Tuesday, November 6, 2007
142-10

Biomass Yield and Nutrient Accumulation of Four Small Grain Species Used as a Winter Cover Crop.

R. Dewey Lee1, Glendon Harris, and Julia Gaskin2. (1) PO Box 748, University of Georgia, University of Georgia, 4604 Research Way, Tifton, GA 31793, (2) Driftmier Engineering Center, University of Georgia, University of Georgia, Dept. of Biology & Agricultural Engineering, Athens, GA 30602

Wheat, oats, rye and triticale were studied over four years for biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake in order to provide growers in Georgia comparative data for cover crop selection in conservation tillage systems. Planting dates ranged from late Oct. to early December depending on the preceding crop. Plots were fertilized with 30 to 40 lbs N per acre in the fall at planting. Three termination times (Feekes GS 6, 9, and GS ll.2) were used to coincide with recommended kill dates for planting a succeeding crop. Biomass, N, P, K and Mg were determined for each termination date for each small grain species.