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Effect of Seeding Rate & Planting Date on Cover Crop Growth and Soybean Yield

Agronomy & Pest Management

Stephanie Karhoff
Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems
The Ohio State University
Ottawa

Abstract

Weather conditions often delay fall cover crop establishment following corn or soybean harvest. This limits producers’ ability to reap the benefits of cover crops, such as weed suppression, reduced soil erosion, or increased soil organic matter. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of seeding rate and planting date on cover crop growth and the yield of the subsequent soybean crop. Three cereal rye (Secale cereale) seeding rates (25, 50, and 75 lb ac -1) and three planting dates (mid-October, early November, and mid-November) were evaluated in South Charleston and Custar, OH from 2023 to 2024. Prior to cereal rye termination in the spring, ground cover and aboveground biomass were measured in a 0.25 m2 area. Soybean was planted following cereal rye and final soybean stand and calibrated yield data were collected. Planting date and seeding rate had a significant effect on ground cover, aboveground biomass, and nitrogen content, but planting date had a greater impact on overall cover crop performance than seeding rate at both locations. In South Charleston, a significant interaction between planting date and seeding rate was observed whereas similar ground cover and biomass levels were achieved regardless of seeding rate at the earliest planting date. At later planting dates, there was still no statistical difference in biomass or ground cover between seeding rates of 50 or 70 lb ac -1. Cereal rye planting date had a significant effect on soybean yield. At the Custar location, the latest planting date treatment had significantly lower soybean yield, but in South Charleston the earliest cereal rye planting date had a significantly lower soybean yield. This trial is currently being conducted for a second year at both locations. Evaluating the effects of varying seeding rates and planting dates will inform future management decisions to maximize cover benefits and cash crop yield. Findings from this trial will also improve cover crop management-focused Extension outreach and overall is an example of how Extension professionals can address producers’ needs through applied research.

Authors: Stephanie Karhoff, Elizabeth Hawkins
  1. Stephanie Karhoff Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 45875
  2. Elizabeth Hawkins Field Specialist, Agronomic Systems, The Ohio State University, Ohio, 45177