Cover crop species and termination method effects on organic maize and soybean

Bavougian, Christina M.; Sarno, Elizabeth; Knežević, Stevan Z.; Shapiro, Charles A.

doi:10.1080/01448765.2018.1455607

Cited by 19 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…To improve and speed up the cover crop termination after cover crop rolling, Frasconi et al (2019) use a flame weeder after cover crop rolling. Flame weeders were also tested by other researchers as an alternative option to manage weeds in organic MNT production system but they explained that further studies are needed to optimize the economic benefits regarding to the high operational cost required (Landers et al 2016;Frasconi et al 2019;Bavougian et al 2019).…”

Section: Effect Of Cover Crop Maturity On Termination Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

Using mulch from cover crops to facilitate organic no-till soybean and maize production. A review

Vincent-Caboud

Casagrande²,

David

et al. 2019

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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Sustainable cropping systems that balance agricultural productivity and ecological integrity are urgently needed. Overreliance on soil tillage and herbicides to manage weeds has resulted in a number of major environmental problems including soil erosion and degradation, biodiversity loss, and water quality impairment. Combining organic farming and conservation agriculture is a viable alternative to address these challenges. In particular, mulch-based no tillage systems can be used to reduce tillage in organic production, improving soil quality while decreasing labor and fuel requirements. This technique involves planting cash crops directly into terminated cover crops that remain on soil surface and serve as mulch to prevent weeds establishment and protect soil from erosion. Despite potential benefits, adoption of organic mulch-based no tillage is limited due to challenges with cover crop termination, weed suppression, and yields. Here, we (i) review international research on organic mulch-based no tillage systems (soybean and maize), (ii) identify production issues that limit the success of this technique, and (iii) outline research priorities. As result, organic mulch-based no tillage is knowledge intensive and requires advanced planning and careful management of the cover crop. Primary challenges include timely cover crop establishment and termination, nutrient management, reduced soil temperature and moisture at planting, and achieving adequate seed-to-soil contact when planting into thick mulch on soil surface. Long-term research is needed to better understand the effects of this technique production on soil health and on the broader environmental and economic impacts. To increase adoption of organic mulch-based no tillage, future research should focus on (i) screening species and cultivars to identify cover crop and crop combinations that optimize cropping system performance and (ii) developing equipment for improving cover crop termination and seed placement. Research conducted in partnership with farmers will be valuable for developing guidelines and increasing adoption of this technique. Keywords Direct seeding. Organic farming. Residue. Roller-crimper. Weed management Contents 1. Introduction 2. Scope of international research on mulch no tillage in organic farming 3. How can cover crop and cash crop management optimize organic mulch-based no tillage success? 4. Research agenda for the future 5. Conclusion References

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Section: Effect Of Cover Crop Maturity On Termination Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

Using mulch from cover crops to facilitate organic no-till soybean and maize production. A review

Vincent-Caboud

Casagrande²,

David

et al. 2019

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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“…Termination is an important component for integrating cover crops in cropping-systems. Despite non-chemical strategies for terminating cover crops, including tillage and roller crimper [36][37][38][39], more than 95% of survey respondents use herbicides (Table 1E). Therefore, it is likely that the majority of survey respondents manage conventional cropping systems (e.g., no organic farmers represented in the survey).…”

Section: Cover Crop Termination and Herbicide Programsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Cover Crop Management Strategies in Nebraska, US

2019

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Adoption of cover crops has the potential to increase agricultural sustainability in the US and beyond. In 2017, a survey was conducted with Nebraska stakeholders in an attempt to evaluate current cover crop management strategies adopted in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), field corn (Zea mays L.), and seed corn production. Eighty-two Nebraska stakeholders answered the survey, of which 80% identified themselves as growers. Eighty-seven percent of respondents manage cover crops, and the average cover crop ha planted on a per farm basis is 32%. The primary method of establishing cover crops following soybeans and field corn is drilling. In seed corn, interseeding is the main seeding strategy for cover crop establishment. Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) appeared as the most adopted cover crop species (either alone or in mixtures with radish [Raphanus sativus L.] or hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth]). Over 95% of respondents utilize herbicides for cover crop termination in the spring before crop planting. Glyphosate is used by 100% of survey respondents that use herbicides for cover crop termination. The major observed impacts of incorporating cover crops into a production system according to survey respondents are reduced soil erosion and weed suppression. According to 93% of respondents, cover crops improve weed control by suppressing winter and/or summer annual weed species. The biggest challenge reported by cover crop adopters is planting and establishing a decent stand before winter. According to the results of this survey, there are different management strategies, positive outcomes, and challenges that accompany cover crop adoption in Nebraska. These results will help growers, agronomists, and researchers better guide cover crop adoption, management, and future research and education needs in Nebraska and beyond.

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“…The loss of agrophysical and biological factors of soil fertility not only leads to a decrease in potential and effective fertility, but also to erosion and deflation, with the result that in a few years you can lose a fertile soil layer (Bavougian, Sarno, & Knezevic, 2019;Rosario-Lebron et al, 2019;Hernandez, Slater, & Corbala, 2019;Perederieva, Vlasova, Volters, Trubacheva, & Shutko, 2017;Schmidt, Mitchell, & Scow, 2019). https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2019.12.04.121 Corresponding Author: Aleksandr Esaulko Selection and peer-review under…”

Section: Problem Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%