Interest in growing soybeans in far northern regions continues to increase as farmers adapt to disruptive fluctuations in markets, climate, and farm economics. To overcome these economic and environmental challenges, farmers need region-specific agronomic information to maximize soybean yields while enhancing conservation efforts. This project meets the Eastern Region Soybean Board's Strategic Objective of identifying and promoting sustainable practices that provide a return on investment. This project proposes to conduct research and outreach related to the benefits and challenges of incorporating cover crops into their soybean systems. Outreach to farmers includes field days, conferences, and written reports.

Objective 1 is to develop cover crop termination strategies for soybean production systems. This will be the second year for this study. This objective will investigate the impact of cover crop termination method and residue or cover crop biomass level on soybean yield and soil health. The experimental design will be a randomized complete block with split plots and four replicates. Main plots will be cover crop termination methods including tillage and herbicide applied before or following planting. Sub-plots will be varying levels of cover crop biomass created by seeding winter rye at rates ranging from 0 to 150 lbs/acre. Data to be collected will include weed pressure, slug and insect pest pressure, soybean establishment, soil health metrics, soil moisture and nutrient content, and soybean yield and test weight.


Objective 2 is to develop interseeding strategies for soybean production systems that protect soil health while supporting high soybean yields. This is the second year for this study. This objective will investigate the impact of interseed timing and species selection on cover crop establishment success, soybean yield losses, and soil health. The experimental design will be a randomized complete block with split plots and four replicates. Main plots will be cover crop interseed timings that coincide with the best planting dates for winter rye and annual ryegrass. These timings should coincide with the R6-R8stage of soybean development. The subplots will be cover crop species (no cover, winter rye, or annual ryegrass). Data to be collected will include soybean yield, cover crop establishment and biomass, and soil health metrics.

In addition, to the replicated plot research, two on-farm trials will be initiated to compare interseeding winter rye during the 3rd or 4th week of September to not planting a cover crop. At least 2 replicated strips of
cover crop will be planted per field. Strip size will be based on combine width to be able to capture yield
data and also interference with harvest. Yield, test weight, moisture, and bean quality assessment will be determined from each strip and compared to the control.

The information produced through this project will be shared broadly through our extensive Extension contact network. We will highlight the project at our annual Crop and Soil Field Day and the No-Till/Cover Crop Symposium, which attract a combined 400 attendees from around the region. Project results will be summarized into farmer-friendly reports that will be published to our website (www.uvm.edu/extension/nwcrops) and linked to social media.

The information produced through this project will be shared broadly through our extensive Extension contact network. We will highlight the project at our annual Crop and Soil Field Day and the No-Till/Cover Crop Symposium, which attract a combined 400 attendees from around the region. Project results will be summarized into farmer-friendly reports that will be published to our website (www.uvm.edu/extension/nwcrops) and linked to social media.

Update:

View uploaded report

Update:

View uploaded report

Soybean farmers are interested to integrate cover crops and other conservation practices into their cropping systems. However, before farmers integrate these practices it is important to not only know the benefits but also potential challenges associated with practices such as cover cropping. These trials will help farmers better understand how cover cropping can be incorporated in to soybean rotations and the benefits and challenges associated with doing so.