The main rotational crop for soybeans is corn, and soybeans are frequently double cropped after small grains. Cover crops are often integrated into rotations. Cover crops and double-cropping improves soil quality by adding more crop residue to soil than mono-cropping system and by encouraging continuous no-till. It also minimizes off-site impacts due to leaching or runoff of sediment and fertilizers. It is important that rotational systems for soybean are compared for yield, profitability and environmental value over time. The goal of this project is to establish and maintain a long-term soybean rotation experiment that compares crop yields, profitability and environmental impacts.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents