Two Sides to the Cover Crop Coin

Winter cover crops are a promising conservation practice that can provide many environmental benefits when integrated with typical cash crops like corn and soybeans. However, the effects of winter cover crops are inconsistent, ranging from positive (e.g., increasing soil health and microbial diversity) to negative (e.g., “yield drag”). Most studies are conducted within five years of adopting winter cover crops, which could play an important role in these contrasting results.

Cereal rye is the most commonly used Midwest winter cover crop due to its accessibility and tolerance to cold. But more information on its long-term effects as a cover crop is needed.