2005 Year in Review

From the Fields

Source: Jim Morrison, Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, University of Illinois, Phone 815-397-7714, FAX 815-397-8620, Email morrison@uiuc.edu

Cereal rye is used as a cover crop in many situations in northern Illinois. It is commonly seeded in the fall to reduce erosion, and rye can also absorb soil nitrate, add to soil organic matter and provide a crop for grazing.

Pennsylvania State University researcher reported (September-October 2005 issue of Agronomy Journal) on a 3-year study to evaluate (1) the effects of timely vs. delayed planting of corn into a rye cover crop, (2) the benefits of in-row tillage with small and large amounts of rye mulch, and (3) the effectiveness of pre- and postemergence herbicide programs with and without rye mulch.

The previous crop was spring oat and the grain and straw were removed before the rye was sown (112 pounds per acre). Rye seeding date ranged from September 25 to October 23. Corn was planted 7 to 10 days after rye was killed at early- and late-boot stage with no-till or zone till. A no-rye control was included for comparison. 160 pounds per acre of urea nitrogen was broadcast applied before corn planting and 245 pounds per acre of 10-20-10 starter fertilizer was injected at planting.

The researched reported the following results. At early-boot stage the average pounds of rye dry matter per acre was 1,250, whereas at late-boot stage there was 3,750 pounds. Rye never reduced no-till corn yields. Allelopathic effects of rye on corn were absent. Zone-till did not improve corn yields. Good weed control resulted from all herbicide programs due to low weed severity. A lower soil bulk density (less soil compaction) was noted where rye was killed in the late-boot stage as compared to being killed in the early-boot stage.

According the researchers, results of the study suggested that rye cover crops will not reduce corn yields if rye is killed 7 to 10 days before corn planting and if adequate nitrogen is applied.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
October 24, 2005