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Michigan Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-124)

Michigan State University Extension (CC-07)

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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.
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
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.

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Kansas Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-120)

Kansas State University Extension (MF3504)

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Introduction

This publication provides 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.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Start early. Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives.
  • Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn crop early and use an early maturity corn hybrid. One strategy would be to use a cover crop on the field you usually harvest first, on sloping ground, or on a field where you can watch it regularly, and to plant your earliest maturity hybrid on that field.
  • Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be seeded, and a successful stand will occur, in the fall following most of the spring-applied residuals used in corn. However, if cereal rye will be grazed or fed to livestock, there are some restrictions. See the USDA-NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (in Resources), or consult your agricultural chemical supplier or agronomist for potential carryover herbicide concerns.
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed early. Named varieties can produce substantially more growth or more predictable growth and maturity but are more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Start with VNS seed with a good germination rate that is purchased from a reputable seed dealer. This means seed has been cleaned, tested for germination, and has a seed tag even though it is VNS.
Fall Work
  • Corn harvest—Harvest the crop as early as possible in fields to be planted to cereal rye.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—To allow for adequate cover crop growth, it is best or easier if no full-width tillage is planned for after rye planting or before intended rye termination date. Thus, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till systems.
  • Timing of planting—Plant cereal rye as soon after corn harvest as possible. Use the Cover Crop Selector Tool (in Resources) to find planting dates for your county. For most of Kansas, plant no later than November 1.
  • Seeding rate—The recommended drilled seeding rate is 55 to 60 pounds per acre; if seeded with an airplane, the rates should be 1.5 times the drilled rate (required if participating in USDA-NRCS programs). These rates are based on high-quality seed with germination rates of 85 to 98%. Increase rates with later plantings.
  • Planting method—Drill seed 0.75 to 1.50 inches deep or broadcast with shallow incorporation.
  • Fertility or liming—If applying P, K, or lime, apply before the seeding operation or apply to the growing rye before the ground freezes. If it is necessary to inject manure, low-disturbance injectors are available that cause minimal damage to the cereal rye. Surface application of liquid manure on top of the rye is not recommended. Ideally, surface broadcast of dry manure or litter should be done before seeding but, if necessary, could be applied to growing cereal rye with minimal damage.
Figure 1. After it’s terminated, a cereal rye crop can be part of an effective weed-management program and can help reduce evaporation during the growing season of the soybean crop. (DeAnn Presley)
Figure 1. After it’s terminated, a cereal rye crop can be part of an effective weed-management program and can help reduce evaporation during the growing season of the soybean crop. (DeAnn Presley)
Spring Work
  • Scouting—In the spring, scout your cover crop to determine how well it is growing and its coverage. Also, scout to monitor soil moisture; if rainfall is below normal, then earlier termination may be needed to preserve moisture.
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring in compliance with USDA–Risk Management Agency rules:

› Zone 1: Terminate cover crop 35 days or earlier before planting. › Zone 2: Terminate cover crop 15 days or earlier before planting. › Zone 3: Terminate cover crop at or before planting. › Zone 4: Terminate cover crop at or within 5 days after planting but before crop emergence.

  • Termination herbicide—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 pound acid equivalent per acre) after dormancy breaks in the spring. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are warmer. Tank mixes with products containing metribuzen may antagonize glyphosate performance and may justify an increase in the glyphosate rate.
  • Termination modifications for dry weather—Watch the weather and be ready to modify your termination plans, particularly on non-irrigated acres. In a dry spring, the cereal rye cover crop has the potential to use moisture that the cash crop will need, so terminate cover crops sooner to allow rainfall to make up the deficit.
  • Termination modifications for wet weather—In a wet spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. If projected soybean planting is less than 10 days away and the rye is tall, then it often works better to spray within a day or two of planting. It is usually better to either plant into brown dead rye plants or into standing green plants rather than into large, dying, yellow/green (“rubbery”) cereal rye plants that have fallen on the soil surface and formed a mat.
  • Soybean planting—It is usually best to no-till plant soybeans into either a dead/dry or standing cereal rye cover crop. Almost all modern planters and drills are fully capable of planting soybeans into a cereal rye cover crop. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant into the cover crop residue as usually some adjustments are needed.
  • Scouting—After soybean planting, scout for soybean emergence and population. Additionally, scout for weeds since substantial cereal rye residue can delay emergence of annual weeds, which may delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
  • Additional guidelines—If you are in one of the major wheat-growing areas of Kansas, watch for equipment contamination to ensure that no rye escapes and goes to seed in your field. Also, make sure you do a thorough and complete burndown in spring to ensure that none of the rye goes to seed.
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool,  — available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

