Impact of Rye Rolling Direction and Different No-Till Row Cleaners on Cotton Emergence and Yield

Abstract

Cover crops have been recognized as a vital component of conservation agriculture. However, cover crops must produce substantial biomass to be effective. Because of the large amount of residue produced by many cover crops, they must be managed appropriately to avoid planting problems. Roller-crimpers have been used to manage cover crops by flattening them and creating a thick mat over the soil surface. A study was conducted to determine the effect of different rolling directions (parallel, diagonal, and perpendicular to cotton planting direction) using a roller/crimper, three different commercial row cleaners (Dawn, Dawn without coulter, and Yetter), and no row cleaner on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stand, emergence rate, yield, and net returns. The study was conducted at two Alabama locations with a replicated strip plot design. Presented results illustrate two growing and harvest seasons (2004 and 2005). Rye (Secale cereale L.) was chosen as the cover crop due to its potential to produce large amounts of biomass and its popularity with Alabama producers. Rye was rolled at the soft dough growth stage and terminated using Roundup (glyphosate). Data showed that parallel rolling with respect to the planting direction for cotton produced the highest cotton stand and yield in both years. In 2004, the Yetter row cleaner resulted in higher cotton stand and yield for both locations when compared with the Dawn row cleaner. However, in 2005, the Dawn row cleaner resulted in a greater cotton yield than the Yetter. Based on the emergence rate index (ERI), the most rapid emergence was observed with parallel rolling and both row cleaners. The slowest emergence rate was observed with perpendicular and diagonal rolling and no row cleaners. Parallel rolling minimized accumulated rye residue on the row cleaners and minimized the cleaning time for the row cleaners. General findings from this research are: for tall rye producing large biomass, parallel rolling and Dawn or Yetter row cleaners are recommended. For shorter rye producing low biomass, no row cleaners were required for rolled rye with the parallel rolling direction, or cotton could be planted into standing rye using Dawn or Yetter row cleaners. Regardless of the height and amount of rye residue and the row cleaner type, the perpendicular and diagonal rolling directions are not recommended.