By Scout Nelson
In West-central Nebraska, farmers are adopting cover crops to improve soil health and sustainability. Interseeding cover crops into soybean fields is a promising strategy. In a recent study, cereal rye was interseeded into soybean fields mid-season without impacting soybean yield.
The experiment conducted at West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) in North Platte, Nebraska, evaluated the effects of interseeding cover crops on soybean seed yield and subsequent corn crop nutrient dynamics.
The results indicated that soybean yield was not affected by interseeding cover crops, showcasing its potential for weed suppression and soil health improvement.
However, the corn yield in the following season was slightly lower in fields where cover crops were interseeded into soybeans. This was attributed to the immobilization of nutrients by the cover crop, particularly nitrogen and sulfate, affecting their availability for the subsequent corn crop. Soil sampling revealed lower nitrate content in fields with cover crops, suggesting nutrient immobilization by the cereal rye.
Despite the slight decrease in corn yield, the study highlighted the soil's capacity to provide nutrients, with corn crops under irrigation without supplemental nitrogen achieving satisfactory yields. It underscores the importance of balanced nutrient management when using cover crops and the need for on-farm experimentation to optimize their benefits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans