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Iowa Soybean Research Center

in collaboration with the Iowa Soybean Association

Optimizing cover crop termination timing to manage waterhemp and minimize shade avoidance in soybean

By Wesley Everman, agronomy, ISU

Project Collaborator Mark Licht, agronomy

 

Project Summary

Researchers will address the knowledge gap concerning how the timing of cereal rye termination affects early season light competition, reduces waterhemp germination, induces shade avoidance response in soybean and ultimately affects soybean yield. This research will provide clearer guidance on how long cereal rye can remain in the field to maximize soil health and weed suppression benefits without compromising soybean productivity. 

 

(3-year project funded fall 2025)