March 2025
Authors Jason Cavadini and Eileen Kladivko
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-136)
University of Nebraska Extension (G2351)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
This publication provides an introductory approach to integrating cover crops following corn silage and before corn or soybeans. These cover crops can have many benefits, such as erosion control, weed suppression, improved soil health, and quality forage production.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Start planning early. Educate yourself by talking to experienced cover crop users, attending conferences and field days, and reading as much as possible about cover crops. Start small and determine your purpose and objectives for using cover crops. If needed, arrange for equipment, additional labor, or custom operators.
- Corn hybrid and planting—Plant the corn silage crop early and use a hybrid within the adapted maturity range for your location. This will allow you to plant your cover crop earlier and increase fall growth.
- Residual corn herbicides—Consult your agricultural supplier regarding residual corn herbicides that could cause concerns for newly planted cover crops. Cereal grains (rye, oats, and wheat) are not affected by most pre-emergence residual herbicides but are somewhat affected by post-emergence herbicides. If using rapeseed in your mix, it may be sensitive to carryover from herbicides. If cover crops will be grazed, additional herbicide restrictions may apply.
- Seed purchase—Order your seed early from a reputable seed supplier to ensure a good germination rate, purity of seed, and that all seed has a seed analysis tag. Specific varieties of cereal rye, wheat, or oats may produce significantly more growth, but they are also more expensive than variety not stated (VNS) seed.
Fall Work
- Corn silage harvest—Harvest fields where a cover crop is to be planted first, if possible.
- Tillage or no-tillage—No-till drilling into corn silage stubble is usually the best strategy to use unless tillage is necessary to incorporate manure, fertilizer, or lime, or needed to smooth out the seedbed, such as deep wheel tracks after corn silage harvest. The tillage should be completed as soon as possible and before seeding the cover crop.
- Timing of planting—Ideally, plant your cover crop as soon as possible after silage harvest. Plant the oats cover crop mix or oats alone by Sept. 7. Oats will not grow enough to justify their use after this date. For winter wheat only, plant before 50% frost date. For rye only, plant before two weeks after the 50% frost date. In northern Nebraska, this would be before Oct.15; in southern Nebraska, before Nov. 1. Use the Cover Crop Selector Tool (in the Resources section) for more precise dates for your county. These dates are guidelines; the sooner these cover crops are planted in the fall, the better.
- Seeding rate for a mix—Drilled: oats, 20 lbs./acre; wheat, triticale, or rye, 25 lbs./acre; rapeseed, 1 lb./acre. Broadcast: oats, 25 lbs./acre; wheat, triticale, or rye, 30 lbs./acre; rapeseed, 2 lbs./acre.
- Seeding rate for oats alone—Drilled: 30–40 lbs./acre; if grazed, 40–55 lbs./acre.
- Seeding rate for wheat or rye alone—25–35 lbs./acre; if grazed, 45–60 lbs./acre. Shallow incorporation: oats, 45–60 lbs./acre; wheat, 50–65 lbs./acre; rye, 50–65 lbs./acre.
- Planting method—If you include the brassica rapeseed, seeding depth is limited as these are small seeds. A depth of 0.50 inch is best. If you have a drill with two boxes, you can dribble the rapeseed on top of the ground and then drill your cereal grain to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches.
Spring Work
- Termination timing—Oats and rapeseed will usually winter-kill. Terminate the wheat, triticale, or cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6–12 inches tall and actively growing or about two weeks before planting corn or soybeans—whichever comes first. Many experienced growers will terminate wheat, triticale, or cereal rye the same day as planting corn or soybean, or within one week, particularly in irrigated situations. This provides an extra benefit for weed control. Risk of wheat stem maggot damage to corn seedlings increases when corn is planted into a green, non-terminated, winter cereal grain cover crop. Another concern is that cover crop residue with a high carbon-to-N (C:N) ratio can reduce soil-available N. Starter N fertilizer is recommended at planting or sidedress as soon as possible to offset this early immobilization when the corn has a high N demand. New cover crop users should terminate earlier when the cereal crops are smaller for corn. Planting green into soybeans is much less risky and could be implemented by new cover crop users.
- Termination herbicide—Wheat, triticale, and cereal rye can typically be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after these crops begin growing in the spring. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improve if winter cereal grain grows rapidly and air temperatures are warmer.
