2016
Cover Crop Effects on Soybean Yield and Soil Properties
Home
Contributor/Checkoff:
Kansas Soybean Commission
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Field management Nutrient managementSoil healthTillageYield trials
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Doug Shoup, Kansas State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
1621
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Kansas Soybean Commission
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
Kansas State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

The goal of this project is to evaluate the impact of five cover crop mixtures on soybean yield in a soybean-corn rotation and determining changes to soil properties over time; and to educate producers on value of cover crops through extension publications, meetings, and reports. Cover crops are utilized by more producers throughout Kansas for reduced erosion, nutrient cycling, weed suppression, reduced soil compaction, increased soil organic matter and increased biological activity. Because soybean is a legume, the impacts of nitrogen credits from a cover crop are diminished, however the other cover crop benefits need to be evaluated.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension specialists

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Generate information on the yield impact, changes in soil properties, and general best management practices for use of cover crops ahead of soybean. Results from this study will help make inferences on the economic impact of cover crops to soybean producer’s profitability in addition to potential impacts on soil quality. This project will provide producers, extension agents, agri-business professionals, and USDA agency personnel with the knowledge to make economical and environmentally sound decisions regarding cover crops in a soybean/corn rotation. Knowledge gained from this project will be transferred through extension meetings, extension publications, and KSU reports of progress.

Final Project Results

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.