Update on corn and soybeans as cover crops following prevented planting

Dean Baas<baasdean@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - June 28, 2019

Michigan State University Extension updates recommendations on using corn and soybeans as cover crops for prevented planting.

Water runoff in delayed planted field. Photo by Paul Gross, MSU Extension.

As the week has progressed, discussion has continued within the state among agricultural experts, farmers and crop insurers on the use of corn and soybeans as cover crops. On June 25, 2019, Michigan State University Extension recognized as agronomically sound the use of corn and soybeans as cover crops following a prevented planting crop in Michigan. MSU Extension has revised the original article to include additional guidance as follows:

“Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) recognizes as agronomically sound the use of corn and soybeans as cover crops following a prevented planting crop in Michigan. Further, MSU Extension recommends for corn, seeding rates of 28,000 – 40,000 seeds per acre based on soil type, 30 inch or less row spacing, fertility to meet biomass/forage goals and herbicides and pesticides for weed and insect control. For soybeans, a minimum seeding rate of 150,000 seeds per acre, 30 inch or less row spacing, less is preferred, but not required and herbicides and insecticides for weed and insect control. The extenuating circumstances of the 2019 growing season have led to large prevented planting acres, shortages in cover crop seed supply and the need for emergency forage. In light of these challenges, corn and soybeans are acceptable for erosion control or other purposes related to conservation or soil improvement.”

Please reference the original article, “Corn and soybeans as cover crops following prevented planting,” for additional information relating to use of corn and soybeans as cover crops.

Farmers considering alternatives to their cropping plans including prevented planting can consult MSU Extension Delayed Planting Resources for additional information. Farmers should also consult their Farm Service Agency (FSA) and crop insurance agent when considering options for prevented planting acres.

Farmers are encouraged to use these cover crop resources when considering cover crops for prevented planting:

The MSU Extension Cover Crop Team is available to answer questions you may have about cover crops and their use.

This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program 2017-70006-27175 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).