About the project

OSCIA approved a three-year research project on the integration of cover crops after grain corn and soybeans, to be undertaken by the Huron County SCIA. Although the integration of cover crops has shown great agronomical and environmental value in various regions, it is important to show feasibility thereof specifically with grain corn and soybean as the most commonly planted crops in Huron County and large parts of south-western Ontario.

Objectives:

• Investigate the impact of cover crops on subsequent crops and their potential benefits to soil health and water quality.
• Help demonstrate the feasibility of using cover crops after late-season crops when most producers are challenged with weather, field conditions, and time to establish cover crops.

Relevance and benefit:
Before producers consider adopting a cover cropping practice, they need to see that it does not impact their yields and offers a benefit to their cropping system. As producers invest heavily in their equipment, integration of cover crops into current cropping systems will be more readily adopted if application methods are able to fit into current systems without requiring further investment.

Cover crops: Oats, rye or a combination of oats and rye cover crops will be planted.

Typical rotations: Corn/soybeans/wheat, corn/soybeans/white beans/wheat, or corn/soybeans.

Seeding methods: Drone, broadcast and drilled. These methods reflect the diversity of farming practices amongst OSCIA members.

Treatments:

• Treatment 1: Broadcast rye/oats after grain corn harvested (before leaf drop for soybeans)
• Treatment 2: Drilled rye/oats after grain corn (or soybeans) harvested
• Treatment 3: Drone applied rye or oats before grain corn or soybeans harvested
• Treatment 4: Harvest spreader at time of harvest
• Control: No cover crop applied