Corn yield response to starter nitrogen rates following a cereal rye cover crop

Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.; CR) is promoted as a cover crop practice for reducing nitrate leaching losses in the U.S. Midwest. However, early-season nitrogen immobilization during CR decomposition may contribute to yield reductions corn (Zea mays L.). Field trials were conducted at three sites determine if N starter fertilizer could increase plant uptake and grain of following CR. Treatments two-way factorial with two treatments (CR no four treatments: subsurface banded (2 by 2 inches) planting urea ammonium (UAN) 0, 25, 50, 75 lb acre–1. received same total within sites, remainder injected between rows side-dressing UAN. Nitrogen unaffected × interaction all sites. At one significantly reduced R6 stage 16 4.5% relative CR, respectively. Corn was whereas applying 50 or acre–1 increased yields compared 0 25 third site. These findings suggest that but had an inconsistent impact on yields. Therefore, further investigations under different soil conditions are needed provide insights into how rates can be adjusted optimize system.