Field Testing of Cover Crop Systems for Corn and Soybean Production

Field Testing of Cover Crop Systems for Corn and Soybean Production PDF Author: R. Samson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cover crops
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Field Testing of Cover Crop Systems for Corn and Soybean Production

Field Testing of Cover Crop Systems for Corn and Soybean Production PDF Author: R. Samson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cover crops
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description


Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. )

Managing Cover Crops Profitably (3rd Ed. ) PDF Author: Andy Clark
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 1437903797
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. At the same time, they can reduce costs, increase profits and even create new sources of income. You¿ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years, since their benefits accumulate over the long term. This book will help you find which ones are right for you. Captures farmer and other research results from the past ten years. The authors verified the info. from the 2nd ed., added new results and updated farmer profiles and research data, and added 2 chap. Includes maps and charts, detailed narratives about individual cover crop species, and chap. about aspects of cover cropping.

Interseeded Cover Crops in Seed Corn Production

Interseeded Cover Crops in Seed Corn Production PDF Author: Brent Edward Tharp
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Corn
Languages : en
Pages : 156

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Integration of Cover Crops Into Midwest Corn-soybean Cropping Systems and Potential for Weed Suppression

Integration of Cover Crops Into Midwest Corn-soybean Cropping Systems and Potential for Weed Suppression PDF Author: Joshua S. Wehrbein
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Corn
Languages : en
Pages : 151

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Book Description
Cover crops have potential to provide benefits to agricultural systems, such as improved soil productivity, nutrient scavenging, weed suppression, and livestock forage. There are several challenges associated with cover crop integration into traditional Midwest corn-soybean cropping systems. One of these challenges is timely establishment in the fall, which is limited by the relatively late harvest of corn and soybean. Cover crop effectiveness is related to the amount of biomass produced, thus maximizing the growth period in the fall is desired. To address this challenge, we evaluated the potential to utilize early-season soybean maturity groups (MGs) to allow for earlier soybean harvest and cover crop planting to maximize cover crop growth. In addition, an integrated cover crop and herbicide management program was evaluated to determine its effect on weed suppression and corn yield. Cover crops have often been shown to be most effective when integrated with other methods of weed management such as herbicides. Cover crops have also been shown to potentially reduce subsequent corn yield. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of cover crop planting date, termination date, and herbicide program on weed density, weed biomass, and subsequent corn yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2017-2019 across six different locations in Nebraska, Ohio, and Kentucky. Results suggest use of early-season soybean MGs allow cover crops to be planted up to 30 days sooner than late-season MGs. Cover crop biomass production was highest for early cover crop planting dates associated with early-season MGs across most site-years evaluated. Soybean yield often plateaued near a 3.0 relative maturity (RM) depending on the region, suggesting that soybean RM may be reduced to 3.0 to allow for earlier cover crop planting without sacrificing soybean yield. Results further suggest that use of a residual herbicide with a postemergence herbicide was necessary to obtain the largest reduction in both weed density and biomass. Weed biomass was occasionally reduced by the cover crop, however, results were inconsistent. Cover crops generally had minimal influence on overall weed suppression, and occasionally resulted in corn yield reduction, indicating the importance of other traditional methods of weed management. Abbreviations: MG, maturity group; RM, relative maturity.

Effect of Cover Crops on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Properties in Corn-soybean Rotation in Southern Illinois

Effect of Cover Crops on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Properties in Corn-soybean Rotation in Southern Illinois PDF Author: Gurbir Singh
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Corn
Languages : en
Pages : 490

