In the realm of sustainable agriculture, the practice of interseeding cover crops into soybean and other cash crop fields has gained significant attention. This innovative approach not only boosts soil health but also contributes to environmental conservation and crop yield optimization.
Understanding Interseeding
Interseeding involves the introduction of cover corps into an existing cash crop, such as soybeans, during the growing season. Unlike traditional use of cover crops, which occurs after the main crop is harvested, interseeding integrates cover crops into the field while the cash crop is still in the growth phase. The dual-cropping system approach offers a range of benefits that extend beyond the primary harvest.
Benefits to Soil Health:
Erosion Control: Cover crops like legumes and grasses create a protective layer on the soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water. Preventing erosion in return prevents nutrient runoff and soil degradation.
Weed Suppression: Cover crops act as a natural week suppressor, combating unwanted vegetation and minimizing need for synthetic herbicides.
Enhanced Soil Structure: Root systems of cover crops contribute to improved soil structure by aggregation and aeration. Enhancement of soil aggregation and aeration allows better water infiltration and nutrient absorption.
Environmental Conservation
Cover crops play an important role in nutrient cycling. They absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen from the soil, preventing leaching into water bodies and minimizing environmental impact.
Interseeding cover crops can create a more diverse ecosystem within the agricultural landscape. Enhancing biodiversity can attract beneficial insects and promote a healthier balance in the local environment.
Yield Optimization
Cover crops help regulate soil moisture by reducing evaporation, beneficial in periods of drought. This in turn creates more resilient crops. As cover crops decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, supporting a nutrient-rich environment that supports soybean growth.
Implementing Interseeding
Successful interseeding requires careful consideration of cover crop selection, timing and equipment. Choosing cover crops that complement soybeans and choosing the appropriate seeding rates for both crops is imperative. Specialized equipment like high-clearance interseedings can promote the process without causing damage to the soybean canopy.
Cover crop interseeding is a regenerative practice that aligns with the popular 'sustainable agriculture' principles. Cover crop interseeding promotes soil health, environmental conservation and optimal yields. Innovative approaches in agriculture like this demonstrate our ability to both be productive and environmentally responsible. As interseeding becomes a more adopted practice, the positive impacts on both profitability and land health will lead the way for a more viable future in agriculture.
References:
Johnson, J..M.F., Archer, D.W, Weyers, S.L., Barbour, N.W., 2010. "Uptake of nitrogen from cover crop mixtures by corn and soybean." Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 65 (3), 109-114.
Blanco-Canqui, H., 2016. ?The nature and consequences of soil erosion in agroecosystems." Earth-Science Reviews, 154, 102-120.
Mirsky, S.B., Curran, W.S., Mortensen, D.A., Ryan, M.R., Shumway, D.L., 2009. "Control of Weeds with a Rye Cover crop in a No-Till Soybean System." Weed Science, 57(6), 620-627.
Teasdale, J.R., Brandsaeter, L.O., Calegari, A., Neto, M.S., 2009. "Cover Crops and Weed Management." Sustainable Agricultures Reviews, 1, 113-137.
Drink water, L.E., Wagoner, P., Sarrantonio, M., 1998. "Legume-Based Cropping Systems Have Reduced Carbon and Nitrogen Leaching." Nature, 396, 262-265.
Bommarco, R., Kleijn, D., Potts, S.G., 2013. "Ecological intensification: harnessing ecosystem services for food security." Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 28(4), 230-238.
Osborne, S.L., Riedell, W.E., Schumacher, T.E., 2010. "Corn and soybean yield response to crop residue management under irrigated continuous corn." Agronomy Journal, 102 (6), 18520-1859.
Wander, M.M., Traina, S.J., Stinner, B.R., Peters, S.E., 1994. "Organic and conventional management effects on biologically active soil organic matter pools.": Soil Science Society of America Journal, 58(4), 1130-1139.
Kruidhof, H.M., Bastiaans, L., Kropff, M.J., 2008. "Ecological weed management by cover cropping: effects on weed growth in autumn and weed establishment in spring." Weed research, 48(6), 492-502.
The ideal situation would be a single pass seeding of cover crops and soybeans. That is economical, especially if the cover crop choked out the weeds and the need for spraying the beans.