1. Roto and Shoot Biomass and Nutrient Composition in a Winter Rye Cover Crop

Nitrogen loss from applied fertilizer can be a significant environmental quality issue if NO 3 moves to surface or ground water. The Iowa nutrient reduction strategy science assessment identified winter cereal rye (Secale cereal L.) cover crop as a practice that can significantly reduce N and P loss (41% NO 3-N and 21% P reduction) from corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] fields. Cereal rye, when used as a cover crop, through its fibrous root system is able to explore the soil...