By Liz Ridenour
As of this writing 99.16% of Maryland is experiencing D0-D4 drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This is down from 100% a week ago and 99.94% on January 1. The recent rains have certainly perked things up but have done little to reduce the long-term impacts of drought that are ongoing across the region. One of those impacts is the reduced yield of first cutting hay and the diminished promise of strong second and third cuttings. This brings us to a potential opportunity.
In most years, soybeans are a common choice for double cropping following wheat harvest in July. This practice can provide a second harvest and source of income for the producer, and allow for nitrogen fixation in the soil in preparation for the fall planting season. However, nitrogen fixation from soybeans is not significant enough to reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer following soybean harvest, and double-cropping using soybeans may deplete the soil of other nutrients as the growing soybeans draw phosphorus and potassium from the soil.
One viable alternative to soybean double-cropping is the planting of summer annual forages. Summer annual forages have the potential to improve soil health, mitigate pests, suppress weed growth, and reduce soil erosion. They can also be utilized as a fast-growing forage for silage, hay, or grazing, making them an attractive and sustainable alternative to double-crop soybeans.
Summer annuals can help improve overall soil health in several ways. They protect the soil from erosion while their large root systems add organic matter and nitrogen (if legumes are included) back into the soil. They provide shade for the soil during the hot summer months, lowering soil temperatures, aiding in soil moisture retention, and preventing weeds from sprouting. They can also help to break pest cycles by attracting beneficial pollinators and predatory insects.
Source : umd.edu