Nathan Johanning – University of Illinois Extension
May 2021
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-125)
University of Guelph (SAG-FS-20-001)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
The following recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop after corn silage harvest and before planting soybean as the next crop.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Read about cover crops. Go to field days. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on purpose and objectives.
- Residual corn herbicides—Read the product label to identify any recropping restrictions for planting fall rye (Secale cereale L.) after silage corn harvest. Rye should not be grazed or harvested for forage unless product labels explicitly permit the use of an underseeded, treated crop as feed or the recropping restrictions are followed. (See Table 4-4, Herbicide Crop Rotation and Soil pH Restrictions—Field Crops, in Publication 75A, Guide to Weed Control: Field Crops in Resources.)
- Seed purchase—Order rye seed early, usually by early summer. Use good quality seed from a reputable seed dealer. Bin-run seed doesn’t have guaranteed germination and may come with unwanted weed seeds. Consider doing a germination test before planting and adjust seeding rates accordingly.
Fall Work
- Fall manure—It generally works best to plant cover crops following manure application via injection or surface application and incorporation. Nevertheless, so long as soil conditions are fit, manure can be applied by dragline or tanker once rye has passed the 2-3 leaf stage. This is not likely to damage the rye since the growing point remains below the ground in the fall.
- Tillage or no-tillage—Generally, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-tillage or strip-tillage systems. If tillage is necessary to incorporate manure or smooth the seedbed after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
- Timing of planting—Plant rye as soon as possible after silage corn harvest and at least two weeks before the average hard frost date (-2°C). If planting later than mid-October, double the seeding rate.
- Seeding rate—Seed at a rate of 40–90 lbs/acre (assuming a germination rate of 85% or greater). Seeding rates should be increased by 50% if broadcasting and incorporating or be doubled if just broadcasting. If the rye will be grazed or harvested as a silage crop in the spring, use a rate of 100–170 lbs/acre.
- Planting method—Drill to a depth of 1–1.5 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.5 inches. Aerial or other broadcast seeding is an option for earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk of poor or inconsistent establishment. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial seeding or presence of slugs will limit success.
- Other fall operations—Use a current soil test (no older than four years) to determine lime or nutrient requirements for next year’s crop. If needed, thoroughly incorporate before seeding the rye cover crop.
Spring Work
- Termination timing—Terminate the rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or about two weeks before planting soybeans—whichever comes first. In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers.
- Termination herbicide—Rye can be terminated with glyphosate after the rye begins growing in the spring (see Publication 75A, Guide to Weed Control: Field Crops in Resources). Effectiveness and speed of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are warmer (>15°C). Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may require higher glyphosate rates, and will die more slowly.
- Option to harvest rye as a silage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting rye as an additional silage crop. Make sure all herbicide restrictions are followed. Also, this will typically delay the planting date for the next crop, but any fall-applied nutrients can be counted toward the rye crop in nutrient management planning. (See Resources for additional information on rye forage management.) Be sure to control rye regrowth.
- Soybean planting—Almost all modern planters and drills, with some modifications, are capable of planting soybean into a rye cover crop. Check that soybean seed is planted into moisture and the slot is closed shortly after beginning to plant; usually some adjustments are needed.
- Scouting—After planting, scout for soybean emergence, stand establishment, and weed control. Rye residue can delay annual weed emergence, which may shift the timing of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council
Publication 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops (OMAFRA)
Publication 75A, Guide to Weed Control: Field Crops (OMAFRA)
Cover Crops (OMAFRA web publication)
Double Cropping Fall Rye for Extra Forage (OMAFRA web publication)
Get a Jump on Early Spring Forage (OMAFRA web publication)
Authors
Cameron Ogilvie, University of Guelph; Jake Munroe, OMAFRA; Mike Cowbrough, OMAFRA; Christine O’Reilly, OMAFRA; Laura Van Eerd, University of Guelph; Anne Verhallen, OMAFRA
Reviewers and Contributors
Dale Cowan, AGRIS Co-operative Ltd.; David Hooker, University of Guelph; Peter Johnson, Real Agriculture; Darren Robinson, University of Guelph; Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph; and François Tardif, University of Guelph
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.https://www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the U.S. Midwest and Ontario by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
August 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2020 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-123)
Michigan State University Extension (CC-06)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
The following recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop after corn silage harvest and planting corn for grain or silage as the next crop.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives. If you intend to use cereal rye as a forage in the spring, refer to Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan for management recommendations. (See Resources.)
