Sustainable groundcovers for corn and soybean systems

By Andi Anderson

A five-week webinar series starting in January will dive into the innovative use of perennial groundcovers in corn and soybean production systems, showcasing the benefits of these crops as sustainable cover options.

Sponsored by Iowa State University and RegenPCG, the series runs every Tuesday from Jan. 14 to Feb. 11, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m. CST, aiming to provide farmers and agricultural professionals with essential knowledge on the potential of perennial groundcovers.

Perennial groundcovers are crops that, once planted, remain in the soil, eliminating the need for annual replanting.

They suppress weeds, create habitats for beneficial insects, and offer environmental advantages by controlling soil erosion and nitrogen levels, explains Daniel Andersen, associate professor at Iowa State University. However, managing these covers requires careful planning to balance their benefits with crop yields.

Webinar Focus and Schedule

This series will cover the fundamentals of perennial groundcover agriculture, examining benefits, effective management practices, and ongoing research for adoption. The sessions are crafted for farmers, crop advisors, and agricultural scientists interested in sustainable farming practices.

The schedule includes:

Jan. 14: Basics of integrating perennial groundcovers in corn and soybean production, presented by Iowa State experts, covering potential benefits and crop management strategies.

Jan. 21: Techniques for weed control and crop zone management, featuring speakers from Iowa State University and Corteva Agriscience, who will address strategies for keeping crop areas productive.

Jan. 28: Selection of perennial groundcover species, ideal traits, and partner experiences in corn and soybean systems.

Feb. 4: Exploring corn hybrid performance within groundcover systems, including discussions on breeding corn for use in these sustainable systems.

Feb. 11: Quantifying the ecosystem benefits of perennial groundcovers, such as nitrogen control, erosion reduction, and federal support programs.

Register Today

This series provides a unique opportunity to understand the future of sustainable agriculture. Interested participants are encouraged to register and join the conversation on maximizing ecosystem benefits in crop production.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university