Ph.D. Level Student
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
oluwaseun.ola@siu.edu
Advised by Dr. Amir Sadeghpour

Soybean Performance and Nitrogen Dynamics and Losses in a Single VS. Double Cropping System

Growers in Southern Illinois could potentially increase their farm profit by switching from a single season soybean production to double cropping winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with soybean (Glycine max L.). Nitrogen (N) management during the wheat phase is critical to maximize wheat production but it is unclear whether N management for wheat could influence soybean performance and N losses. A trial was established at two sites (Carbondale, and Belleville, IL) to evaluate soybean and overall cash crop performance in a single season [soybean following a no-cover crop control vs. winter rye (Secale cereale L.)] as compared to three double cropping scenarios (low, medium, and high intensity N management of wheat prior to soybean). We evaluated wheat yield, soybean yield, and yield component as well as N losses such as nitrate-N leaching, and nitrous oxide emissions. We found that winter rye did not influence soybean growth as compared to a fallow treatment. Soybean yield was also similar after all N management intensities during the wheat phase indicating N management during the wheat in rotation with soybean should reflect on economic and environmental benefits. We will present all evaluated data at the conference.