- Soil testing—Get your soil tested at least once every three years, and follow recommendations.
- Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn silage crop early and use an earlier hybrid within the adapted maturity range for your location.
- Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be planted in the fall and produce a successful stand following most spring-applied residual corn herbicides. If cereal rye is to be grazed or harvested for forage, there are some herbicide time-interval restrictions. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
- Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed by early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Use good quality seed from a reputable seed dealer.
Fall Work
- Corn silage harvest—Harvest fields where cereal rye is to be planted as early as possible.
- Fall manure—It generally works best to plant cover crops following manure application via injection or surface application and incorporation. Manure can also be injected with a low-disturbance applicator after the rye cover crop is at least 4 inches tall. Other application methods into or onto established cereal rye may result in significant damage.
- Field preparation—Cover crops can be integrated into all tillage systems. If tillage is necessary after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
- Timing of planting—Plant cereal rye as soon as possible after corn harvest and at least two weeks before the average hard frost date (28°F). If planting later than mid-October, consider increasing the seeding rate.
- Seeding rate—Seed at a rate of 40–60 lb./acre (assuming a germination rate of 85% or greater). Seeding rates should be increased by 10% if broadcasting with incorporation and by 20% if broadcasting only.
- Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. These two methods produce the most consistent stands. Aerial and other broadcast seeding are also options and can facilitate earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial/broadcast seeding may limit success. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding.
- Other fall operations—Surface applying potassium (K) or lime before the ground freezes will not harm cover crops under normal soil moisture conditions, although some damage may occur in the wheel tracks.
Spring Work
- Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting corn—whichever comes first. In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. Be familiar with the rules related to termination timing and crop insurance. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines in Resources.)
- Termination methods—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1.13 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are consistently warmer (> 50°F). Cereal rye can also be terminated by tillage, although multiple passes may be necessary. Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may die more slowly, and will likely tie up available nitrogen (N), requiring higher rates of N for the following corn. (See Cover Crop Termination in Resources.)
- High cereal rye biomass considerations—If cereal rye biomass exceeds one-half ton/acre (dry matter), apply N toward the higher side of the application guidelines and apply at or before planting. If manure was applied in the fall prior to cover crop planting, cereal rye biomass in excess of 1 ton/acre (dry matter) may reduce or eliminate the amount of N available for the next corn crop. (See Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management in Resources.) In this case, consider harvesting the cereal rye for forage or switching from corn to soybean.
- Option to harvest or graze cereal rye as a forage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting or grazing cereal rye as an additional forage crop. Growing cereal rye for forage requires a different management system. (See Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan in Resources.) Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Using cereal rye as a forage crop may delay the planting date for the next corn crop.
- Corn planting—Proper planter adjustment and maintenance is critical to achieve success when planting into cover crop residue. When planting no-till, modern planter setups can handle planting into grass cover crop biomass. Row cleaner attachments can sometimes be beneficial to increase soil warming but may plug with cover crop residue if not set up properly. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant and adjust as needed.
- Starter fertilizer—Consider equipping your corn planter with a 2×2 starter fertilizer applicator and aim for an N rate of 30–50 lb./acre.
- Scouting after planting—Scout for corn emergence, population, and insect pests after planting. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial rye residue may delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council
Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan (Michigan State University Extension publication E-3309)
Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (Michigan State University Extension publication E-0434)
NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service
Cover Crop Termination (Michigan State University Extension website)
Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)
Authors
Dean Baas, Kimberly Cassida, Christina Curell, Sarah Fronczak, Paul Gross, Monica Jean, Phil Kaatz, and Elizabeth H. Schultheis, Michigan State University (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Boyd Byelich, USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service; Erin Hill, Michigan State University; Eileen J. Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Maninder Singh, Michigan State University
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.https://www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
August 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2020 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-124)
Michigan State University Extension (CC-07)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
The following recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop into a corn silage–soybean rotation.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives. If you intend to use cereal rye as a forage in the spring, refer to Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan for management recommendations. (See Resources.)