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Book Description
Corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean ( Glycine max L.) production in the Midwest US can result in significant nutrient leaching to groundwater and surface waters, which contributes to eutrophication and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. A promising strategy to control nutrient leaching and sediment runoff loss during winter fallow period is the use of cover crops (CCs). In southern Illinois, CCs are not widely adopted by farmers due to economic constraints and the lack of scientific data that supports benefits of incorporating CCs into the corn-soybean rotation. This doctoral dissertation addresses the critical question of the feasibility of the use of CCs in southern Illinois and is divided into three overarching research studies with different objectives divided into six research chapters. Research study 1 was a field experiment conducted from 2013 to 2017 to examine the effect of CCs (CC vs noCC) under two tillage systems [(no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)] on aboveground plant attributes [dry matter yield, C:N ratio and nitrogen uptake (N uptake)], crop yields, available soil N content and N leaching in the vadose zone. The experimental layout was a randomized design with three rotations including corn-noCC-soybean-noCC [CncSnc], corn-cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) -soybean-hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) [CcrShv], and corn-cereal rye-soybean-oats+radish (Avena sativa L. + Raphanus sativus L.) [CcrSor] and two tillage systems. Soil samples collected after corn or soybean harvest and CC termination were analyzed for standard soil fertility parameters. Pan lysimeters installed below the 'A' horizon with depth varying from 22 to 30 cm were used for measuring soil solution nutrient concentration on weekly or biweekly basis depending on the precipitation. In NT system, the corn yield was 14% greater with CcrShv compared to CncSnc, whereas no significant difference existed in corn yield due to CC treatments within CT. Both CC treatments under NT reduced soybean yield by 24 to 27% compared to noCC. The rotations CcrShv and CcrSor with hairy vetch and oats+radish as preceding CCs resulted in 89% (37.73 vs 19.96 kg ha-1) and 68% (33.46 vs 19.96 kg ha-1) more nitrate-N (NO 3-N) leaching than the CncSnc during cash crop season 2015. During the CC season in spring 2016, cereal rye CC in CcrShv and CcrSor reduced the NO 3-N leaching by 84% (0.68 kg ha-1) and 78% (0.63 kg ha-1) compared to the CncSnc, respectively, under the CT system. Overall, our results indicated that the CT system had greater N leaching losses compared to NT system due to higher N availability in the tilled soil profile. The goal of the second research study was to understand the mechanisms of N cycling by CCs. We applied 15N labeled urea fertilizer (9.2% atom) to corn that followed hairy vetch and noCC in May 2017 to evaluate the contribution of fertilizer and soil organic matter to N leaching and quantify the 15N content of surface runoff after storm events. During the 2017 corn season, repeated soil samples were collected and analyzed for 15N fertilizer recovery in soil at three depths. 15N recovery was higher in the corn that had hairy vetch as the preceding CC than the corn that had noCC by 13.13 and 3.68 kg ha-1 on soil sampling events of 7 and 21 days after planting of corn, respectively, at the depth 15-30 cm. Overall, the cumulative loss of 15NO 3-N during corn season 2017 was

Cover Crops and Irrigation Impacts on Corn and Soybean Production in the Mid-Southern USA

Cover Crops and Irrigation Impacts on Corn and Soybean Production in the Mid-Southern USA PDF Author: Dillon Aaron Russell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Reducing groundwater withdrawals from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer is imperative to sustain future irrigated cropping systems in the mid-southern USA. This research was conducted to determine the impacts of cover crops and irrigation sensor thresholds on corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) production, water productivity, irrigation water use efficiency, and soil physical properties in the Mississippi Delta. The cover crop treatments included cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-radish (Raphanus sativus L.)-turnip (Brassica rapa L.) mix, and no cover crop. The irrigation thresholds included -40 kPa, -90 kPa, and no irrigation. In 2020, cover crops and irrigation thresholds showed minimal impacts on most of the measured parameters but showed improvements as the study progressed. After two years, it was determined that long-term evaluations are needed to make a recommendation to producers in the mid-southern USA.

Effect of Delayed Cover Crop Termination on No-till Corn and Soybean Production

Effect of Delayed Cover Crop Termination on No-till Corn and Soybean Production PDF Author: Heidi Myer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
No-till corn and soybean growers in the mid-Atlantic who use cover crops (CC) typically terminate the cover crops with an herbicide a week or more before cash crop planting. In the interest of extending soil health benefits longer into the spring, some growers are now planting green, (PG) or delaying cover crop termination until cash crop planting or later. Three experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of planting green on corn and soybean production in Pennsylvania. We had three overarching hypotheses across all of the studies: compared to early rye termination, PG would i) increase cover crop biomass, cool and dry soil at planting, and conserve soil moisture later in the growing season; ii) reduce slug damage on cash crops; and iii) not reduce cash crop yield. We conducted one experiment at two Penn State research stations for three years to evaluate cereal rye CC management influences on soybean production. We had three treatments in a split-split plot randomized block design. The main plot was rye seeding rate (34, 67, or 134 kg ha-1), the split plot was topdress nitrogen fertilization rate (34 or 67 kg ha-1), and the split-split plot was rye termination timing (early-killed or planted green). PG increased rye biomass by 48-169%. Soil (0-8 cm) in the PG treatment was generally drier at planting, wetter later and cooler for much of the growing season compared to early-killed rye. PG reduced slug damage compared to early-killed in three of four site-years measured. PG soybeans yielded similarly to the early-killed most consistently when the 2x seeding rate was combined with the lowest N rate. Our results suggest that for best results with PG soybeans, rye seeding rates should be reduced to 67 kg ha-1 or lower, N fertility should be maintained at conservative levels, and rye should be killed early in dry springs.We conducted a second experiment at the same two Penn State research stations for three years to evaluate cover crop management effects on corn production. We had two treatments in a randomized complete block design: cover crop species (crimson clover, cereal rye, or clover + rye mix), and termination timing (early-killed or planted green). We measured similar CC biomass and soil moisture effects of PG as in the soybean experiment, though we found that crimson clover also caused dryer and warmer soils compared to rye or the crimson clover + rye mix. Slug damage was not significantly influenced by PG or CC, contrary to our hypothesis. At Rock Springs, corn yield was 10% lower in PG compared to early across CC in dry 2015, and 12% lower in PG crimson clover compared to early across years, and the main predictors of corn yield were soil moisture and temperature at planting and corn population. We concluded that PG can help manage soil water and corn can maintain similar yields in early-killed CC and PG, but we caution against PG and crimson clover in dry springs due to excessive soil drying and stand establishment complications.The last experiment expanded to include three cooperating farm sites in addition to the two Penn State research stations for three years, and we evaluated cover crop termination timing (early-killed or planted green) effects on corn (4 sites) and soybean (5 sites) production across a range of crop rotations, soils, weather conditions, and equipment. Planting green increased CC biomass 94% to 181% compared to early-kill. Except for two site-years, soil was 8% to 24% drier, and 0.7 to 2.4C cooler at planting in PG compared to early-kill. Slug damage was not different, lower, or higher in PG corn, and not different or lower in PG soybeans compared to early-kill. Our yield stability analysis showed that corn yield was more likely to be reduced by PG in high yielding environments, but there was no difference to a slight benefit in yield at lower yielding environments; conversely, soybean yield was stable across environments regardless of treatment. We conclude that corn was more vulnerable to yield losses from conditions created by PG than soybeans, and growers in environments similar to Pennsylvania hoping to get the most out of their cover crops can plant soybeans green to increase cover crop biomass, and manage soil water, with little risk of yield reduction.

