2014
Understanding cover crop use in soybean production systems
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Central Soybean Research Program
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Field management Nutrient managementSoil healthTillageYield trials
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Dale Mutch, Michigan State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Dean Baas, Michigan State University
Shaun Casteel, Purdue University
Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University
David Clay, South Dakota State University
Sharon Clay, South Dakota State University
Jim Hoorman, The Ohio State University
Don Wyse, University of Minnesota
Richard Hoormann, University of Missouri
Matt Ruark, University of Wisconsin
Tom Kaspar, USDA/ARS-Iowa State University
+9 More
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Central Soybean Research Program
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
Michigan State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

Soybean farmers in the North Central region have voiced a number of concerns about reliably establishing cover crops after harvest and the length of time cover crops can grow with our long and cold winters. The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) is collaborating to produce a consensus guide of current knowledge on cover crop use in Midwestern soybean systems.

Unique Keywords:
#crop management systems, #soybean cover crops, #soybean educational studies, #soybean production studies
Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Final Project Results

To date, approximately 700 surveys have been completed on-line or through paper copies distributed at NCR meetings and events. Interviews have been completed with soybean farmers—one cover crop user and one non-user—in each of the investigators’ states (IN, IA, OH, MI, MO, MN, SD and WI). These interviews typically lasted from 2 – 3 hours and yielded valuable farmer perspective on the challenges and benefits of cover crops.

Currently, the review, consolidation and analysis of the information from these sources are underway for the development of the first draft of the management guide by mid-July, 2014. A project team meeting is scheduled for July 23 – 24, 2014 in Chicago to review and finalize the management guide for cover crops use in soybean and to develop and prioritize future soybean and cover crops research needs for the NCSRP.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.