Yield, nitrogen, and water use benefits of diversifying crop rotations with specialty oilseeds - Drew A. Scott, Carrie Eberle, Russ W. Gesch, Sharon Schneider, Sharon Weyers, Jane M.F. Johnson - Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 2021

Decreased agricultural diversity from extensive use of the corn (Zea mays L.)- soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation and occasional inclusion of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), has threatened cropping system sustainability. Using specialty oilseeds crops to extend the corn-soybean rotation might improve yields and promote sustainability. We tested whether corn, soybean, and wheat yields would be improved in a rotation following oilseed crops versus corn or soybean. Canola, camelina, borage, and crambe had lower seasonal water use than both corn and soybean in at least one site-year. This short-term study indicated that corn and soybean yields following specialty oilseed crops had similar yields to a traditional corn-soybean rotation. Further, oilseed crops in rotation provided additional environmental benefits.

Read more https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107472

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