Seed size variability has implications for achieving cover cropping goals. Issue 1 (30th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lounsbury, Natalie P.; Warren, Nicholas D.; Hobbie, Julia; Darby, Heather; Ryan, Matthew R.; Mortensen, David A.; Smith, Richard G.
• Is Part Of: Agricultural & environmental letters. Volume 7:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-30
• Subjects: Agriculture -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Agriculture; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/ael2.20080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-9625

Abstract

Abstract: It is common to use mass‐based units (e.g., kg ha –1 ) to describe cover crop seeding rates. However, this convention obscures important information about seed size and resulting plant density in the field, which may be linked to cover crop performance and ecosystem services. Seed counts of 27 lots of commercially available winter rye ( Secale cereale L.) spanned a wide range from 28, 000 to 50, 000 seeds kg –1 . If the lots with the lowest and highest seed counts were seeded at a common mass‐based seeding rate of 125 kg ha –1, it would result in a nearly twofold difference in density‐based seeding rate, or 3.0 and 5.6 million live seeds ha –1 . Including density‐based metrics such as live seeds per area and resulting in‐field plant density in research will help advance our understanding of cover crop management, and these efforts will make it easier for farmers and policymakers to tailor cover cropping practices for specific goals. Core Ideas: Cover crops provide many ecosystem services that benefit farmers and society. Seeding rate recommendations for cover crops are typically reported in mass‐based units. Seed counts were variable across 27 lots of winter rye, ranging from 28, 000 to nearly 50, 000 seeds kg ‐1 . The same mass‐based seeding rate results in nearly twofold difference in density‐based seeding rate. Reporting density‐based seeding rates would improve future decision making and outcomes.