USDA-NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines, available on the USDA–Risk Management Agency website

Authors

DeAnn Presley, Kansas State University; and Vaughn Sothman, Sharp Brothers Seed Company (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

Shalamar Armstrong, Purdue University; Marisol Berti, North Dakota State University; Tom Kaspar, USDA–Agricultural Research Service (retired); Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; Tom Roth, USDA-NRCS; and Anne Verhallen, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

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.

May 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.

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Iowa Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-122)

Iowa State University Extension (CROP 3166)

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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. The early harvest of corn silage provides an extended planting window for establishing a cereal rye cover crop.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Read about cover crops. Go to field days. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on purpose and objectives. Arrange for equipment, custom operators, or additional labor as needed.
  • Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant 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 grazed or harvested for forage, there are some time-interval restrictions. (See Herbicide Use May Restrict Grazing Options for Cover Crops -Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Pre-order cereal rye seed in early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than variety not stated (VNS) seed. Use good quality seed that has been cleaned, tested for germination and weed seed contamination, and purchased from a reputable seed dealer.
Figure 1: This cereal rye cover crop, shown here in early May, was planted the previous fall following corn silage on a research farm near Ames, Iowa. (Tom Kaspar)
Figure 1: This cereal rye cover crop, shown here in early May, was planted the previous fall following corn silage on a research farm near Ames, Iowa. (Tom Kaspar)
Fall Work
  • Corn silage harvest—Prioritize harvest of fields where cereal rye is to be planted.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—Generally, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till systems. If tillage is necessary to smooth the seed bed after corn silage harvest, it should take place as soon as possible and prior to rye seeding.
  • Timing of planting—Ideally, plant cereal rye as soon as possible after silage harvest. Plant no later than the following dates: October 21 in northern Iowa, October 28 in central Iowa, and November 7 in southern Iowa.
  • Seeding rate—Use 55 lbs./acre for drilled seed and 60 lbs./acre for shallow incorporation. Seed should have a germination rate greater than 85%.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to 1.50 inches.
Spring Work
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting soybean—whichever comes first. Although this termination timing is recommended for beginners, generally it is not as critical before soybeans as it is before corn. Check current crop insurance rules regarding timing of termination of cover crops. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines -Resources.)
  • Termination herbicide—Cereal rye can typically be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Glyphosate will kill rye more quickly if the rye is rapidly growing and temperatures are greater than 55°F during the day and greater than 40°F at night. Rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may require higher glyphosate rates, or will die more slowly.
  • Termination modifications for wet weather—In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers.
  • Option to harvest cereal rye as a silage crop—A rye cover crop planted in the fall and harvested at boot stage can provide a substantial amount of good quality forage. However, waiting for cereal rye to reach the boot stage (mid-May to early June) will delay planting of the next soybean crop. If the following soybean crop will be insured, then rye should be terminated and soybean planted before the crop insurance late-planting deadline. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines -Resources.)
  • Soybean planting—Almost all modern row planters and drills are fully capable of planting soybean into a dead cereal rye cover crop. Planter adjustments are usually needed to ensure correct planting depth and seed furrow closure.
  • Scouting after planting—Scout for soybean emergence, population, and insect pests. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial cereal rye residue often can delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Effect of residual herbicides on cover crop establishment (Iowa State Extension and Outreach Integrated Crop Management Encyclopedia Article)

Herbicide Use May Restrict Grazing Options for Cover Crops (Iowa State Extension and Outreach publication CROP 3082, revised January 2017)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (version 4, June 2019)—available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage, J. Stute, K. Shelley, D. Mueller, and T. Wood. 2009.

