Cover Crop Options and Mixes for the Upper Midwest: Is a Winter Rye Monoculture the Only Option?
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The Department of Agronomy seeks to teach the study of the farm-field, its crops, and its science and management. It originally consisted of three sub-departments to do this: Soils, Farm-Crops, and Agricultural Engineering (which became its own department in 1907). Today, the department teaches crop sciences and breeding, soil sciences, meteorology, agroecology, and biotechnology.
History
The Department of Agronomy was formed in 1902. From 1917 to 1935 it was known as the Department of Farm Crops and Soils.
Dates of Existence
1902–present
Historical Names
- Department of Farm Crops and Soils (1917–1935)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
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Abstract
Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) is the predominant cover crop being planted by corn and soybean farmers in the upper Midwest. Winter rye is an excellent nitrogen scavenger, grows at a lower base temperature than most other potential cover crops, is very winter hardy, accumulates high levels of residue, and decreases soil erosion. In recent years, cover crop companies and different interest groups have been promoting the benefits of cover crop mixes and new cover crop species. Our study was designed to test new cover crop options and cover crop mixes for their performance in corn-soybean systems in the upper Midwest. Our objectives were to evaluate potential cover crops and cover crop mixes and their effects on 1) cover crop biomass; 2) weed community; 3) soil, water,and nutrient contents; and 4) corn health and yield.