Effects Of Tillage Practices Research Articles

Effect of Tillage Practices and Hydrogel Applications on Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Maize (Zea mays L.) over the Years

This study investigated the effects of different tillage practices and hydrogel applications on maize yield in sandy loam soils at the Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar, PJTSAU, Telangana state over a period of four years (2015-2018) during the Kharif season. The experiment was designed as a split plot with four main treatments i.e., Conventional tillage (CT), Conventional tillage with residue mulching (4 t/ha), Zero tillage (ZT) and Zero tillage with residue mulching (4 t/ha). These were combined with three sub-treatments involving hydrogel application i.e., Control (no hydrogel), Hydrogel at 2.5 kg/ha and Hydrogel at 5.0 kg/ha. The study was replicated three times to ensure reliability of the results. The combination of zero tillage with residue mulching yielded the highest maize grain yield (4435 kg/ha). This suggests that this practice is more effective in retaining soil moisture, which is critical under rainfed conditions. The addition of hydrogel, regardless of the rate (2.5 kg/ha or 5.0 kg/ha), did not lead to any significant improvement in maize yield. The use of zero tillage combined with residue mulching is beneficial for maize production in sandy loam soils under rainfed conditions, primarily due to enhanced moisture retention. However, hydrogel application did not provide any additional yield benefits in this context.

Effect of Tillage Practices and Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) at Uttar Pradesh, India

Effect of Tillage Practices and Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) at Uttar Pradesh, India

Effect of Tillage Practices and Fertility Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat in Rice- Wheat Cropping System

This study was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, CSAUAT, during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out into Split plot design with3 replication. Two levels of tillage viz. (1) Conventional tillage Two ploughing followed by sowing), (2) Reduce tillage (one ploughing followed by sowing were randomly allotted to main plot while ten 10 fertility levels. Basis on the pooled data the results of the study revealed that in case of tillage practices among the growth parameters; maximum plant height at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 26.25, 46.26, 87.43, and 92.38 cm respectively, number of leaves plant-1 at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 5.47, 16.51, 19.34 and 20.18 respectively, leaf area index at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest is 0.553, 3.13, 4.48 and 5.05 respectively, relative growth rate at 30, 60, 90 DAT is 24.33, 14.48 and 3.82 g day-1 respectively, among the yield attributing characters maximum ear length (11.07 cm) , number of grain ear-1 (41.08), grain weight ear-1 (1.54 g) and 1000 grain weight (36.93 g) and among the productivity parameters; maximum grain yield (51.31 q ha-1), straw yield (67.21 q ha-1), biological yield (118.52 q ha-1) and harvest index (43.22 %) were recorded under the conventional tillage. Similarly in case of fertility levels growth parameters, yield attributing characters and productivity parameters were associated with 125 % RDF + chloromequate chloride.

Effect of Tillage Practices and Fertilization Levels on Nutrient Uptake and Content in Grain and Straw of Wheat under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

The present investigation was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, CSAUAT, during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out into Split plot design with three replicates. The parameters were observed plant viz. nitrogen content in grain and straw (%), nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1), phosphorus content in grain and straw (%), phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1), potassium content in grain and straw (%), nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (kg ha-1). Basis on the pooled data the results of study revealed that in case of tillage practices maximum nitrogen content in grain and straw (1.80 and 0.53%), Nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (93.34 and 36.26 kg ha-1). Phosphorus content in grain and straw (0.31 and 0.20%) Phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (16.23 and 13.80 kg ha-1), Potassium content in grain and straw (0.42 and 1.38%), Potassium uptake in grain and straw (22.15 and 93.88 kg ha-1) respectively was reported in conventional tillage whereas in case of various fertility levels maximum nitrogen content in grain and straw (1.83 and 0.59%), Nitrogen uptake in grain and straw (100.31 and 35.06 kg ha-1). Phosphorus content in grain and straw (0.35 and 0.25%) Phosphorus uptake in grain and straw (18.16 and 16.63 kg ha-1) respectively, Potassium content in grain and straw (0.45 and 1.41%), Potassium uptake in grain and straw (24.97 and 101.03 kg ha-1) respectively with the application of 125% RDF+ tebunconzole.