- Termination modifications for dry weather—Watch the weather and be ready to modify your termination plans. In a dry spring, cereal grain crops have the potential to use moisture that the cash crop will need, so terminate cover crops sooner to allow rainfall to make up the deficit.
- Termination modifications for wet weather—In a wet spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers.
- Option to harvest cereal rye, wheat, or triticale as a silage crop—A cereal grain cover crop planted in the fall and harvested at boot stage can provide a substantial amount of good quality forage. Waiting for the cereal grain cover crop to reach the boot stage (mid-May to early June) will delay planting of the next corn or soybean crop. If this crop is to be insured, then the small-grain cover crop should be terminated and corn or soybeans planted before the crop insurance late-planting deadline.
- Corn or soybean planting—Almost all modern planters and drills are fully capable of planting corn or soybeans into a clean, small-grain cover crop. Planter adjustments are usually needed to ensure correct planting depth and seed furrow closure.
- Scouting after planting—Scout for corn or soybean emergence, population, and insect pests (e.g., wheat stem maggot in corn). Scout for weeds because substantial small-grain residue, especially cereal rye, can delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the need for and timing of applying post-emergence herbicides.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council, https://www.midwestcovercrops.org
Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Nebraska Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-107)
Post Corn Silage, Going to Corn: Use Cereal Rye (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-121)
Post Corn Silage, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Iowa Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-122)
Managing Residual Herbicides with Cover Crops (Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Univ. of Nebraska)
How Herbicide Labels Restrict Using Cover Crops as Forage (Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Univ. of Nebraska)
Corn and Soybean Herbicide Options for Planting Cover Crops for Forage in Fall (Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Univ. of Nebraska)
Residual Herbicides and Fall Cover Crop Establishment (Purdue Extension Weed Science publication)
Terminating Cover Crops: Successful Cover Crop Termination with Herbicides (Purdue Extension publication WS-50-W)
Authors
Gary Lesoing and Katja Koehler-Cole, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers
Caro Córdova, Nathan Mueller, and Jennifer Rees, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
December 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2022 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-135)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
The following recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop into a wheat-based rotation with soybean or corn. Planting a cover crop blend that predominantly consists of cool-season species and is winter-killed adds diversity and provides soil armor through summer and spring. However, in some situations added ground cover in the spring in combination with excess soil moisture could be a problem unless winter cereals (winter rye, wheat, or triticale) are included in the mix.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Consult with university Extension staff, local NRCS staff, and experienced producers to gain insight on the practice. Start small while exploring new practices. In South Dakota, timeliness is important due to the shorter growing window. Always focus on your objectives, such as whether you are growing the cover crop for ground cover, fall grazing, nutrient cycling, etc.
- Small-grain variety and planting—Small-grain varieties such as wheat or oats do not need to be changed or modified to incorporate cover crops following grain harvest or haying. Planting small grains early in the spring is important for good growth and development, which also typically results in earlier harvest and allows more time for cover crops to grow before a frost.
- Residual herbicides—A blend consisting primarily of cool-season cover crops such as cereal grains (oat, barley), brassicas (radish, turnip, rapeseed), and legumes (field pea), and some warm-season grasses such as millet and sorghum-sudangrass have shown good tolerance to commonly used herbicides. If the cover crop is intended for grazing in the fall/winter, it is critical to follow grazing restrictions stated on the herbicide label.
- Seed source—Planning ahead and ordering seed early with the objective in mind is important. Most cover crop seed dealers have their own pre-mixed blends but are willing to custom-mix upon request. Follow the seed label and review the individual species to make sure that the growth habit of each is ideal for the planting time. If opting for a mix of only one or two species, labeled varieties usually perform better than variety not stated (VNS) seeds.
Summer/Fall Work
- Harvest—Harvest wheat/oats at the normal time. If weed pressure is high, you can spray glyphosate or other herbicides with the least residual effects. Herbicides are a better option than tillage as stirring the soil can dry it out and reduce germination. Baling small-grain residue is common in South Dakota but can make establishment of the cover crop difficult where the windrows were present.
- Timing of planting—In South Dakota, wheat and/or oats are generally harvested from the second week of July to the first week of August. Planting cover crops immediately following harvest is recommended so that the seasonal window can be maximized. A mix consisting mostly of cool-season annual species grows well as temperatures start to gradually decrease. Use the Cover Crop Selector Tool (in Resources section) for precise seeding dates.
