Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy, Central Iowa, and BioCentury Research Farms

Cover Crop Effects on Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome, Iron Deficiency Chlorosis and Yield in Central Iowa

Authors: , , , , ,

Abstract

More growers are utilizing cover crops in the Midwest, but the impact of cover crop practices on plant diseases is poorly understood. Cover crop plantings can alter soil moisture levels and microbial communities, and consequently may influence the development of soilborne diseases. Sudden death syndrome (SDS) and iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) are soilborne diseases that affect soybean production in Iowa. In Iowa, fall-sown rye and wheat are two winter-hardy options growers can use for erosion and weed control outside of the growing season. Research in Minnesota has shown oats, sown as a nurse crop in the spring, can mitigate IDC symptoms in soybean by taking up excess soil moisture and nitrates. In 2019, field experiments continued to evaluate the effects of winter rye, winter wheat, and nurse-crop oat cover crops on development of SDS, IDC, and soybean yield.

Keywords:

How to Cite: Fiscus, M. W. , Berns, K. R. , Leandro, L. F. , Mueller, D. S. , Eggenberg, S. & Viggers, J. (2020) “Cover Crop Effects on Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome, Iron Deficiency Chlorosis and Yield in Central Iowa”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2019(1).