University of Illinois Extension Commercial Ag Educator, Nathan Johanning, presented at various field days throughout Illinois this summer sharing developments from a research study about cover crop planting dates. Read some takeaways about his presentation below.
Why is Planting Date Important for Cover Crops?
- To optimize successful establishment
- To get optimal fall growth
- To realize the desired performance of the cover crop
- Varies depending on the cover crop species and sometimes variety
- More planting information can be found on the Midwest Cover Crops Council – midwestcovercrops.org
Data from the Research
- A trial at the Belleville site compares planting date in cereal rye at 60 lb/acre. One plot was planted October 4, 2022, and the other is November 10, 2022. You can visually see more biomass from the October 4th planting date.
- A trial at the Belleville site also compares balansa clover and crimson clover as cover crops and it shows biomass resulting from different planting dates. The earlier planting dates were more successful in stand establishment and spring biomass production when compared to the later planting dates.
- Preliminary findings support the fact that earlier planting dates would yield more spring biomass. In some cases, earlier planting dates with lower seeding rates can provide comparable biomass to the higher seeding rates planted later.
Things to Keep in Mind for the 2023-2024 cover crop planting season
- Generally, earlier planting provides better performance most cover crops. Even a few days or a week earlier can lead to significant differences in performance.
- Set goals and plan for logistics at harvest and cover crop planting
- Set planting equipment for best seed placement for seed size and type
- Determine your target termination and planting method before you plant this fall
- Choose and/or change species to accommodate planting date and to fit goals
This research is funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program – click here to learn more. View Johanning’s full presentation here.
About the Author: Stephanie Porter
As Outreach Agronomist for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), Stephanie supports research efforts and helps communicate both in-field and edge-of-field research and validation studies to Illinois 43,000 soybean farmers. She also helps lead the demonstration and adoption of conservation agriculture practices and raises awareness of best management and continuous improvement practices for conservation agriculture in Illinois.
Stephanie has 23 years of experience that consists of agronomy, conservation, horticulture, plant diagnostics, and education. She has her bachelor’s in crop science and master’s in plant pathology from the University of Illinois. Stephanie is a Certified Crop Advisor and was named the 2018 Illinois Certified Crop Adviser Master Soybean Advisor. She also has experience with corn and soybean pathology research, crop scouting, soil testing, as well as crop consulting. Previously, she utilized her diagnostic training and collaborated with University of Illinois departmental Extension Specialists to diagnose plant health problems and prepare written responses describing the diagnosis and management recommendations as the University of Illinois Plant Clinic.
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