Progress report for ONC23-129
Project Information
This farmer-driven proposal builds on previously NC SARE funded projects (FNC15-1018; ONC20-078) that evaluated precision planting of cover crops to increase farm resiliency and cover crop adoption prior to planting corn. Our data indicate precision planted rye has similar benefits to solid planting of rye but provides warmer soil temperature in the planting zone and lower seed costs due to skipping the corn row. Furthermore, precision planting increases corn stand count, results in quicker corn germination, and decreases corn nitrogen requirement. Additionally, decreased rye seeding rate prior to corn increases corn stand count that contributes to grain yield. Unfortunately, precision planting lacks adoption due to the required investment. This proposal aims to answer grower questions including (1) does planting rye perpendicular to corn row benefit corn like precision planting? (2) does reducing the seeding rate or increasing row spacing to 15” in perpendicular planting further improve the corn stand count and yield? and (3) what are the economic benefits of these systems? Outreach approaches include hosting on-farm field days, writing a fact sheet being integrated into student’s course material, and presenting at regional/national meeting, this project will increase cover crop adoption before corn and improve sustainability of corn-soybean cropping systems.
The objective of this proposal is to compare the effectiveness of perpendicular planting of rye (solid planting) with precision planting (skipping the corn row) and decreasing the rye seeding rate or row spacing (from 7.5” to 15”) in perpendicular planting vs. solid planting and a no-cover crop before corn in a corn-soybean cropping system to:
- Quantify cover crop performance
- Assess corn performance and quantify the end of season N following corn harvest
- Evaluate the economics of each cropping system
- Demonstrate the agronomic and economic benefits through on-farm research and novel outreach methods
Cooperators
- (Educator)
Research
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
We have not yet started any educational activity for this project.
Learning Outcomes
Not available yet. The project just started.
Project Outcomes
Through conducting this project, we have two growers and an extension educator who are working with us during this project.
Nothing as of yet. We just initiated the project.
Nothing yet. We just initiated the project.