Cover Crop Management (Iowa Agronomy Technical Note 38)—available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Post Soybean, Going to Corn: Use Oats (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-104)

Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-103)

Authors

Tom Kaspar, USDA-ARS (retired); and Mark Licht, Iowa 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

Stefan Gailans, Practical Farmers of Iowa; Michael Henderson and Kevin Kuhn, USDA-NRCS; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Keith Kohler, USDA-ARS; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Matt Ruark, Kevin Shelley, and Dan Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Acknowledgments

This publication was developed with contributions and collaboration from Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

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.

March 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.

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Iowa Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Corn: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-121)

Iowa State University Extension (CROP 3165)

DOWNLOAD PDF

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 for planting a cover crop after corn silage harvest and then planting corn for grain or silage as the next crop. The early harvest of corn silage provides an extended planting window for establishing a cereal rye cover crop.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Read about cover crops. Go to field days. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on purpose and objectives. Arrange for equipment, custom operators, or additional labor as needed.
  • 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 time-interval restrictions. (See Herbicide Use May Restrict Grazing Options for Cover Crops -Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Pre-order cereal rye seed in early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than variety not stated (VNS) seed. Use good quality seed that has been cleaned, tested for germination and weed seed contamination, and purchased from a reputable seed dealer.
Fall Work
  • Corn silage harvest—Prioritize harvest of fields where cereal rye is to be planted.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—Generally, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till systems. If tillage is necessary to incorporate manure, fertilizer, or lime, or to smooth the seed bed after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
  • Timing of planting—Ideally, plant cereal rye as soon as possible after silage harvest. Plant no later than the following dates: October 21 in northern Iowa, October 28 in central Iowa, and November 7 in southern Iowa.
  • Seeding rate—Use 55 lbs./acre for drilled seed and 60 lbs./acre for shallow incorporation. Seed should have a germination rate greater than 85%.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to 1.50 inches.
  • Manure, P, K, or lime—For best rye establishment, any manure, P, K, or lime should be injected, subsurface banded, or surface applied and incorporated before planting the cover crop. Manure can also be injected with a low-disturbance applicator after the rye cover crop is at least 4 inches tall, but significant damage to the cover crop may occur. Surface-applying granular P, K, or lime before the ground completely freezes can be done with minimal cover crop damage if the soil is not too wet.
Figure 1: This cereal rye cover crop, shown here in early April, was planted the previous fall following corn silage in northeast Iowa. (Tom Kaspar)
Figure 1: This cereal rye cover crop, shown here in early April, was planted the previous fall following corn silage in northeast Iowa. (Tom Kaspar)
Spring Work
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting corn—whichever comes first. Check current crop insurance rules regarding timing of termination of cover crops. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines -Resources.)
  • Termination herbicide—Cereal rye can typically be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Glyphosate will kill rye more quickly if the rye is rapidly growing and temperatures are greater than 55°F during the day and greater than 40°F at night. Rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may require higher glyphosate rates, or will die more slowly.
  • Termination modifications for wet weather—In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers.
  • Option to harvest cereal rye as a silage crop—A rye cover crop planted in the fall and harvested at boot stage can provide a substantial amount of good quality forage. However, waiting for cereal rye to reach the boot stage (mid-May to early June) will delay planting of the next corn crop and may decrease its yield. If the following corn crop will be insured, then rye should be terminated and corn planted before the crop insurance late-planting deadline. (See Resources.)
  • Corn planting—Almost all modern row planters are fully capable of planting corn into a dead cereal rye cover crop. Row cleaner attachments can sometimes be beneficial to increase soil warming, but setting them too deep can cause problems. Planter adjustments are usually needed to ensure correct planting depth and seed furrow closure.
  • Starter fertilizer—Consider equipping your corn planter with a 2×2 starter fertilizer applicator and aim for a starter fertilizer rate between 30–50 pounds of actual N per acre.
  • Scouting after planting—Scout for corn emergence, population, and insect pests. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial cereal rye residue can often delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Effect of residual herbicides on cover crop establishment (Iowa State Extension and Outreach Integrated Crop Management Encyclopedia Article)

Herbicide Use May Restrict Grazing Options for Cover Crops (Iowa State Extension and Outreach publication CROP 3082, revised January 2017)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (version 4, June 2019)—available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage, J. Stute, K. Shelley, D. Mueller, and T. Wood. 2009.

