Cover crops after soybeans - new planting methods

By Blake Jackson

Establishing cover crops after soybean harvest can be challenging, but innovative approaches are being tested to enhance success. Recent studies from Pennsylvania, supported by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, have explored various methods to improve cover crop establishment.

In Phase 1 of the study (2020-2022), researchers evaluated broadcasting cover crops into standing soybeans. They tested nine species, including cereal rye, winter wheat, annual ryegrass, and various clovers.

Results showed that cover crop establishment was often limited, with dry matter production falling short of the NRCS's recommended 2,700 lb/ac threshold.

Small grains performed best, but overall biomass was low, indicating that broadcasting into standing beans might not always yield significant benefits.

Phase 2 (2022-2023) compared broadcasting to drill-seeding cover crops. The study focused on five species cereal rye, winter wheat, annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, and rapeseed across several counties.

Broadcasting often resulted in higher cover crop density and biomass compared to drill-seeding, especially when seeding was done early and followed by timely rainfall.

However, the maximum biomass achieved was still below the desired 2,700 lb/ac, suggesting that while broadcasting can be effective, optimal results require careful timing and conditions.

Phase 3 (2023-2024) introduced drone seeding as a modern alternative. Cereal rye was seeded using drones at different times and compared to traditional drill-seeding.

Drone-seeding showed promising results, with higher biomass and groundcover in some cases, particularly when seeding was done between late September and early October.

However, drill-seeding consistently produced higher biomass compared to drone-seeding, highlighting the need for further refinement of drone technology and techniques.

These studies underscore the importance of timing and method in establishing cover crops after soybeans.

While innovative approaches like broadcasting and drone-seeding show potential, achieving optimal cover crop benefits requires a combination of the right species, seeding timing, and environmental conditions.

For more information visit https://extension.psu.edu/drone-seeding-cover-crops-into-standing-soybeans

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev