Rye Cover Crop termination date effect for no till canola emergence

The Challenge

Fall and winter cover crops are being used to protect soils vulnerable to erosion in the early spring. While this can be beneficial to soil health, some fall rye species have shown to produce allelopathic compounds that can inhibit other plants’ germination.

The Project

To evaluate the potential for canola emergence issues when planed into a fall rye cover crop terminated with glyphosate at different timings ahead of no-till canola.

The Results

Allelopathic effects from fall rye cover crop can inhibit canola emergence. Termination of the cover crop 8 days before planting resulted in 0% canola emergence, whereas termination of the cover crop 21 days before planting resulted in 87% canola emergence (7 days after planting).

Grower Benefits

Termination of the fall rye cover crop 21 days before planting canola should be considered to obtain maximum emergence and avoid allelopathic effects.