Effect of tillage practices and phosphorus doses on the performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in semi-arid Kandahar region of Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted in Kandahar, Afghanistan during summer (June-August) season of 2017 to assess the impact of different tillage practices and phosphorus doses on yield and economics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)]. Experiment consisted 12 treatment combinations of 3-tillage practices in main plots, viz., raised bed, zero tillage and conventional tillage and 4-phosphorus doses in sub-plots, viz. 0 (control), 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. Research findings of the study showed that yield attributes, seed and stover yields, harvest index and economics of mungbean were not significantly influenced by different tillage practices. Application of P resulted significantly higher growth and yield parameters compared to absolute control. Application of 80 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest seed yield (0.98 t/ha) and 60 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest stover yield (3.92 t/ha). In terms of economics, the highest net returns (58,238 AFN/ha) was recorded with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha, and the B: C ratio was the highest (2.24) with 40 kg P2 O5 /ha.

Effects of tillage practices on runoff and soil losses in response to different crop growth stages in the red soil region of southern China

Effects of tillage practices on runoff and soil losses in response to different crop growth stages in the red soil region of southern China

Effect of tillage practices and liquid seaweed as foliar spray on growth and yield of Sweet corn (Zea mays, saccharata, L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif -2021 and 2022, at Agronomy farm, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema on sandy clay loam soil to evaluate the response of different tillage practices and liquid seaweed on sweet corn (Zea mays, saccharata, L.). The result of the study revealed that among different tillage methods conventional tillage recorded significantly higher growth characteristics viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation, green cob yield, green fodder yield and protein yield. Foliar applications of liquid seaweed significantly enhanced the growth, yield attributes, yield and quality parameters. The highest growth and yield was recorded with applications of 10% Sargassum-sap followed by 10% Kappaphycus-sap over control. The highest green cob yield (18.49 t ha-1), green fodder yield (25.54 t ha-1) and protein content (11.10%) was also observed under conventional tillage among different tillage methods. Among seaweeds, application of 10% Sargassum-sap recorded maximum green cob yield (19.37 t ha-1) and green fodder yield (27.50 t ha-1) while highest protein content (11.35%) was noted with application of 15% Sargassum-sap among two species and three concentrations of liquid seaweed used.

Effects of Tillage Practices on the Growth and Yield of Maize, in the Guinea Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana

Abstract: A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) on various aspects of maize yield parameters and grain yield, using the Wagdaata maize variety. The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Tamale Technical University, located at Northern region, Tamale, Sagnarigu municipality in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana in 2023 cropping season. A randomised complete block design was used with three replicates. The treatments consisted of two tillage practices: conventional tillage (CVT) and conservation tillage (CST) and a control. The CVT involved plowing the soil to a depth of 15cm using a tractor plough with disk to plow. The CST involved use of hoe to make ridges and the control was direct seeding without loosen the soil. Plant height was evaluated every two weeks by measuring the height of maize to the base of the apex leaf. Other data collected were: maize leaf area. Cob characteristics including ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields. The present study revealed that plant height, maize leaf area and shoot dry weight increased in the ridges than the other tillage practices. Cob characteristics such as ear height, cob weight with husk, fresh cob weight, and dry cob weight, number of cobs per hectare and number of kernels per cob, 1000 seed weight and grain yields was also optimum with the ridges as a against the other tillage practices. The study showed increased grain yield by 66% in the ridge tillage (2,389 kg/ha) over the plough tillage (1,436 kg/ha). The study provides comprehensive insights into the impact of tillage practices on various aspects of maize growth and yield, with ridge tillage emerging as a favorable practice for optimizing maize plant development and overall productivity in the Guinea savannah ecological zone of Ghana.

