Initial Investigation of Cereal Rye and Hairy Vetch Cover Crops in Cotton Production Compared to Corn/Cotton Rotation

Crop rotation involving cotton and corn has shown a 10-18% increase in yield when cotton follows corn compared to cotton following corn. This has been demonstrated in replicated studies over the years at the Delta Research and Extension Center.  In recent years, cover crops have become the new buzz word, the new practice that is all the rage, and yet most information does not include an economic analysis so that one can determine the profitability of the practice.  It is very difficult to adopt a practice that leads to a loss in the farming operation.  A multi-year field study was established at the Delta Research and Extension Center to evaluate cereal rye and hairy vetch as cover crops in a continuous cotton system and compare to cotton yields from a cotton/corn rotation.  Cover crop systems include hairy vetch following each cotton crop, cereal rye following each cotton crop or a cover crop rotation with cereal rye one year and hairy vetch the second year. This allows for a legume crop at least every other year.  A demonstration area has also been established to show oats, wheat, cereal rye, triticale, winter peas, and hairy vetch with respect to growth and weed control. In the initial year, there was good establishment of all cover crops but very little cover crop in the second year when adverse weather conditions were prominent.  This presentation will evaluate the results through the 2019 growing season.