- Planting method—Determining seeding depth is tricky when planting a mix with various seed sizes. Drilling to a moderate depth of 0.50–0.75 inch will be good for most mixes. Tilling or soil disturbance is not recommended as this may cause unwanted weed growth.
- Cover crop types—Diversity of species in a mix is good and typically will provide the best benefits. The general rule of thumb is to select cover crops that are of contrasting growth habit to the subsequent cash crop. For example, if the next season’s cash crop is corn, planting cover crop blends that have a higher proportion of cool-season broadleaves is suggested; if the next season’s crop is soybean, then a mix with more cool-season grasses would be ideal. If wheat or other small grains are to be raised for seed purposes, cover crop blends that contain winter cereals (e.g., winter wheat, winter rye, winter triticale) are not suggested.
- Seeding rate—Seed size and proportion in the mix determines the seeding rates. For example, a mix high in large-seed species such as peas and oats can be higher than the ones dominant in brassicas. Typically, the seeding rate of commonly marketed cover crop mixes can range from 15 to 30 lbs./acre. The full seeding rate of individual species can be found in Cover Crop: Common Species and Properties of South Dakota (see Resources).
- Tillage—Tillage or soil disturbance is not suggested.
- Fertility—Fertilizer is not usually required for a cover crop mix with well-balanced species. However, producers who have livestock and intend to maximize growth for fall/winter grazing have shown interest in using low rates of fertilizer. Although there are no specific guidelines on fertilizer rates for various cover crop blends, using nitrogen rates in the range of 30–40 lbs. N/acre can enhance cover crop growth and establishment, especially following high-yielding wheat crops.
- Grazing—Producers who prefer to grow cover crops after small grains for grazing in the fall/winter can slightly increase the proportion of cool-season grass species such as oats and barley. Include at least 60% grasses in the mix for grazing. To assist in calculating the amount of grazing your cover crop can offer, refer to the Grazing Cover Crop Calculation App (in Resources).
Spring Work
- Starter fertilizer—No modifications to your typical fertilization program are required for planting soybean or corn. However, there are a few considerations for planting corn. After a cover crop has winter-killed, get a current soil test to look at nitrates and sulfur. Cover crops can sequester nitrogen, which is a desired attribute to reduce leaching or runoff. But mixes with a high proportion of Brassica species (radish, turnip, rapeseed) can use quite a bit of sulfur. Soil-testing and applying these nutrients as needed to minimize the chance of nutrient deficiency is a good practice.
- Termination—Typical cover crop blends should winter-kill in South Dakota. However, mild winters can leave a few plants the next spring. Timely scouting and herbicide application as needed is suggested for uniform control of cover crop plants that survived the winter. Some mixes with winter annuals such as winter triticale, cereal rye, or winter camelina will require spring termination.
- Soybean or corn planting—It is usually best to no-till plant cash crops into the dead/dry or standing cover crop. Almost all modern planters and drills are fully capable of planting soybean or corn into terminated cover crop residue. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning.
- Scouting—After planting soybean or corn, scout for crop emergence and population. Additionally, scout for weeds since cover crop residue can often delay emergence of annual weeds, which may delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool—available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council, www.midwestcovercrops.org
Cover Crop Species Selection for Grazing (USDA-NRCS publication SD-FS-56)
Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops after Wheat (South Dakota State University Extension)
Cover Crop: Common Species and Properties of South Dakota (USDA-NRCS)
Grazing Cover Crop Calculation App (Jotform app)
Author
David Karki, South Dakota State University Extension (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Eric Barsness, USDA-NRCS; Anthony Bly, South Dakota State University Extension; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
December 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2022 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
MCCC-134
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
With much attention focused on soil health and crop diversity, interest in cover crops has increased greatly in recent times. Generally, following small grains (after harvest or early season hay crop), a wide range of cover crop species can be selected due to an ample seasonal window for establishment and growth. However, for the row-crop growers who practice a strict corn-soybean rotation, the species selection is limited. Winter rye (cereal rye, Secale cereale L.) has been a go-to cover crop choice among many row-crop growers in the Midwest, including in South Dakota. Some producers have also used winter wheat and/or winter triticale as a cover crop. One of the most important attributes that winter rye possesses over other winter cereals such as winter wheat or triticale is its tolerance to extreme cold temperatures. Further, its rapid early spring growth and allelopathic characteristics, which allow it to suppress tough weeds, have also been favored by producers.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Having a clear objective on why the cover crop is being used is critical as preparation can vary for different uses. For example, depending on the farm situation, cereal rye can also be used for supplemental forage in the spring. Consulting university Extension and NRCS staff, and fellow producers who have been in this practice longer can be of great help. If you are new to the practice, starting small and gradually increasing acres over the years is suggested.
