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ARS Home » Plains Area » Temple, Texas » Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #418837
Research Project: Enhancing Cropping System and Grassland Sustainability in the Texas Gulf Coast Region by Managing Systems for Productivity and Resilience

Location: Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory

Title: A meta-analysis to understand the combined effect of cover cropping and nitrogen fertilization on corn yield in the U.S.

Author
item JUNEJA, PULKET - Texas A&M University
item BAATH, GURJINDER - Texas Agrilife Research
item BRAR, JAIVEER - Texas A&M University
item Flynn, Kyle
item Krecker-Yost, Jenifer
item RAJAN, NITHYA - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: n/a - abstract only.

Technical Abstract: Extensive research is being conducted to integrate cover crops into current cropping systems for improved soil health and ecosystem services. However, limited knowledge of the combined effects of cover crops and nitrogen fertilization under various soil and management conditions restricts their large-scale adoption. To address this gap, we conducted a quantitative review using meta-analysis techniques to understand the impact of cover crops on corn yield under different conditions. We selected 20 peer-reviewed articles representing diverse conditions across the United States (US). Overall, corn yield increased by almost 11% following cover crops. The best conditions for this yield increase were medium to coarse soil textures with pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Moreover, the species of cover crops grown, and the management practices employed significantly influenced corn yield. Legumes followed by unfertilized corn increased corn yield by nearly 50%. Conversely, grass and brassica cover crops had the opposite effect, reducing corn yields. Corn following grass species managed to return yields similar to fallow or legume when fertilized at higher dosages. Additionally, the source of nitrogen fertilizer and the timing of cover crop termination played crucial roles in nitrogen availability to plants. Ammonium-based fertilizers had a better tendency to supply nitrogen than urea-based fertilizers, and early termination of cover crops added more value to the system by making more nitrogen available to main crop. A diverse system with a multispecies cover crop mix has the potential to enhance nutrient status and provide additional soil and ecosystem services.