- Soil testing—Get your soil tested at least once every three years, and follow recommendations.
- Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn silage crop early and use a hybrid within the adapted maturity range for your location.
- Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be planted in the fall and produce a successful stand following most spring-applied residual corn herbicides. If cereal rye is to be grazed or harvested for forage, there are some herbicide time-interval restrictions. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
- Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed by early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Use good quality seed from a reputable seed dealer.
Fall Work
- Corn silage harvest—Harvest fields where cereal rye is to be planted as early as possible.
- Fall manure—It generally works best to plant cover crops following manure application via injection or surface application and incorporation. Manure can also be injected with a low-disturbance applicator after the rye cover crop is at least 4 inches tall. Other application methods into or onto established cereal rye may result in significant damage.
- Field preparation—Cover crops can be integrated into all tillage systems. If tillage is necessary after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
- Timing of planting—Plant cereal rye as soon as possible after corn harvest and at least two weeks before the average hard frost date (28°F). If planting later than mid-October, consider increasing the seeding rate.
- Seeding rate—Seed at a rate of 40–60 lb./acre (assuming a germination rate of 85% or greater). Seeding rates should be increased by 10% if broadcasting with incorporation and by 20% if broadcasting only.
- Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. These two methods produce the most consistent stands. Aerial and other broadcast seeding are also options and can facilitate earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial/broadcast seeding may limit success. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding.
- Other fall operations—Surface applying potassium (K) or lime before the ground freezes will not harm cover crops under normal soil moisture conditions, although some damage may occur in the wheel tracks.
Spring Work
- Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting soybeans—whichever comes first. In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. Be familiar with the rules related to termination timing and crop insurance. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines in Resources.)
- Termination methods—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1.13 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are consistently warmer (> 50°F). Cereal rye can also be terminated by tillage, although multiple passes may be necessary. Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may die more slowly, and could tie up available nitrogen (N), which is not likely a problem for soybeans as they receive nitrogen through symbiotic fixation. (See Cover Crop Termination in Resources.)
- Option to harvest or graze cereal rye as a forage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting or grazing cereal rye as an additional forage crop. Growing cereal rye for forage requires a different management system. (See Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan in Resources.) Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Using cereal rye as a forage crop may delay the planting date for the next soybean crop.
- Soybean planting—Proper planter adjustment and maintenance is critical to achieve success when planting into cover crop residue. When planting no-till, modern planter setups can handle planting into grass cover crop biomass. Row cleaner attachments can sometimes be beneficial to increase soil warming but may plug with cover crop residue if not set up properly. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant and adjust as needed.
- Scouting after planting—Scout for soybean emergence, population, and insect pests after planting. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial rye residue may delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides. (See 2020 Weed Guide Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council
Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan (Michigan State University Extension publication E-3309)
Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (Michigan State University Extension publication E-0434)
NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service
Cover Crop Termination (Michigan State University Extension website)
Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)
Authors
Dean Baas, Kimberly Cassida, Christina Curell, Sarah Fronczak, Paul Gross, Monica Jean, Phil Kaatz, and Elizabeth H. Schultheis, Michigan State University (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Boyd Byelich, USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service; Erin Hill, Michigan State University; Eileen J. Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Maninder Singh, Michigan State University
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.https://www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
August 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2020 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Kim Cassida and Phil Kaatz – Michigan State University Extension
November 2019
Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages For Michigan
Source link here.
Kim Cassida and Joe Paling – Michigan State University Extension
February 2020
2019 MSU Cover Crop Variety Test Report
Source link here.
University of Wisconsin, Nutrient and Pest Management Program
Cover Crop Termination Options
Source link here.