- Rotation—Planting rye after corn and ahead of soybean is a better fit than after soybean and before corn because soybeans can tolerate later planting in the spring better than corn. This allows rye to accumulate more spring biomass. Studies conducted in southeastern South Dakota have shown no negative impact on soybean yields when planted in late May to the first week of June in fields with preceding rye cover crops. However, in years with below-average precipitation, terminate rye early in the spring so that soil moisture can be preserved for the following soybean crop. The sequence of winter rye within the cropping rotation is crucial for maintaining the agronomic performance of cash crops. When planted after soybean and terminated close to corn planting, rye has shown negative effects on corn yields in South Dakota. However, when rye was terminated at least two weeks prior to planting corn, most of those detrimental effects were negated. More studies are needed to examine the true effects of a rye cover crop on a subsequent corn crop. Growing a cereal grain crop after a cereal rye cover crop is not suggested due to weed control issues and possible contamination of the cereal grain crop.
- Corn maturity—Do not plant earlier-maturing corn hybrids in an effort to establish rye earlier in the fall. Planting recommended-maturity hybrids maintains the optimal performance of the corn crop and produces higher yields that outweigh any rye biomass gain in the spring.
- Residual herbicides—Herbicides with a longer residual period can have a significant impact on cover crop establishment and growth. However, cereal rye planted in the fall has shown good tolerance to common herbicides used on corn. Keep in mind the grazing restriction of herbicides used if cereal rye is to be grazed in the winter or the following spring.
- Seed source—Quality seeds produce quality plants. Acquiring seeds of a known variety from a reliable source increases the chances of better growth and performance. Variety not stated (VNS) seeds are less expensive but can have inferior growth.
Fall Work
- Broadcast-seeding rye into corn—Cereal rye is broadcast-planted into standing corn from late August to the first half of September, or when corn starts to open up the canopy (R5, dent stage, to R6, physiological maturity). Usually an airplane or high-clearance seeder is used for broadcast seeding. Planting when rain is in the forecast is ideal for good early growth and establishment.
- Planting after corn harvest—In addition to broadcast-seeding, some producers in South Dakota also choose to drill cereal rye immediately after corn harvest (silage and/or grain). Drilling allows for better seed-to-soil contact, resulting in a uniform stand. Although fall plant growth can be somewhat limited after grain harvest, the stand in the spring is more uniform when compared to broadcast-seeding. Biomass for both seeding types are comparable when broadcast-seeded fields receive precipitation immediately after seeding. In other cases, rye in drill-seeded fields can yield up to 30% more biomass in the spring.
- Seeding rate—For ground cover, 40 lbs./acre (bulk seeding rate) is a suggested in South Dakota. A higher seeding rate in the range of 60–70 lbs./acre can be used for weed suppression.
- Tillage—Soybeans are usually no-till planted into growing rye in the spring, which is a green planting. Tillage can take away any benefit a cover crop has provided to the health of the soil. Cover crops and no-till usually go hand-in-hand.
Spring Work
- Soil moisture—Cereal rye growth in the spring is usually good even when the previous fall was dry. If the winter and spring are dry and the spring weather forecast does not call for potential precipitation, spraying the rye by late April or early May is required. In South Dakota, rye grows rapidly in May and can use up already depleted soil moisture. In conditions with good soil moisture, rye can be allowed to grow until normal soybean planting time.
- Termination timing—When soil moisture is adequate, the effects of termination timing of cereal rye on soybean yields has been minimal. Lower yields on soybean have usually been associated with lower soil moisture rather than termination timing. Soybean is usually planted into green rye, with the rye terminated by chemical spray at the time of soybean planting. Details on cover crop termination can be found in NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines: Non-Irrigated Cropland (see Resources).
- Herbicides—A full rate of glyphosate is the most common method used to terminate rye in the spring. Herbicide efficacy improves if sprayed when rye is actively growing and on a warm sunny day (>60°F). When sprayed well ahead of planting soybean, a broadleaf herbicide such as 2,4-D can also be tank-mixed as a general burndown mix.
