CRP to crops research at the Center is now completing the second cropping season.
Research began on land owned by Charles Paulsen in the fall of 1994. The research is
located on a quarter section of smooth brome adjacent to the NEREC.
A cropping systems experiment was designed to work with three residue management
systems (no removal, shred, and mechanical removal), three tillage systems (plow, disk,
and no-till), and four crop rotations (corn-corn-corn, corn-soybean-corn,
soybean-corn-soybean, and sorghum-soybean-corn).
The purpose of this study is twofold, first, to determine a viable cropping system for
the return of CRP to crop production. Second, to determine long term effects the first
year practices have on subsequent land productivity and soil quality.
Four other studies take an in-depth look at factors that should be considered when
returning CRP to crops. These include the following: corn fertility needs, vegetation
management, insect damage in first year out corn, and potential rodent problems in CRP
returned to crops.
Results from 1995 indicate that soybean is the crop of choice the first year out of
CRP. Soybean yield was the same regardless of residue and tillage practices. When planting
soybeans no nitrogen fertilizer was required, there were fewer smooth brome escapes, and
profitability was higher..
The cropping systems research will continue with the next track of CRP being returned to crops in 1997 and the rotation study continuing through 1999.
For more information, contact Mari Lubberstedt
57905
866 Road
Concord,
NE 68728
(402)
584-2810
Returning CRP Land to Crops:
Cool-Season Grass Management/Cropping
Suggestions,
NF97-324
Returning CRP Land to Crops:
Warm-Season Grass Management/Cropping
Suggestions,
NF97-343
Soil Fertility Considerations for
Land Coming out of CRP, NF 96-281
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