Improving the Potential for Interseeding Cover Crops in Corn.

Interseeding cover crops is one option to improve cover crop establishment in areas where late harvest may preclude cover crop planting following harvest.  Our group has developed and refined an interseeding approach that involves in row no-tillage seeding along with the potential to apply N and postemergent herbicides.  This can improve establishment over broadcasting approaches in the no-till soils that are common in our area.  To maximize effectiveness of the interseeding concept, timing, species selection, pre-emergent herbicide choice, N management and seed placement are all important.  We have used replicated studies and an on-farm demonstration program to develop the system and machine.  The goal of the interseeder is to provide an affordable and consistent method to establish cover crops while sidedressing N or spraying postemergent herbicides.  Use of no-till drill units rather than broadcasting the seed improves seed to soil contact, depth control and penetration in high residue conditions.  This could help to improve consistency of establishment, reduce seed rate recommendations, improve water conservation for the cover crop seedlings, and reduce the impact of pre-emergent herbicides.  We will report on the results of research and demonstration programs in 2013 and 2014.