Soil characteristics and subsequent corn development following partial corn residue removal in a no-till, corn-soybean rotation

Corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal for ethanol production can affect soil chemical, physical and microclimate characteristics. Little research has evaluated partial corn residue removal from baling followed by the use of a cover crop to mitigate potential changes to soil characteristics. Research is needed to determine the effects of corn residue removal and establish residue management recommendations for producers to prevent a decline in soil productivity. This three year study evaluated the effects of Baled (60% residue removal) and Not Baled (0% residue removal) corn residue treatments in combination with None and Rye (Secale cereal L.) cover crop treatments on fourteen soil characteristics in a no-till, corn-soybean rotation. The Baled treatment reduced magnesium concentrations at the 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 20 cm soil depths and increased soil water content at corn silking (R1). The Rye treatment increased soil ammonium-N concentration, soil water content at R1, minimum and average soil temperature at corn emergence (VE). Only calcium concentration at the 5 to 20 cm soil depth had a significant residue X cover crop interaction. The results of this study show 60% corn residue removal is feasible in a no-till, corn-soybean rotation, causing minimal short-term effects to soil chemical, physical or microclimate 26 characteristics. Small amounts of biomass were established with rye as a winter cover crop, providing few benefits to soil characteristics.