Effects of Grazing Corn Stalks in the Spring on Subsequent Crop Yields

Authors

Casey Wilson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Walter Luedtke, Agricultural Research and Development Center, Mead, Nebraska

Date of this Version

January 2003

Comments

Published in 2003 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2002 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Two studies evaluated impact of grazing corn residue during the spring on subsequent soybean yields in a corn-soybean rotation. Each study was conducted for two consecutive years. Tillage treatments consisting of ridge-till, fall till, spring-till, and no-till were also evaluated to determine if yields could be maintained by alleviating compaction from grazing in the spring. No significant differences in yield with tillage treatment and grazing were observed. Grazing treatments overall increased soybean yields in both studies. In the second study only a depression in subsequent corn yield was noted with spring grazing at stocking rate of .32 acres/calf for 60 days.