- Soybean planting—It is best to no-till plant soybean into either green rye (terminated at the time of planting) or dead residue (terminated about 10 days prior to planting). Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning in case any planter adjustments are needed. Although not suggested in South Dakota, if corn needs to be planted on fields with rye cover crop due to unusual circumstances, it is best to terminate rye at least 14 days prior to planting corn.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool—available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council, www.midwestcovercrops.org
Thinking Cover Crops? Winter Rye Between Corn and Soybean (South Dakota State University Extension website)
Management Implications of a Rye Cover Crop on Nutrient Cycling and Soybean Production in Southeast South Dakota: Focus on Rye Seeding Rates and Termination Timing (South Dakota State University thesis)
NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines: Non-Irrigated Cropland (USDA-NRCS)
Author
David Karki, South Dakota State University Extension
(Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Eric Barsness, USDA-NRCS; Anthony Bly, South Dakota State University Extension; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
December 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2022 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-132)
Michigan State University Extension (CC-08)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
This recipe provides an approach to growing a winter cereal grain cover crop after dry bean harvest in a dry bean–corn rotation as a way to introduce a cover crop. (Note: Cereal rye [Secale cereale] and annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum] are two different species and should not be used interchangeably.)
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Make a rotation plan that works for your finances and soil. Keep notes on the results to guide you in future decisions.
- Dry bean variety and planting—If possible, plant the dry bean crop early and use an early maturity cultivar.
- Residual dry bean herbicides—Cereal grains can be seeded and successfully established in the fall following most spring-applied herbicides used in dry bean. See the Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (MSUE Bulletin E0434) in the Resources section, and consult the section on dry bean and herbicide crop rotation restrictions (i.e., Table 12) for more details.
- Seed purchase—Order seed early. Named varieties perform more predictably, typically providing better growth than variety not stated (VNS) or bin run seed, but are more expensive. Even VNS seed should be purchased from a reputable dealer, cleaned, tested for germination, and have a seed tag.
Fall Work
- Dry bean harvest—Harvest fields where a cover crop is to be planted as early as possible.
- Tillage or no tillage—To allow for adequate cover crop growth, it is best if no full-width tillage is planned after planting the winter cereal or before termination. If tillage is used, it is better to wait until spring to maintain soil cover to prevent erosion.
- Timing of planting—Ideally, plant a cereal grain as soon after harvest as possible and no later than one week after the 50% frost date. On average, plant before these dates: Upper Peninsula, Oct. 11; northern Lower Peninsula, Oct. 15; central Lower Peninsula, Oct. 25; and southern Lower Peninsula, Oct. 28. Use the Cover Crop Selector Tool (in Resources section) for more precise seeding dates for your county. Proximity to the Great Lakes and latitude influence these dates.
- Planting method—Drill to 0.75–1.50 inches deep or broadcast with shallow incorporation. Good seed-soil contact will ensure a more reliable stand. Check that seed is being planted as expected. If possible, plant when soil moisture is available or just prior to a rain event. See pages 7–9 in the Michigan Technical Note: Cover Crop Chart in the Resources section.
- Seeding rate—Drilled: 50–80 lbs./acre. Broadcast with shallow incorporation: 60–100 lbs./acre. These rates are based on high-quality seed with 85–98% germination.
- Fertility or liming—If applying P, K, lime, or manure, complete the application and incorporation prior to seeding or apply to growing cereal cover crop before the ground freezes. Low-disturbance injectors minimize damage to the cover crop. Surface application of liquid manure on top of the cereal cover crop is not recommended as nitrogen can be lost into the air and run off with rain and melting snow. Surface-broadcast of dry manure should be done prior to seeding, but 4 tons/acre or less can be applied to a growing cereal cover crop with minimal damage if evenly distributed.
Spring Work
- Scouting—In the spring, scout your cover crop to determine growth and coverage. If rainfall is below normal, monitor soil moisture in case earlier termination is needed.
- Termination timing—Cereal grains usually grow rapidly in the spring, so have a termination plan ready. Terminate when plants are 6–12 inches tall and actively growing or about two weeks before planting—whichever comes first. See Cover Crop Termination (MSUE publication CC-01) in the Resources section for more information.
