This project is designed to test the hypothesis that ultra-early soybeans may be protected from freeze events by cover crop residue. This research helps answer a very common question from Ohio soybean farmers, “How early is too early?” The objectives of this project are to examine soybean yield in “ultra early” planting situations in early April through more normal planting dates of late April through early June, and examine the use of a winter rye cover crop to facilitate early soybean planting by removing soil moisture and protecting newly emerged soybean plants from adverse weather.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents