BROOKINGS, S.D. — Winter rye is a cover crop that is consistently performing in South Dakota fields hosting corn-soybean rotations.
“Growers with strict corn-soybean rotations are limited in their options for cover crop species, since there is not enough growing degree days left for cover crops to grow after primary grain crop has been harvested,” said David Karki, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist.
Karki explained that when cover crops are integrated into small grain crop rotations there are many more options because the earlier harvest allows for an adequate seasonal window for a variety of cover crops to establish.
Benefits of winter rye
Winter rye is known for its winter hardiness, allowing late fall planting and rapid growth the following spring.
“Furthermore, adding a cool season small grain component into a corn-soybean rotation not only adds diversity to the cropping system but also helps break pest pressures in the field,” Karki said.
Winter rye is also known for its inherent ability to suppress weeds because of its allelopathic characteristics. “Basically, winter rye produces biochemical compounds that inhibits germination, growth and reproduction of other plants,” Karki explained.
Over the long term, incorporating cover crops also improves soil health and provides supplemental forage.
Fitting winter rye into the rotation
Considering growing habits of all three crops is essential when determining the order of winter rye within the cropping sequence.
“Planting rye after corn and ahead of soybeans, seems to be a better fit than to grow rye before corn,” Karki said.
He explained that by planting the cover crop before soybeans, the corn residue provides protection to rye seedlings. “In addition, soybeans can tolerate later planting in the spring better than corn which allows rye to accumulate more spring growth.”
Rye biomass in the spring can be terminated as cover or utilized as forage depending on the grower’s need.
Research conducted in various Southeast South Dakota in recent years has shown no negative impact on soybean yields when grown on rye cover crop residue.
On the other hand, Karki said corn yield tends to suffer following a rye cover crop.
“This could be due to allelopathic effects of growing rye cover crop or the micro climate created by the rye residue on the soil surface at the time of corn seeding,” he said.
It is suggested to terminate rye two to three weeks prior to corn planting to avoid any negative impact on corn plant health and grain yield.
Planting suggestions
- Seeding rate is about 40 pounds-per-acre as a cover crop, however, it can be increased to 75 pounds-per-acre if weed suppression is the primary objective.
- Aerial seeding can be done during mid to late corn seed-filling stage (early September). Research results show that aerial seeded (or broadcast method) rye produces about 80 percent of the spring biomass of drill-seeded following grain harvest.
Potential risk
- Producers of small grains, such as wheat, oat, barley, etc. are suggested not to use winter rye as a cover crop because it may act as significant contaminant or weed in small grain crops.
- As winter rye accumulate rapid growth in the spring, it is a good practice to look out for short or medium term spring weather so that rye can be terminated early when conditions are drier than usual.
To learn more about implementing cover crops into your rotation, contact Karki at david.karki@sdstate.edu.
— SDSU Extension
For more news from South Dakota, click here.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — While cover crops benefits are proven, Texas A&M AgriLife scientists are finding one size does not fit all relating to their use in the semi-arid regions of the state. What works in the dry, sandy South Plains may not be applicable in the northern High Plains or Rolling Plains. Texas A&M AgriLife […]
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier this season, a lack of soil moisture across much of the state raised concerns about the potential for successful cover crop establishment this fall. Most areas still need more moisture to recharge the soil profile but recent rains have improved the moisture status overall. This has also improved the likelihood for successful […]
MINNEAPOLIS — Since sweet corn is harvested as an immature crop, a lot of the nitrogen (N) the crop takes up during the growing season remains in the plant residue left on the surface. Does that N become available to the following crop? Currently, the University of Minnesota does not recommend taking an N credit […]
WASHINGTON — The practice of planting a cash crop directly into an immediately terminated or growing cover crop has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as producers look for ways to work through tough spring planting conditions and maximize the benefits of cover crops, says Brent Jones, Iowa Research Farm Manager for GO […]
WASHINGTON — Myths surrounding cover crops typically fall into one of two camps. The first camp is that of detriment, with concerns about available moisture being sucked up in a drought prone area or fear that cash crop yields will be hurt. The second is misplaced expectations – placing cover crops on a pedestal as […]