- Termination by herbicide—Cereal grain can be terminated with full-rate glyphosate (minimum of 1.13 lb. acid equivalent [ae]/acre) plus ammonium sulfate (8.5–17 lbs./100 gal.) after dormancy breaks. To maximize the effectiveness of the glyphosate and minimize time for complete control, apply when the cover crop is actively growing and temperatures favor growth (air temperatures consistently ≥50°F). Winter cereals past the boot stage or those sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill or will die more slowly. Monitor control after application as sometimes a second application is necessary. Be aware that when conditions are cool and cloudy, atrazine and saflufenacil tank mixtures with glyphosate may delay or antagonize glyphosate activity for wheat termination. See MSUE Bulletin E0434 or MSUE publication CC-01 (in Resources section) for more herbicide information.
- Termination by tillage—Tillage can be a reliable termination method. However, multiple passes may be required, depending on the cover crop stand. (See MSUE publication CC-01 in Resources section.) Note that disturbance of the soil may reduce the benefits of the cover crop.
- Termination modifications for adverse weather—Watch the weather and be ready to modify your plans. In a dry spring, the cereal grain can use moisture needed by the cash crop, so terminate sooner to capture rainfall for use by the following crop. In a wet spring, when using herbicides to terminate cereal grain, be ready to use any break in the weather and/or low axle weight sprayers.
- Starter fertilizer for corn after cereal grain cover crops—Cereal grains can tie up nitrogen, reducing its availability to corn. A 2×2 starter fertilizer (2 inches deep and 2 inches to one side of corn seed) application rate of 30–50 pounds of actual N per acre is recommended.
- Corn planting—It is usually best to no-till corn into dead/dry or standing cereal grain cover crops to reduce weed competition. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant into the cover crop residue and adjust as needed.
- Scouting—After planting, scout for pests, corn emergence, and population. Additionally, scout for weeds since substantial cereal grain residue can often delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council, www.midwestcovercrops.org
Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (Michigan State University Extension publication E0434)
Michigan Technical Note: Cover Crop Chart (Agronomy #64, March 2013)—available from the USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service
Cover Crop Termination (Michigan State University Extension publication CC-01)
“Winter Wheat” in Managing Cover Crops Profitably (Sustainable Agriculture Network)
Authors
Christina Curell, Paul Gross, Monica Jean, and Philip Kaatz, Michigan State University Extension; and Vicki Morrone, Michigan State University (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Scott Bales, Erin Hill, and Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University; Eileen J. Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna L. Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
November 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2022 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-133)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
Getting started with cover crops in Manitoba can be challenging due to the short growing season and variable precipitation from year to year. A good place to start with cover crops in annual grain rotations is after small grains, such as spring wheat, winter wheat, oat, barley, or cereal rye. Start small and scale up as you gain experience. Depending on the size of your operation, this could be a small plot, an area within a field, or a small field. Note that the term cereal rye and fall rye can be used interchangeably in this fact sheet. They are synonyms.
Planning and Preparation
- Setting a goal—Cover crops need a management plan just like cash crops. Determining a goal is the first step when making your cover crop management plan. Learn about different types of goals for cover crops in Cover Crops 101 (see Resources). The most common goals for planting cereal rye cover crops ahead of soybeans are to create ground cover that protects soil from erosion in the fall and spring (Figure 1), provide weed suppression for small-seeded broadleaf weeds, and provide living ground cover to improve soil trafficability for seeding under wet conditions.
- Finding resources—Resources for fall-seeded cover crops that are specific to Manitoba are limited but growing. Producer networks to share information and experience are getting established. Some Manitoba watershed districts offer programs to assist producers with adopting cover crops. Contact your local watershed district for more information.
- Seed purchase—Plan ahead and have your cover crop seed on hand before harvest. Order cereal rye seed early from a reputable seed supplier.
Fall Work
- Seeding after grain harvest—After harvest and residue management, seed cereal rye as early as possible to allow for optimal cover crop establishment and biomass production in the fall. Manitoba Agriculture recommends seeding cereal rye for grain production between August 25 and September 25 with a seeding rate of 0.75–1.50 bu/acre. Seeding rate recommendations for cereal rye cover crops from neighboring U.S. states range from 0.50–1.00 bu/acre for drilled or 1.00–1.50 bu/acre for broadcast seeding. When drilled, the recommended seeding depth for cereal rye is 0.75–2.00 inches. Research from western Canada with winter wheat found that a seeding depth of 0.50–1.00 inch optimized plant establishment and minimized the risk of winter damage (Loeppky et al. 1989, 128). These are the best available local guidelines to start with for seeding cereal rye cover crops and can be adjusted based on experience.
