Emergence, Growth, and Productivity of Field Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) and Winter Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) across a Range of Corn Residue Levels.

Temporal intensification of agriculture is a way to increase the production of food, fiber, and energy, and meet the demands of a growing population around the world. The study was conducted with an objective to evaluate the emergence, growth, and productivity of two cover crops i.e. field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) and winter camelina (Camelina sativa [L.] Crantz) across different ranges of corn residue levels to maximize economic, and environmental benefits. Winter camelina, and pennycress were broadcasted into standing corn in late August to early September. At the time of corn harvest, 100, 75, 50, 25, and 0% of corn stover was removed corresponding to a range of biomass residue of 0-6 Mg ha^-1. Results showed that the aboveground biomass, and seed yield of pennycress were not affected by rates of corn residue removal. Pennycress biomass and seed yield ranged from 1013 to 1213 kg ha^-1 and 627 to 840 kg ha^-1, respectively. However, in winter camelina, biomass was affected significantly by stover removal rates (P <0.05). Biomass was significantly higher (1533 kg ha^-1) with 75% stover removal (1.5 Mg ha^-1 remaining stover) as compared to 0 (6 Mg ha^-1 remaining stover) and 100% stover removal rates. In contrast to camelina biomass, no significant effects of stover removal were observed on camelina oilseed yield. Results indicate that pennycress and winter camelina seed yields were not differentially affected by the amount of corn stover residue remaining after corn harvest. However, yields of both oilseeds broadcast sown into standing corn are considerably lower than those previously reported for drill seeding after small grain harvest.