Publications by authors named "Heather Matthees"
J Environ Qual
January 2021
Article Synopsis
- Relay-cropping of winter camelina and pennycress with soybean may offer economic and environmental benefits in the Upper Midwest, yet their impact on nutrient runoff is unclear.
- Studies assessed surface runoff and nutrient loads during three crop phases over two years comparing cover crops with no-till and chisel-till treatments.
- Results showed higher nutrient runoff during the winter cover phase due to snowmelt, but pennycress significantly reduced total suspended solids (TSS) during intercrop phases, indicating some cover crops can help manage nutrient loads despite potential increases during soybean growth.
Article Synopsis
- Winter cover crops like winter camelina and pennycress may help reduce nutrient leaching in the Upper Midwest by improving soil health and nutrient retention.
- Research measured nitrogen in plant biomass and soil, showing that winter rye and forage radish sequestered significant nitrogen in the fall, while oilseed cover crops outperformed in spring nitrogen uptake before soybean planting.
- Overall, these cash cover crops not only provide economic benefits for farmers but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing nutrient loss from the soil.