- Green bridge awareness—Cereal rye cover crops have the potential to act as a green bridge for wheat streak mosaic virus. Similar to winter wheat, cereal rye cover crops growing near maturing spring wheat or other cereals create a green bridge that allows mites to overwinter and infect neighboring crops of spring wheat with wheat streak mosaic virus the following spring. This virus will not affect a soybean crop following a cereal rye cover crop. However, if this disease is a concern in your area and spring wheat may be grown in neighboring fields, plan to manage the cereal rye cover crop using the most effective management practices for breaking the green bridge for winter wheat crops. Control volunteer cereals after small grain harvest, and plan to have a ten-day gap between small grain harvest and the emergence of your cereal rye cover crop.
Spring Work
- Scouting—In the spring, evaluate how well your cereal rye cover crop overwintered. Spring environmental conditions should be assessed as accumulated heat units and moisture availability will influence your decision on when to terminate the cover crop.
- Termination timing—Termination of cereal rye can occur from two weeks before soybean planting to one day after planting. In a University of Manitoba study looking at cereal rye cover crop termination dates, soybean yield was unaffected by the cereal rye cover crop when terminated in this range. If spring soil moisture conditions are dry, it is best to terminate cereal rye at least two weeks before planting as the cover crop can use up moisture needed by the soybean plants for optimal germination and emergence. Producers with experience using cover crops may be more comfortable terminating closer to soybean planting. In general, farmers new to cover crops can expect biomass production from cereal rye cover crops to have less spring growth in Manitoba, especially when terminated early, compared to neighboring growing regions to the south.
- Termination method—Cereal rye can be terminated in the spring with herbicides, such as glyphosate. Use standard best-management practices, and follow the herbicide label to ensure proper termination. For organic production, the cover crop can be terminated with tillage.
- Soybean planting—Direct-seeding is the best option when seeding into a dead, dying, or living cereal rye cover crop. When seeding into a living or dying cereal rye cover crop, disc planters or seeders can cut through the plant material. When using seeders with shank or hoe openers, plan to terminate the cereal rye cover crop two weeks before planting to limit rye growth and residue until you gain experience with the performance of your openers under these new conditions.
Evaluation
Taking time to evaluate how things went is an important step for adapting this cover crop recipe to conditions on your own farm. Did you meet your goals? What went right? What would you change next time?
Resources
Cover Crops 101 (Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District)
2020 Prairie Cover Crop Survey Report (University of Manitoba publication)
Rye: Production and Management (Manitoba Agriculture website)
Wheat Streak Mosaic (Manitoba Agriculture website)
Manitoba’s Watershed Districts (Manitoba Agriculture website)
References
Loeppky, Heather, G. P. Lafond, and D. B. Fowler. 1989. “Seeding Depth in Relation to Plant Development, Winter Survival, and Yield of No-Till Winter Wheat.” Agronomy Journal 81, no. 1 (January): 125–29. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1989.00021962 008100010023x
Authors
Yvonne Lawley, University of Manitoba; Virginia Janzen, University of Manitoba (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Martin Entz, University of Manitoba; Dorthea Gregoire, Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District; Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Oscar Molina, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Callum Morrison, Manitoba Agriculture; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; Andres Lozano Sepulveda, Manitoba Association of Watersheds
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
December 2022.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2022 by MCCC. All rights reserved.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-106)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-106)
This publication is intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops. With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.
Introduction
The following recipe provides an introductory approach to integrating a cover crop ahead of corn. Planting cover crops prior to corn requires a different set of management considerations than planting them prior to soybean.
Planning and Preparation
- Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives. Visit https://www.midwestcovercrops.org for many helpful resources.
- Soybean variety and planting—If possible, plant the preceding soybean crop early and use an early maturity soybean cultivar. One strategy is to use your earliest-maturity-group soybeans on the fields where you plan to seed cover crops and plant those beans first.
- Residual soybean herbicides—Because oats are very tolerant of most soybean residual herbicides, few restrictions apply unless grazing is being considered. Radish is more sensitive and will likely be harmed if ALS-type (group 2) or PPO-type (group 14) herbicides are used in the soybean cropping season. (See Resources.)
- Seed purchase—Order cover crop seed early. Named oat varieties grow well but are more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Work with a reputable seed dealer and choose high-quality seed that has been cleaned, tested for germination and weed seed contamination, and ideally has a seed tag. Although usually more expensive than oat seed, spring barley can be used. For cover crop radishes (daikon type), be sure to purchase a single variety from a reputable seed dealer since mixed varieties may bolt or go to seed rather than producing the desired large amounts of biomass and roots. (Note: Oats/radish alone will winterkill, so this recipe is intended to be a simple option for those interested in beginning with cover crops. But non-winterkill options, such as planting triticale or winter barley, can be incorporated. Remember that this will add an extra level of management, though, because you would have to terminate those cover crops in the spring.)
