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Michigan Cover Crop Recipe – Post Dry Bean: Use Winter Cereal Grain (Wheat or Cereal Rye)

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-132)

Michigan State University Extension (CC-08)

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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.
Figure 1: Cereal rye growth in the spring (Monica Jean)
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.

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Michigan Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Corn: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-123)

Michigan State University Extension (CC-06)

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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 after corn silage harvest and planting corn for grain or silage as the next crop.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives. If you intend to use cereal rye as a forage in the spring, refer to Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan for management recommendations. (See Resources.)
  • Soil testing—Get your soil tested at least once every three years, and follow recommendations.
  • Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn silage crop early and use an earlier hybrid within the adapted maturity range for your location.
  • Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be planted in the fall and produce a successful stand following most spring-applied residual corn herbicides. If cereal rye is to be grazed or harvested for forage, there are some herbicide time-interval restrictions. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed by early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Use good quality seed from a reputable seed dealer.
Fall Work
  • Corn silage harvest—Harvest fields where cereal rye is to be planted as early as possible.
  • Fall manure—It generally works best to plant cover crops following manure application via injection or surface application and incorporation. Manure can also be injected with a low-disturbance applicator after the rye cover crop is at least 4 inches tall. Other application methods into or onto established cereal rye may result in significant damage.
  • Field preparation—Cover crops can be integrated into all tillage systems. If tillage is necessary after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
  • Timing of planting—Plant cereal rye as soon as possible after corn harvest and at least two weeks before the average hard frost date (28°F). If planting later than mid-October, consider increasing the seeding rate.
  • Seeding rate—Seed at a rate of 40–60 lb./acre (assuming a germination rate of 85% or greater). Seeding rates should be increased by 10% if broadcasting with incorporation and by 20% if broadcasting only.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. These two methods produce the most consistent stands. Aerial and other broadcast seeding are also options and can facilitate earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial/broadcast seeding may limit success. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding.
  • Other fall operations—Surface applying potassium (K) or lime before the ground freezes will not harm cover crops under normal soil moisture conditions, although some damage may occur in the wheel tracks.
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
Spring Work
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting corn—whichever comes first. In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. Be familiar with the rules related to termination timing and crop insurance. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines in Resources.)
  • Termination methods—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1.13 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are consistently warmer (> 50°F). Cereal rye can also be terminated by tillage, although multiple passes may be necessary. Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may die more slowly, and will likely tie up available nitrogen (N), requiring higher rates of N for the following corn. (See Cover Crop Termination in Resources.)
  • High cereal rye biomass considerations—If cereal rye biomass exceeds one-half ton/acre (dry matter), apply N toward the higher side of the application guidelines and apply at or before planting. If manure was applied in the fall prior to cover crop planting, cereal rye biomass in excess of 1 ton/acre (dry matter) may reduce or eliminate the amount of N available for the next corn crop. (See Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management in Resources.) In this case, consider harvesting the cereal rye for forage or switching from corn to soybean.
  • Option to harvest or graze cereal rye as a forage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting or grazing cereal rye as an additional forage crop. Growing cereal rye for forage requires a different management system. (See Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan in Resources.) Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Using cereal rye as a forage crop may delay the planting date for the next corn crop.
  • Corn planting—Proper planter adjustment and maintenance is critical to achieve success when planting into cover crop residue. When planting no-till, modern planter setups can handle planting into grass cover crop biomass. Row cleaner attachments can sometimes be beneficial to increase soil warming but may plug with cover crop residue if not set up properly. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant and adjust as needed.
  • Starter fertilizer—Consider equipping your corn planter with a 2×2 starter fertilizer applicator and aim for an N rate of 30–50 lb./acre.
  • Scouting after planting—Scout for corn emergence, population, and insect pests after planting. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial rye residue may delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan (Michigan State University Extension publication E-3309)

Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (Michigan State University Extension publication E-0434)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service

Cover Crop Termination (Michigan State University Extension website)

Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)

Authors

Dean Baas, Kimberly Cassida, Christina Curell, Sarah Fronczak, Paul Gross, Monica Jean, Phil Kaatz, and Elizabeth H. Schultheis, 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

Boyd Byelich, USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service; Erin Hill, Michigan State University; Eileen J. Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Maninder Singh, Michigan State University

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.

August 2020

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. ©2020 by MCCC. All rights reserved.

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Michigan Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn Silage, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-124)

Michigan State University Extension (CC-07)

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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 corn silage–soybean rotation.

