Evaluation of Cover Crops for Late-season Forages and Their Effect on Corn Yields in South Dakota
Abstract
Cover crops planted after wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest provide several agronomic advantages including weed control, reduced erosion, and improved soil characteristics. The biomass produced by these crops could also be a valuable forage resource during the late fall, early winter forage deficit period. The objectives of this study were to: I) determine how several cover crop mixes and monocultures changed in yield and field value through the late fall in central and southeastern South Dakota, 2) determine which of these crops would be suitable for late season grazing based on these values, and 3) determine the effects of these cover crops on com yield the following year in central SD. All cover crops planted except cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) show good forage potential in the late fall. At fertilizer rates of O and 84 kg nitrogen ha- 1 legume cover crop mixes improved yields while monocultures decreased yields over a check not planted to cover crops.
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