Applied Statistics in Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Sciences

Applied Statistics in Agricultural, Biological, and Environmental Sciences PDF Author: Barry Glaz
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0891183590
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 672

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Book Description
Better experimental design and statistical analysis make for more robust science. A thorough understanding of modern statistical methods can mean the difference between discovering and missing crucial results and conclusions in your research, and can shape the course of your entire research career. With Applied Statistics, Barry Glaz and Kathleen M. Yeater have worked with a team of expert authors to create a comprehensive text for graduate students and practicing scientists in the agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. The contributors cover fundamental concepts and methodologies of experimental design and analysis, and also delve into advanced statistical topics, all explored by analyzing real agronomic data with practical and creative approaches using available software tools. IN PRESS! This book is being published according to the “Just Published” model, with more chapters to be published online as they are completed.

Cover Crop Introduction Into Corn (Zea Mays L.)-Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Cropping Systems

Cover Crop Introduction Into Corn (Zea Mays L.)-Soybean (Glycine Max L.) Cropping Systems PDF Author: Angela M. Bastidas
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780355684018
Category : Corn
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Fall-seeded cover crops are limited by the short growing season remaining between harvest and planting the succeeding crop. To address this challenge, we considered two alternative systems for introducing cover crops into corn (Zea mays L.)- soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping systems. The first alternative was to interseed the cover crops species with corn at specific developmental stages. We evaluated the effect on corn, cover crop biomass, and the subsequent soybean crop. No detrimental effects on corn were found when cover crops were interseeded at or after corn canopy closure due to the limited cover crop biomass produced during the growing season. However, corn was negatively affected with cover crops interseed at corn planting. Cover crops interseeded at canopy closure did not establish due to corn canopy shading. Cover crops interseeded at or after R5 (dent) produced greater biomass the following spring than in the fall, and cover crops interseeded at R5 and R6 (physiological maturity) produced greater biomass than cover crops interseeded at corn harvest. This indicated that the interseeding by broadcasting cover crops can be successful for improving biomass production. The second alternative was to modify corn management practices such as planting date, plant population, and comparative corn relative maturity (CRM) to allow earlier cover crop seeding dates. We attempted to understand the impact on corn yield, cover crop biomass production, and the subsequent soybean crop. Early- and early-to-medium-maturity hybrids allowed corn harvest about one month earlier and medium-maturity hybrids about 15 d earlier than late-maturity hybrids. No differences in corn yield were observed between the medium- and late-maturity hybrids planted at the earlier planting date, with a 107 CRM hybrid planted early having the highest yield of 16.0 Mg ha-1. The greatest cover crop biomass production occurred with the earliest cover crop planting date. Cover crop biomass increased with air temperature, which was measured with growing degree days (GDDC). This indicates that changes in planting date and corn CRM hybrids are important to increase the potential for use of cover crops. The subsequent soybean yield was not affected by cover crops in either alternative.

Crop Residue Management Systems for the Upper Midwest

Crop Residue Management Systems for the Upper Midwest PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Crop residue management
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
This publication presents the principles of residue management systems for major crops of the upper Midwest.