United States: Scientists have experimentally proven the benefits of cover crops

Published 2021년 9월 19일

Tridge summary

A study by the University of Illinois reveals the benefits of cover crops for soil health and carbon sequestration but highlights concerns about their impact on cash crop yields. Conducted by Kaiyu Guan and Maria Villamil, the study uses a mathematical model and five years of field data to identify factors influencing cover crops' effect on commercial yields. Findings suggest that non-legume cover crops like annual ryegrass and rye can decrease corn yields, while legume vetch does not affect maize under high nitrogen conditions. The study also points out that the timing of cover crop planting and cessation can impact cash crop yields and profitability. It emphasizes the need to balance the benefits of cover crops with cash crop profitability and suggests that initiatives like the USDA's Pandemic Control Program, which reduces crop insurance premiums for cover crop farmers, could encourage more farmers to include cover crops in their rotations.

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Original content

Cover crops are widely regarded as an option for improving soil fertility. In addition, green manure removes carbon from the atmosphere. But at the same time, most farmers are in no hurry to include them in the crop rotation. Since they will supposedly negatively affect the yields of summer cash crops, phys.org reports. A new study from University of Illinois scientists combines field data and advanced mathematical modeling. It provided insight into how cover crops affect soil moisture, nitrogen and oxygen content. “By following agricultural practices, farmers could exploit all the positive properties of cover crops, find the optimal growth window for planting and stop planting them, to reap the benefits and minimize negative impacts on cash crops,” says Kaiyu Guan, founding director of the Center for Agroecosystem Sustainability, Associate Professor Department of Natural Resources, University of Illinois. Guan's ideas are based on a complex mathematical model validated by five ...

Source: Agroxxi