Using Precision Planting Techniques with Selected Cover Crops in Corn and Soybeans Planted in Three Tillage Production Systems

Conservation tillage is defined as a system that leaves enough crop residue on the soil surface after planting to provide 30 percent soil cover, the amount needed to reduce erosion below tolerance levels. Today, however, many farmers aim for greater soil cover because of additional benefits of crop residue. Cover Crops are critical to producing this residue and have the potential to maximize conservation tillage benefits. The objectives of this project are to: 1) evaluate the benefits and shortcomings of existing methods of cover crop seeding such as broadcast seeding (a common method for cover crop establishment) compared with innovative techniques using precision planting equipment; 2) demonstrate the potential of cover crop use and establishment over a range of tillage practices; 3) quantify the impact of cover crop placement relative to subsequent row crop growth and yield by measuring biomass production of the corn and soybean crops and final grain yield; 4) quantify the impact of cover crop placement on nutrient and moisture availability; and 5) provide producer information on available cover crop establishment methods and specific benefits via newsletters, guides, videos and other media. A cost benefit analysis of seeding techniques will also be developed.