Cover Crop Management (Iowa Agronomy Technical Note 38)—available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Post Soybean, Going to Corn: Use Oats (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-104)

Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-103)

Authors

Tom Kaspar, USDA-ARS (retired); and Mark Licht, Iowa 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

Stefan Gailans, Practical Farmers of Iowa; Michael Henderson and Kevin Kuhn, USDA-NRCS; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Keith Kohler, USDA-ARS; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Matt Ruark, Kevin Shelley, and Dan Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Acknowledgments

This publication was developed with contributions and collaboration from Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

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.

March 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.

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Wisconsin Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-119)

Download PDF

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—Read about cover crops. Go to field days. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on purpose and objectives.
  • 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 time-interval restrictions. (See Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed early, usually 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—Manure applications supplying high rates of nitrogen are not recommended when soybean is the next crop. Small amounts may be permitted. If you need to apply manure, apply it as soon after corn silage harvest as possible and drill-seed cover crops after manure is applied.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—Generally, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till 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 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 20% if broadcasting and increased by 10% if broadcasting and incorporating. Also increase the rate if the rye will be harvested as a silage crop in the spring.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. Aerial or other broadcast seeding is an option for earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial seeding or presence of slugs will limit success.
Figure 1. This cereal rye cover crop was planted near Arlington, WI, after corn silage harvest and fall manure application. (Jaimie West)
Figure 1. This cereal rye cover crop was planted near Arlington, WI, after corn silage harvest and fall manure application. (Jaimie West)
Spring Work
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in spring when the plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting soybean—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 herbicide—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are warmer (> 60°F). Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may require higher glyphosate rates, or will die more slowly. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness.
  • Option to harvest cereal rye as a silage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting cereal rye as an additional silage crop. Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Also, this may delay the planting date of soybean. Any fall-applied nutrients can be counted toward the cereal rye crop in nutrient management planning. (See Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage in Resources.) Use a full burndown rate of glyphosate to completely terminate the rye regrowth after harvest. Termination must be done prior to emergence of the subsequent crop for crop insurance eligibility in Wisconsin.
  • Soybean planting—It is usually easiest to no-till plant soybean into the dead, brown cereal rye cover crop. 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 make adjustments as needed.
  • Scouting after planting—Scout for soybean emergence, population, and insect pests. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial cereal rye residue may delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Cover Crops 101 (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4176)

Herbicide Rotational Restrictions for Cover and Forage Cropping Systems (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (version 4, June 2019)—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service

Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)

Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

Termination of Winter Rye and Annual Ryegrass Using Glyphosate (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

Authors

Matt Ruark, Daniel H. Smith, and Kevin Shelley, University of Wisconsin–Madison (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

Brian Briski, USDA-NRCS; Jason Cavadini, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Tom Kaspar, USDA-ARS (retired); Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; and Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council

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.

January 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.

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Wisconsin Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Corn: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-118)

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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—Read about cover crops. Go to field days. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on purpose and objectives.
  • 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 time-interval restrictions. (See Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed early, usually 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 an established cereal rye may result in significant damage to the rye.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—Generally, it is easier to integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till 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 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 20% if broadcasting and increased by 10% if broadcasting and incorporating. Also increase the rate if the rye will be harvested as a silage crop in the spring.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. Aerial or other broadcast seeding is an option for earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial seeding or presence of slugs will limit success.
  • Other fall operations—Surface applying P, K, or lime before the ground freezes can be done without harming the cover crop too much if the soil is not too wet, although some damage may occur in the wheel tracks.
Figure 1. This cereal rye cover crop was planted near Arlington, WI, after corn silage harvest and fall manure application. (Jaimie West)
Figure 1. This cereal rye cover crop was planted near Arlington, WI, after corn silage harvest and fall manure application. (Jaimie West)
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 herbicide—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are warmer (> 60°F). Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may require higher glyphosate rates, or will die more slowly. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness.
  • 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 silage or switching from corn to soybean.
  • Option to harvest cereal rye as a silage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting cereal rye as an additional silage crop. Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Also, this will typically delay the planting date for the next silage crop, but any fall-applied nutrients can be counted toward the cereal rye crop in nutrient management planning. (See Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage in Resources.) Use a full burndown rate of glyphosate to completely terminate the rye regrowth after harvest. Termination must be done prior to emergence of the subsequent crop for crop insurance eligibility in Wisconsin.
  • Corn planting—Proper planter adjustment and maintenance is critical to achieve success when planting into cover crop residue. Under most conditions, no-till planting of corn is the best management practice; modern no-till 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 make adjustments as needed.
  • Starter fertilizer—Consider equipping your corn planter with a 2×2 starter fertilizer applicator and aim for a nitrogen rate of 30–50 lb./acre. Also consider moving up the timing of in-season N applications.
  • 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.
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool  —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Cover Crops 101 (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4176)

