Dr. Erick Larson

Professor & Extension Corn Agronomist|Mississippi State University Extension Service

2023 Abstract - PRACTICAL USE OF COVER CROPS IN HIGH YIELDING CORN SYSTEMS: Cover cropping is hot topic primarily driven by the goal of improving soil health and water quality. However, grower adoption of cover crops remains rather limited. Despite their conservation benefits, cover crops can challenge the dynamics with the subsequent cropping system, especially for corn. This is because corn is normally planted early in the spring and is very sensitive to stand issues. Consequently, cover crop growth coincides with key corn planting time, which is already limited in our high rainfall climate. Thus, we are investigating methods to successfully integrate cover crops into Midsouth corn systems without increasing production risk or sacrificing economic return. Our research has identified cultural practices and cover crop species which can reduce complications or interference with corn production systems.