To evaluate the soil health, water quality, agronomic, economic, and social aspects of a relay intercropping system where winter wheat/RYE is seeded following corn, soybean is planted into winter…

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service awarded Iowa State University of Science and Technology a $539,919 Project Grant under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (CFDA 10.912). The grant will fund a 4-year research project to evaluate the soil health, water quality, agronomic, economic, and social aspects of a relay intercropping system. The system includes planting winter wheat/rye after corn, then soybean into the wheat/rye, harvesting the wheat/rye, harvesting the soybean, and planting oats as a fall cover crop before corn. The goal is to improve soil health, reduce nutrient losses, and increase productivity and profitability for farmers. As the prime grantee, Iowa State University will lead the research and outreach efforts over the award period from August 4, 2023 to July 31, 2027.

To evaluate the soil health, water quality, agronomic, economic, and social aspects of a relay intercropping system where winter wheat/RYE is seeded following corn, soybean is planted into winter wheat/RYE, winter wheat/RYE is harvested, soybean is harvested, and oats are planted as a fall cover crop ahead of corn, to improve soil health and reduce nutrient losses while increasing productivity and profitability.