Optimize corn yield following cereal rye cover cropOptimize corn yield following cereal rye cover crop

How can you manage a cereal rye cover crop so that it doesn’t affect the yield of the corn that is planted into the cover crop? Attend an Iowa Learning Farms webinar at noon July 1 to find out.

Alison Robertson, professor and Extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University, will share results from one of her research projects. She is investigating the effect of “planting green” on corn growth and development, and in managing corn seedling disease. 

It is recommended that rye cover crops be terminated at least 10 days before planting corn to reduce potential yield drag in corn. However, in some years this is not possible, due to conditions at planting, or when a farmer would prefer to let the cover crop grow as long as possible for soil health and environmental benefits. This webinar will explore the benefits or disadvantages of this practice. 

Effect of rye cover on corn yield 

“Starting to incorporate cover crops on a farm may seem daunting, so our research seeks to better understand the system and provide management options to ensure that the new adopters are successful,” Robertson says.

Her research lab focuses on seedling diseases of corn and soybean caused by oomycetes (water molds), particularly in corn and soybean planted after cover crops. “The benefits of cover crops far outweigh the disadvantages, and there are ways to manage the disadvantages,” she says.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon July 1, visit the ISU Zoom page or go to iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172. Or call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923. 

Archived webinars are available at iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars. A certified crop adviser continuing education unit has been applied for, for those people who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar. 

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