Sundermeier, A., Hoorman, J.

Ohio State University Extension, Columbus, Ohio

Utilizing Cereal Rye Cover Crop

in a Corn / Soybean Rotation

Abstract

Soybeans emerging in rye

Overseed rye into standing corn

Extension educators have the opportunity to

educate both farmers and custom applicators on

the benefits of utilizing cereal rye cover crop in a

corn / soybean rotation. This system can increase

soybean yields and economic return for farmers.

More cover crop acres will protect water quality.

Conclusion

Late fall growth of rye before corn harvest

Cereal rye can be utilized to increase the

amount of cover crop acres in a corn / soybean

crop rotation. According to a recent survey of

Northwest Ohio grain farmers, 37.7% would

plant more cover crops if custom planted and

they are willing to spend $20 - $30 per acre on

cover crop seed. Also, 39.3% of surveyed

farmers broadcast, mix with fertilizer, or aerial

seed cover crops. A high clearance sprayer or

detasseling machine can be outfitted with a

seeding attachment to custom plant cereal rye

seed between rows of corn before harvest. The

following spring, Round Up Ready soybeans

can be no-till planted into the cereal rye. A

glyphosate herbicide application will then kill the

cover crop and any weeds. This system has

increased soybean yield by 2.8 bushels per

acre with a net return of $17.20 per acre.

Extension educators could collaborate with

custom planters to promote this utilization of

cereal rye cover crop in corn and soybean

fields.

Spring killed rye

2011 Soybean Yield

Treatment Yield bu/acre

No Cover Crop 65.6 A

Cereal Rye 68.4 B

LSD (.05) 2.1

Economic Return

Value of soybean yield increase:

2.8 bu/ac x $11.50 / bu ( soybean price ) = $32.20

Cost of cereal rye

1.5 bu/ac x $10.00 / bu (seed cost ) = $15.00

Net return from rye cover crop per acre = $ 17.20

Agronomic Management

* Need a thick, vigorous growth of cereal rye

* Plant soybeans as late as possible to maximize

rye growth

* Kill the cereal rye with herbicide at time of

soybean planting

* Manage soil moisture for soybean growth

Survey Summary

I would plant more cover crops if custom planted?

Yes - 37.7 %

No - 62.3 %

How do you plant your cover crops?

No-till Drill 51.8 %

Planter 8.9 %

Broadcast 25.0 %

Plane / helicopter 3.6 %

Mix with fertilizer 10.7 %

What amount per acre would

You spend on cover crop seed?

Greater $30 13.6 %

$20 - $30 37.9 %

$10 - $20 31.8 %

$1 - $10 9.1 %

none 7.6 % Contact e-mail: sundermeier.5@osu.edu