Optimizing Planting Methods for Cover Crops Before Corn: Comparison of Precision Planting and Strip Tillage to Achieve Nutrient Loss Reduction and Maintain Yield

Issue

When corn is planted after a cereal rye cover crop, reductions in yield may occur.  Previous research showed when corn was planted in a skip row left in a cereal rye cover crop, yield declines were mitigated.

Objective

Compare the effect of planting green into a CR CC spatially separated from corn via seeding or strip tillage: 

1. CR biomass growth and N accumulation 
2. Nitrate via leaching 
3. Corn seedling disease, growth, development, and yield 
4. Soil surface cover, erosion, and soil N dynamics 

Approach

Growth and development of corn planted into cereal rye that has been strip-tilled over the corn row will be compared to planting corn into a skip row left in the cereal rye cover crop. In addition, seedling disease severity, erosio, and soil nitrogen dynamics will be monitored and compared among treatments.