Impact of Grazing Corn Stalks in the Spring on Crop Yields

Authors

Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
D. J. Jordon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Walker Luedtke, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Gary Lesoing, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2001

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2001, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

A two-year experiment was designed to determine the impact of grazing corn residue during the spring on subsequent soybean yields in a corn-soybean rotation. 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. Grazing treatments overall, and specifically in the ridge-till and no-till systems, resulted in increased yields. Residue cover was also more sensitive to changes in tillage rather than grazing; however, both treatments decreased residue cover.