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South Dakota Cover Crop Recipe – Post Corn, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

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.

Figure 1: This photo shows cover crop growth in mid-September in Lake County, SD. This field was seeded after cereal rye was hayed in June (David Karki)

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.

Figure 2: This photo shows rye cover crop growth in late April near Garretson, SD. This rye was aerial seeded the previous fall at corn physiological maturity (Anthony Bly)

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.

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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 Ter mination (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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Manitoba Cover Crop Recipe – Post Small Grain, Going to Soybean: Use Cereal Rye

Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC-133)

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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

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.

Figure 1: Soybean growing in July in Morris, Manitoba, with cereal rye cover crop residue covering the soil in between the 30-inch rows (Virginia Janzen)

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.

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