Herbicide Rotational Restrictions for Cover and Forage Cropping Systems (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (version 4, June 2019)—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service

Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)

Planting Winter Rye after Corn Silage: Managing for Forage (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

Termination of Winter Rye and Annual Ryegrass Using Glyphosate (University of Wisconsin–Madison Nutrient and Pest Management publication)

Authors

Matt Ruark, Daniel H. Smith, and Kevin Shelley, University of Wisconsin–Madison (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

Brian Briski, USDA-NRCS; Jason Cavadini, University of Wisconsin–Madison; Tom Kaspar, USDA-ARS (retired); Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; and Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council

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.

January 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.

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Ohio Cover Crop Recipe – Post Soybean, Going to Corn: Use Oats/Radish

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-117)

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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 soybean-corn rotation. Often the easiest place to begin is to plant a cover crop ahead of a soybean cash crop following corn, so consider starting with the companion recipe titled Post Corn, Going to Soybean (publication MCCC-116; see Resources).

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives.
  • Soybean variety and planting—If possible, plant the preceding soybean crop early and use an early maturity soybean cultivar. One strategy is to use your earliest-maturity-group soybeans on the fields where you plan to seed cover crops and plant those beans first.
  • Residual soybean herbicides—Because oats are very tolerant of most soybean residual herbicides, few restrictions apply unless grazing is being considered. Radish is more sensitive and will likely be harmed if ALS-type (group 2) or PPO-type (group 14) herbicides are used in the soybean cropping season. (See Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Order cover crop seed early. Named oat varieties grow well but are more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Start with VNS seed with a good germination rate purchased from a reputable seed dealer. Note that this means the seed has been cleaned and has a certified lab-tested germination tag. Spring barley may be more expensive but can be used instead of oats. For cover crop radishes (daikon type), be sure to purchase a single variety from a reputable seed dealer. Seeding rate calculations are based on one of two factors: pure live seed (PLS) or seed count. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) calculations for Ohio are based on pure live seed for compensation.
Fall Work
  • Soybean harvest—Harvest fields where a mix of spring oats/radish are to be planted as early as possible.
  • Timing of planting—Ideally, plant oats/radish immediately after harvest. In most of Ohio, this should occur by the third week in September. See Selector Tool (in Resources section) for more precise dates for your county.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.25–0.50 inch or broadcast, but note that incorporation of the seed, if any, should be light since excessive disturbance of soybean stubble may negate any benefit of the cover crop. For more details on seeding methods, visit the MCCC website.
  • Seeding rate in oats/radish mix—Drilled: oats, 30–60 lbs./acre PLS; radish, 2–4 lbs./acre PLS. Broadcast: oats, 33–60 lbs./acre PLS; radish, 3–5 lbs./acre PLS. (See Calculating Pure Live Seed section below.)
  • Aerial seeding or overseeding—An alternative to seeding after harvest is to do aerial seeding with a plane or helicopter or overseeding with a ground-based vehicle. In most of Ohio, seeding should take place in late August or by the first week of September and before 25% of the soybean leaves have yellowed and dropped. Rainfall after seeding is essential for establishment.
  • Seeding rate for overseeding—For oats: 40–60 lbs./acre PLS; for radish: 4–6 lbs./acre PLS.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—To allow for adequate cover crop growth, it is best if no full-width tillage takes place until spring, after the oats/radish have been killed by freezing temperatures. It is best to maintain surface cover to prevent erosion and nutrient runoff.
  • Fertility or liming—If applying P, K, or lime, complete the application prior to the seeding operation or apply to the growing oats/radish before the ground freezes. If it is necessary to inject N fertilizer or manure in the fall, a low-disturbance applicator should be used to minimize the reduction in surface residues.
Figure 1. A growing oats/radish mix in soybean stubble (Eileen Kladivko)
Figure 1. A growing oats/radish mix in soybean stubble (Eileen Kladivko)
Spring Work
  • Starter fertilizer—Strongly consider equipping your corn planter with 2×2 starter fertilizer, and aim for a starter fertilizer rate between 30–50 pounds of actual nitrogen (N) per acre. Extra nitrogen is needed in the spring to decompose the additional cover crop residue.
  • Scouting—If corn color is light green or slightly off-color, N deficiency may be an issue and extra N should be applied. Tissue test for N sufficiency. Scout for true armyworm, cutworm, slug, and vole damage.
Figure 2: Residue of oats/radish mix in early March (Eileen Kladivko)
Figure 2: Residue of oats/radish mix in early March (Eileen Kladivko)
Calculating Pure Live Seed

