Abstract

In 2023, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program investigated the impact of 1) a winter rye cover crop and 2) low rates of starter nitrogen fertilizer at Borderview Research Farm on soybean crop yield and quality in Alburgh, VT. Soybeans are grown for human consumption, animal feed, and biodiesel, and can be a useful rotational crop in corn silage and grass production systems. Cereal or winter rye is commonly planted in this region as a cover crop. As soybean production expands throughout Vermont, it is important to understand the potential benefits, consequences, and risks associated with growing cover crops in these systems. Low rates of nitrogen applied as starter fertilizer may provide additional nitrogen to meet the needs of the crop and make up for what was tied up by the winter rye cover crop. To support the local soybean market and to gain a better understanding of cover cropping in soybean production systems, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crop and Soils (NWCS) Program, as part of a grant from the Eastern Soybean Board, conducted a trial in 2022-2023 to investigate the impacts of winter rye termination methods and starter nitrogen fertilizer rates on the yield and quality of the subsequent soybean crop.

Publication Date

12-2023

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