Fall Work
- Soybean harvest—Harvest fields where a mix of spring oats/radish are to be planted as early as possible.
- Timing of planting—Ideally, plant oats/radish immediately after harvest. In most of Illinois, this should occur by mid-September. See Selector Tool (in Resources section) for more precise dates for your county.
- Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.25–0.50 inch or broadcast, but note that incorporation of the seed, if any, should be light since excessive disturbance of soybean stubble may reduce any erosion benefit of the cover crop. See Resources for more details on seeding methods.
- Seeding rate in oats/radish mix—Drilled: oats, 25–60 lbs./acre; radish, 1–3 lbs./acre. Broadcast: oats, 35–65 lbs./acre; radish, 2–4 lbs./acre.
- Aerial seeding or overseeding—An alternative to seeding after harvest is to do aerial seeding with a plane or helicopter or overseeding with a ground-based vehicle before harvest. In most of Illinois, seeding should take place in late August or by the first week of September and before 25% of the soybean leaves have yellowed and dropped. Rainfall after seeding is essential for establishment.
- Seeding rate for overseeding—For oats: 40–60 lbs./acre; for radish: 2–4 lbs./acre.
- Tillage, fertility, or liming—To allow for adequate cover crop growth, it is best if no full-width tillage takes place after seeding and before killing frost. If applying N, P, K, or lime, complete the application prior to the seeding operation or apply to the growing oats/radish before the ground freezes. On fields that are not highly erodible (slope 0–2%), fall strip-tillage is a viable option to apply fertility and reduce the potential effect of a cold and wet spring under moderate to heavy residue. If it is necessary to inject N fertilizer or manure in the fall, a low-disturbance applicator should be used to minimize reduction in surface residues. Any nitrogen added in the fall should include an inhibitor and should not be applied until the soil temperature is below 50°F.
Spring Work
- Starter fertilizer—Strongly consider equipping your corn planter with 2×2 starter fertilizer or making a broadcast N application near planting, aiming for a fertilizer rate of 30–50 pounds of actual N per acre. A preplant anhydrous ammonia application is also a viable option, but a delay in N utilization may occur until the corn grows roots toward the knife tracks. Use the Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator determine the total amount of N you should apply for an optimal return on investment.
- Strip-tillage— In high residue environments on fields that are not highly erodible, spring strip-tillage is an option to avoid the agronomic impacts of a cold and wet spring on corn production.
Resources
Cover Crop Selector Tool available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council
Considerations for First Time Cover Crop Adopters (Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council publication)
Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye (Illinois Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-105), available from the Midwest Cover Crops Council
Managing Cover Crops: An Introduction to Integrating Cover Crops into a Corn-Soybean Rotation (Purdue Extension publication AY-353-W)
Residual Herbicides and Fall Cover Crop Establishment (Purdue Extension Weed Science publication)
Terminating Cover Crops: Successful Cover Crop Termination with Herbicides (Purdue Extension publication WS-50-W)
Conservation Cropping System for Corn-Bean No-Till (American Farmland Trust Publication)
Conservation Cropping System for Corn-Bean Till (American Farmland Trust Publication)
Authors
Jennifer Woodyard, University of Illinois Extension; Nathan Johanning, University of Illinois Extension; Shalamar Armstrong, Purdue University (Note: This publication was adapted with consent from MCCC under a joint project to produce customized introductory guidance about cover crops for all member states/provinces.)
Reviewers and Contributors
Marisol Berti, North Dakota State University; Pete Fandel, Illinois Central College; Lowell Gentry, University of Illinois; Tom Kaspar, USDA–Agricultural Research Service (retired); Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; Dean Oswald, Midwest Grass and Forage; and Kris Reynolds, American Farmland Trust
The Midwest Cover Crops Council (www.https://www.midwestcovercrops.org) aims to facilitate widespread adoption of cover crops throughout the Midwest by providing educational/outreach resources and programs, conducting new research, and communicating about cover crops to the public.
Funding for this project was provided by McKnight Foundation.
Revised May 2019
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2019 by MCCC. All rights reserved.