Pure live seed (PLS) indicates the amount of seed in the container that is capable of developing into seedlings. To calculate PLS, the percentage of pure seed listed on the seed label of a cultivar is multiplied by the percent germination (also listed on the seed label). For example: 90% pure seed of the cultivar x 80% germination = 72% PLS.

To determine how much seed to plant, divide 100 by the percentage PLS (72 in this example): 100 ÷ 72 = 1.4. Therefore, 1.4 pounds of seed with a purity of 90% and a germination of 80% would be needed for each pound specified in the desired seed mixture.

Resources

Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Ohio Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-116)

Herbicide Rotation Restrictions in Forage and Cover Cropping Systems (University of Wisconsin Extension publication)

Calculating the Price of Pure Live Seed (PennState Extension website)

Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Using Cover Crops to Convert to No-till (Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet SAG-11)

Understanding Soil Microbes and Nutrient Recycling (Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet SAG-16)

Authors

Sarah Noggle, Ohio State University Extension; and James J. Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services (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

Jason Hartschuh, Ohio State University Extension; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; Eric Richer, Ohio State University Extension; Alan Sundermeier, Ohio State University Extension

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.

January 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.

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Ohio Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-116)

Download PDF

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-soybean rotation. Planting a cover crop ahead of a soybean cash crop is often the easiest way to introduce cover crops into your rotation.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives.
  • Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn crop early and use an early maturity corn hybrid. One strategy is to use a cover crop on the field you usually harvest first, on sloping ground, or on a field where you can watch it regularly, and to plant your earliest maturity hybrid on that field.
  • Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be seeded and a successful stand will occur in the fall following most of the spring-applied residuals used in corn. However, if cereal rye will be grazed or fed to livestock, there are some restrictions (see Resources section).
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed early. Named varieties have more predictable growth but are more expensive. Start with VNS (variety not stated) seed with a good germination rate purchased from a reputable seed dealer. Note that this means the seed has been cleaned and has a certified lab-tested germination tag. Seeding rate calculations are based on one of two factors: pure live seed (PLS) or seed count. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) calculations for Ohio are based on PLS for compensation.
Fall Work
  • Corn harvest—Harvest fields where cereal rye is to be planted as early as possible.
  • Tillage or no-tillage—To allow for adequate cover crop growth, it is best or easier if full-width tillage is minimized before rye planting or before the intended rye termination date. To achieve maximum benefits, integrate cover crops into no-till or strip-till systems.
  • Timing of planting—Ideally, plant cereal rye as soon after harvest as possible. In northern Ohio, this would be before November 1; in southern Ohio, before November 15. Use the Selector Tool for more precise dates for your county.
  • Seeding rate—Drilled seeding rate: 40–60 lbs./acre PLS. Broadcast with shallow incorporation: 45–65 lbs./acre PLS. Ohio NRCS approves broadcasting without incorporation if the PLS rate is increased by 20%. (See Calculating Pure Live Seed section below.)
  • Planting method—Drill to 0.75–1.50 inches deep, broadcast with shallow incorporation, or surface broadcast. An air-seeder mounted on a vertical tillage tool can also be used. Seed-to-soil contact is important with cereal rye stands.
  • Fertility or liming—If applying P, K, or lime, complete the application prior to the seeding operation or apply to the growing rye before the ground freezes. If it is necessary to inject manure, low-disturbance injectors are available that will cause minimal damage to the cereal rye. Surface application of liquid manure on top of the rye is not recommended until the rye is 3 inches tall. See the current NRCS Standard Practice 590 for manure application rates in Ohio. Surface broadcast of dry manure or litter should be done prior to seeding, but 4 tons or less can be applied to growing cereal rye with minimal damage by using modern spreading equipment that provides even distribution.
