Identification of cover crops for use in biocontrol of soil-borne diseases and development of guidelines for economical use of cover crops will assist producers in controlling fungal diseases in soybean. The impact of fungicide use on yield and net return will be determined, and guidelines developed. The interaction between soil health and fungal pressure will be assessed and alternative methods of improving soil health for optimal soybean production, yield components, and net return developed. The economic impact of management choices will assist producers in choosing economically viable production systems.

This research is a component of a research project exploring the mechanisms defining how soil health impacts crop production and plant disease. The research team is developing a funding proposal to leverage KSC funding with national funding through USDA-NIFA. The research is exploring the interactions between soil health and crop performance, developing alternative methods to control crop diseases and establish naturally disease-suppressive soils through cultural practices.

This research will also contribute to a study examining the potential for cover crops to control the soil-borne fungus Fusarium virguiliforme that causes sudden death syndrome, in collaboration with another Kansas Soybean Commission funded project (C. Little). Overall soil health and nutrient status will be measured in collaboration with Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz.

Update:
A high-glucosinolate mustard with biofumigant properties reduced the population levels in soil and in soybean plants of the fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina) that causes charcoal rot. In this study, management practices that incorporate use of mustard as a cover crop in soybean production systems were tested. Results indicate that tillage increases the charcoal rot fungus. The mustard cover crop was tested in field studies for its impact on soil
health, fungal disease and propagules, and soybean growth and yield.

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This research indicates the potential for use of the mustard as a cover crop to control soil-borne disease in soybean. The mustard cover crop can significantly reduce the disease pressure. Greater improvements in disease pressure are observed for management practices that maintain the cover crop residue. More research is needed to further delineate changes in soil health parameters with mustard cover crops and management practices.