Planning and Preparation
  • Planning—Educate yourself. Start small. Be timely. Prioritize management based on your purpose and objectives. If you intend to use cereal rye as a forage in the spring, refer to Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan for management recommendations. (See Resources.)
  • Soil testing—Get your soil tested at least once every three years, and follow recommendations.
  • Corn hybrid and planting—If possible, plant the preceding corn silage crop early and use a hybrid within the adapted maturity range for your location.
  • Residual corn herbicides—Cereal rye can be planted in the fall and produce a successful stand following most spring-applied residual corn herbicides. If cereal rye is to be grazed or harvested for forage, there are some herbicide time-interval restrictions. (See Weed Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
  • Seed purchase—Order cereal rye seed by early summer. Named rye varieties can produce substantially more growth and have predictable development, but they are usually more expensive than VNS (variety not stated) seed. Use good quality seed from a reputable seed dealer.
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
This cereal rye cover crop was planted after a corn silage harvest. (Kim Cassida)
Fall Work
  • Corn silage harvest—Harvest fields where cereal rye is to be planted as early as possible.
  • Fall manure—It generally works best to plant cover crops following manure application via injection or surface application and incorporation. Manure can also be injected with a low-disturbance applicator after the rye cover crop is at least 4 inches tall. Other application methods into or onto established cereal rye may result in significant damage.
  • Field preparation—Cover crops can be integrated into all tillage systems. If tillage is necessary after corn silage harvest, it should take place prior to rye seeding.
  • Timing of planting—Plant cereal rye as soon as possible after corn harvest and at least two weeks before the average hard frost date (28°F). If planting later than mid-October, consider increasing the seeding rate.
  • Seeding rate—Seed at a rate of 40–60 lb./acre (assuming a germination rate of 85% or greater). Seeding rates should be increased by 10% if broadcasting with incorporation and by 20% if broadcasting only.
  • Planting method—Drill to a depth of 0.75–1.50 inches or broadcast with shallow incorporation to less than 1.50 inches. These two methods produce the most consistent stands. Aerial and other broadcast seeding are also options and can facilitate earlier establishment into standing corn with some risk. Overly wet or dry conditions after aerial/broadcast seeding may limit success. Harvest should be planned within two weeks of seeding.
  • Other fall operations—Surface applying potassium (K) or lime before the ground freezes will not harm cover crops under normal soil moisture conditions, although some damage may occur in the wheel tracks.
Spring Work
  • Termination timing—Terminate the cereal rye in the spring when plants are 6 to 12 inches tall and actively growing or at least 10 days before planting soybeans—whichever comes first. In a wet or windy spring, be ready to take advantage of any break in the weather and/or use low axle weight sprayers. Be familiar with the rules related to termination timing and crop insurance. (See NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines in Resources.)
  • Termination methods—Cereal rye can easily be terminated with a full rate of glyphosate (1.13 lb. acid equivalent/acre) after the rye begins growing in the spring. Use best management practices for glyphosate to improve effectiveness. Effectiveness and rapidity of termination improves if rye is rapidly growing and air temperatures are consistently warmer (> 50°F). Cereal rye can also be terminated by tillage, although multiple passes may be necessary. Larger rye, rye past the boot stage, or rye sprayed during cooler weather can be more difficult to kill, may die more slowly, and could tie up available nitrogen (N), which is not likely a problem for soybeans as they receive nitrogen through symbiotic fixation. (See Cover Crop Termination in Resources.)
  • Option to harvest or graze cereal rye as a forage crop—Some growers may be interested in harvesting or grazing cereal rye as an additional forage crop. Growing cereal rye for forage requires a different management system. (See Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan in Resources.) Make sure all herbicide rules are followed. Using cereal rye as a forage crop may delay the planting date for the next soybean crop.
  • Soybean planting—Proper planter adjustment and maintenance is critical to achieve success when planting into cover crop residue. When planting no-till, modern planter setups can handle planting into grass cover crop biomass. Row cleaner attachments can sometimes be beneficial to increase soil warming but may plug with cover crop residue if not set up properly. Check planting depth and seed furrow closure shortly after beginning to plant and adjust as needed.
  • Scouting after planting—Scout for soybean emergence, population, and insect pests after planting. Additionally, scout for weeds because substantial rye residue may delay emergence of annual weeds, which may then delay the application of post-emergence herbicides. (See 2020 Weed Guide Control Guide for Field Crops in Resources.)
Resources

Cover Crop Selector Tool  —available from Midwest Cover Crops Council

Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan (Michigan State University Extension publication E-3309)

Weed Control Guide for Field Crops (Michigan State University Extension publication E-0434)

NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines—available from the USDA–National Resources Conservation Service

Cover Crop Termination (Michigan State University Extension website)

Cover Crops, Manure, and Nitrogen Management (University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension publication A4178)

Authors

Dean Baas, Kimberly Cassida, Christina Curell, Sarah Fronczak, Paul Gross, Monica Jean, Phil Kaatz, and Elizabeth H. Schultheis, 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

Boyd Byelich, USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service; Erin Hill, Michigan State University; Eileen J. Kladivko, Purdue University; Anna Morrow, Midwest Cover Crops Council; and Maninder Singh, Michigan State University

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.

August 2020

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. ©2020 by MCCC. All rights reserved.

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The Midwest Cover Crop Council was first organized in 2006. Since its inception the organization has grown into a community that facilitates the sharing of cover crop knowledge within the Midwest and beyond.

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    Comments or questions regarding the MCCC or our website can be directed to our Program Manager.
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  • annamorrow@purdue.edu
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