Location: Crop Genetics Research
Project Number: 6066-21220-015-010-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 20, 2025
End Date: Sep 19, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1: Quantify soil health in response to varying cover cropping and crop rotation strategies in row crop production systems.
Objective 2: Evaluate pests and disease occurrence and crop yield in response to cover cropping and crop rotation strategies in row crop production systems.
Objective 3: Undertake extension and outreach activities to inform producers and other stakeholders of the link between conservation agriculture and agro-ecosystem profitability.
Approach:
Conservation practices are widely used in Tennessee and previous cooperative research has been essential in moving the technology forward so that farmers can use it more effectively and profitably. Practices such as minimum tillage and cover crops are very effective in preventing soil erosion; however, they can be costly, difficult to implement and reduce profits for the farmer. This project is testing new cover crop mixtures and rotations that are easier to adopt and produce additional income for the farmer. By concentrating on West Tennessee where highly erodible low fertility soils predominate, the research will provide valuable field-tested solutions. Working closely with farmers throughout the project will help overcome adoption barriers and ultimately improve farm profitability in other areas with similar challenges.
The project will first utilize a field experiment initiated in 2020, that includes different levels of cover crop and crop rotation strategies at the West Tennessee Research Station. There are five different combinations, including one that allows farmers to have two crops per year (wheat-soybean) and several that provide nitrogen for the next crop. Soil will be sampled at the end of the growing season to evaluate which combination provides the best water retention and increased fertility, thereby enhancing drought resilience and reducing reliance on costly synthetic fertilizers.
Crop rotations and cover crops are proven strategies for disrupting pest and disease cycles that are difficult to break in the hot, humid southeastern U.S. where such outbreaks are frequent. Fields will be scouted throughout the growing season to assess pest and disease incidence and severity for the most prevalent threats. At maturity, corn and soybean grain yield and cotton lint yield will be measured to determine which treatments most effectively reduce pest and disease pressure and boost yields. This part of the project will include a plant pathologist experienced in row crop scouting and diagnostic methods.
Sharing research outcomes with farmers and getting their feedback is key to success and adoption of new methods. To achieve this, the project team will participate in outreach events such as the 2026 Milan No-Till Field Day, which draws thousands of stakeholders from Tennessee and neighboring states. The farmers will see the practices in the field and provide critical feedback and suggestions for practical improvements to the methods being tested. We will also network with county extension agents and NRCS district conservationists who are in regular contact with farmers to get feedback about what farmers are telling them.