Effect of Corn Residue Removal on Subsequent Crop Yields

Authors

Mary E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
L. Aaron Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James C. MacDonald Donald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kathy J. Hanford, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension, MP101.

Comments

Copyright © 2015 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of corn residue harvest on subsequent crop yields. In a long-term study (16 years), cattle grazing corn residue in the spring (February to the middle of April) or the fall (November through January) slightly improved subsequent soybean yields and had no effect on corn yields in an irrigated field maintained in an annual corn-soybean rotation at Mead, Neb. In a five-year study, fall grazing (December through January) or baling of corn residue had no effect on subsequent corn grain yields in a field maintained in continuous corn production at Brule, Neb. These data suggest that the grazing of corn residue in the fall or spring at or below UNL recommended stocking rates will have slightly positive or no impacts on subsequent soybean or corn yields.