This Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar will feature Richard Roth, assistant professor and extension nitrogen education specialist, Iowa State University. His research and extension program at Iowa State University focuses on engineering and optimizing nitrogen and sulfur management strategies to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of cropping systems in the Midwest.

Roth will provide an overview of cereal rye cover crop systems and discuss how adopting cereal rye influences nitrogen cycling and potential subsequent impacts on growing crops. He will also introduce and highlight some management options to help overcome potential risks from the impacts of cereal rye on nitrogen cycling.

“Cereal rye is excellent at scavenging nitrogen from the soil profile, but not great at returning that nitrogen to the soil in a plant available form for growing crops,” said Roth. “Cover crops, specifically cereal rye, are one of the most effective tools in a farmer’s toolbox to help improve soil health and minimize nutrient losses from their fields, but understanding potential risks associated with cover crop adoption is key to success in these systems. I hope that participants learn the potential risks associated with cereal rye but also gain an understanding that shifts in management can be made to help overcome the risk.”