Figure 1: Terminate cereal rye growth when approximately 6 inches in height (shown here). (Eileen Kladivko)
Figure 1: Terminate cereal rye growth when approximately 6 inches in
height (shown here). (Eileen Kladivko)
Spring Work
  • Early season scouting—In the spring, scout your cover crop to determine how well it is growing and its coverage. But if rainfall is below normal, scout also to monitor soil moisture in case earlier termination is needed. Watch for vole and/or slug damage.
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or about two weeks before planting soybean—whichever comes first. Many growers will successfully plant soybean into terminated cereal rye much taller than 12 inches or even terminate cereal rye after planting soybean, especially if weed control is a primary purpose, but new cover crop users should terminate when the cereal rye is smaller (see Figure 1).
  • Termination herbicide—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (minimum of 1 lb. acid equivalent [ae]/acre) after dormancy breaks in the spring. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill or will die more slowly.
  • Termination modifications for dry weather—Watch the weather and be ready to modify your termination plans. In a dry spring, the cereal rye cover crop has the potential to use moisture that the cash crop will need, so terminate cover crops sooner.
  • Termination modifications for wet weather—In a wet spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. If projected soybean planting is less than 10 days away and the rye is tall, then it often works better to spray within a day or two of planting. It is usually better to plant either into brown, dead rye plants or into standing green plants rather than into large, dying, yellow/green (“rubbery”) cereal rye plants that have fallen on the soil surface and formed a mat. See publication AY-353-W (in Resources section) for more details.
  • Soybean planting—It is usually best to no-till plant soybeans into the dead/dry or standing cereal rye cover crop. Almost all modern planters and no-till drills are fully capable of planting soybean into a cereal rye cover crop. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure as some adjustments may be needed. Avoid drilling soybeans if the seed slot will not close due to wet soils.
  • Scouting after planting—After soybean planting, scout for soybean emergence and population. Additionally, scout for weeds since substantial cereal rye residue can often delay the emergence of annual weeds, which may delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Calculating Pure Live Seed

For more information on calculating pure live seed (PLS), visit Calculating the Price of Pure Live Seed, a Penn State Extension website.

Resources

Herbicide Rotation Restrictions in Forage and Cover Cropping Systems (University of Wisconsin Extension publication)

Cover Crop Selector Tool,  — available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Sustainable Crop Rotations with Cover Crops (Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet SAG-9)

Timing of Cover Crop Termination and Related Factors (University of Nebraska–Lincoln website)

Managing Cover Crops: An Introduction to Integrating Cover Crops into a Corn-Soybean Rotation (Purdue Extension publication AY-353-W)

Authors

Sarah Noggle, Ohio State University Extension; and James J. Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services (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

Jason Hartschuh, Ohio State University Extension; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; Eric Richer, Ohio State University Extension; Alan Sundermeier, Ohio State University Extension

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.

January 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.

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ABOUT

The Midwest Cover Crop Council was first organized in 2006. Since its inception the organization has grown into a community that facilitates the sharing of cover crop knowledge within the Midwest and beyond.

CONTACT INFO

  • MCCC General Contact
    Comments or questions regarding the MCCC or our website can be directed to our Program Manager.
  • Anna Morrow
  • annamorrow@purdue.edu
  • 317-392-6417

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