy Gustafson and Mark Yoder planted corn in […]

Interseeding Cover Crops to Corn at V2 Stage

Interseeding cover crops to corn at the V4 stage has gained attention for its potential to foster successful diverse species mixes and generate more biomass than a fall-seeded cover crop. Cooperators in these experimental trials explored the effect of interseeding a cover crop mix and N fertilizer rate on corn yields.

Cover Crop Options and Mixes for Upper Midwest Corn-Soybean Systems

The implementation of cover crops in Iowa has the potential to decrease soil erosion, weed density, and nitrate leaching while increasing soil organic carbon. This study investigated nine potential cover crops; winter rye (Secale cerealeL.), winter triticale (Triticale hexaploideLart.), two winter canola (Brassica napusL.) varieties, winter camelina [Camelina sativa(L.) Crantz], spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), […]

Timing of Nitrogen Supply to Corn from Spring Terminated Red Clover

Addition of an overwintering small grain mixed with a frost-seeded legume to corn-soy rotations may reduce N fertilizer requirements and mitigate negative environmental impacts of this cropping system. The small grain provides cover in the late fall to early spring period to reduce N losses, and the legume acts as an N source to the […]

The Potential for Cereal Rye Cover Crops to Host Corn Seedling Pathogens

Cover cropping is a prevalent conservation practice that offers substantial benefits to soil and water quality. However, winter cereal cover crops preceding corn may diminish beneficial rotation effects because two grass species are grown in succession. Here, we show that rye cover crops host pathogens capable of causing corn seedling disease.

Cover crop and no-till effects on soil health properties in Indiana

A growing concern of soil health and long-term sustainability has increased interest in no-till and cover crops in the Midwest. Some of the challenges with no-till in the Midwest can be higher soil moisture and lower soil temperatures at cash crop planting in the spring, planter adjustment issues, and lack of immediate economic benefit. Cover […]

Aboveground and Root Decomposition of Cereal Rye and Hairy Vetch Cover Crops

This thesis contains a comprehensive analysis of research investigating the impacts of nitrogen application timing and cover crops on the biomass production, nitrogen uptake, and cash crop grain yield in subsequent cash crops. Also contained within this thesis is a cost benefit analysis for the implementation of cover crops within varying nitrogen management systems, which […]

Agronomic and Economic Implications of Cover Crop Inclusion Within Varying Nitrogen Management Strategies in Central Illinois

This thesis contains a comprehensive analysis of research investigating the impacts of nitrogen application timing and cover crops on the biomass production, nitrogen uptake, and cash crop grain yield in subsequent cash crops. Also contained within this thesis is a cost benefit analysis for the implementation of cover crops within varying nitrogen management systems, which […]

Suppression of Soilborne Diseases of Soybean With Cover Crops

Field trials were conducted from 2010 to 2013 at four locations in Illinois to evaluate the impact of cover crops (cereal rye [Secale cereal], brown mustard [Brassica juncea], winter canola [B. napus], and winter rapeseed[B. napus]) on soybean [Glycine max] stands and yield, diseases, pathogen populations, and soil microbial communities.