Crop and Soil Effects from Stover Harvest, Cover Crops, and Tillage over 10 Years in Central Iowa.

Stover harvest rates, cover crops, and tillage systems were previously identified to affect stover availability and soil properties. This poster highlights findings from ten years of an ongoing corn stover harvest study in central Iowa that includes combinations of these three factors. Evaluated systems included continuous corn [Zea mays (L.)] and corn-soybean rotations [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Tillage included no-till and chisel plow. The primary cover crop evaluated was rye [Secale cereale (L.)]. Including rye cover crops did not decrease crop yields, and harvested rye may provide an additional revenue source particularly when sold as hay. Residue removal rates affected crop yields, with lower yields found in plots with greater amounts of residue. Tillage system did not consistently affect crop yields. Some soil biological indicators, such as particulate organic matter, were reduced when stover harvest rates increased. Results suggest stover harvesting may be most profitable at moderate removal rates. However, stover harvest will need to be balanced with soil effects to ensure soil resources remain intact over time. The presented data provide useful comparisons to other research conducted throughout corn growing regions.