Optimized tillage can enhance crop tolerance to extreme weather events: Evidence from field experiments and meta-analysis

The frequency of droughts and floods has increased due to climate change and human activities, leading to adverse impacts on agricultural production. Conventional tillage exacerbates the vulnerability of crops to extreme weather. Optimized tillage practices can maintain crop yield stability by increasing soil water-holding capacity during dry seasons and improving crop lodging resistance during heavy rainfall events. The effects of tillage practice under different rainfall types on the productivity of summer maize were studied by combining a five-year field experiment and a meta-analysis. The study tested four tillage treatments: conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), ridge cultivation with no-tillage (RNT), and winter wheat conventional tillage followed by summer maize no-tillage (NC). Normal rainfall years (2018, 2019 and 2021), a wet year (2020), and a drought year (2022) were experienced during the experiment. Compared to CT, NC significantly increased available soil water storage during the dry season by an average of 19.7 % (P < 0.05). NC and RNT had lower lodging rates during the wet year than CT, and over the five years, NC had a higher average maize yield (9.8 t ha−1) than RNT, while RNT had a higher yield during the wet year (10.7 t ha−1). NC also had significantly higher yield stability than CT. Furthermore, NC and RNT had higher rainwater use efficiencies (RUE) (23.9 and 23.0 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively) than NT and CT (22.9 and 21.6 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively). A meta-analysis showed that the crop yield under combined tillage (COT) was significantly higher than CT and NT by 6.7 % and 7.1 %, respectively, confirming the reliability and universality of the field experiment results. Overall, NC rotation is recommended as the best tillage system for sustainable crop production under semi-arid conditions, while RNT can be used in areas with abundant rainfall and prone to flooding. Our research findings offer evidence-based insights into management strategies that can enhance agricultural ecosystem resilience and production stability under extreme climate conditions.

Effect of Tillage Practices on Hydro-Physical Properties of Soils in a Rice-Grown Environment in North Central Nigeria

Effect of Tillage Practices on Hydro-Physical Properties of Soils in a Rice-Grown Environment in North Central Nigeria

Effects of tillage practices on soil organic carbon, microbial community and necromass in a double rice cropping system

No-tillage (NT) can enhance the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby aiding in climate change mitigation and improving soil fertility. However, the relations of soil microbial abundance, composition, and necromass to SOC increase under NT are still unclear, limiting the knowledge of SOC stabilization. We performed a 5-year paddy field experiment in southern China including NT, reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT). Soil microbial necromass C (MC, including fungal and bacterial necromass C, FC, and BC) were analyzed, as well as soil bacterial and fungal community composition. At a depth of 0–10 cm, NT increased FC (by 48.6 %–50.2 %, P < 0.05), BC (28.6 %–41.7 %), and MC (38.5 %–45.1 %, P < 0.05) but did not significantly alter the FC/BC and MC/SOC ratios. The increase rate of MC (NT vs. CT and RT) was 12.8–16.2 % higher than that of total SOC. Compared with 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, the MC/SOC ratio was 12.5 %–14.1 % lower at 20–30 cm. Linear regression indicated significant positive correlations of SOC with MC, BC, and FC, whereas no significant correlation was found between bacterial (or fungal) α-diversity (expressed by Shannon index) and BC (or FC). The Random Forest Model showed that several important fungal and bacterial Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) explained 14 %–73 % of the FC and BC variations. Therefore, the composition of the microbial community may play a pivotal role in driving the accumulation of MC. Short-term NT in rice paddies resulted in increased levels of both MC and SOC. Notably, the rate of increase in MC exceeded that of SOC, suggesting the potential for SOC stabilization.

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of a Sandy Loam under No-Till and Intensive Tillage in a Corn–Soybean Rotation

Tillage management practices have a dynamic impact on soil hydraulic properties and processes. There is a need for information about the effect of tillage practices on soil hydraulic properties for crops growing under sprinkler irrigation in the northern Great Plains. A long-term study was conducted from 2014 to 2018 to examine the effect of no tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) on the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of a sandy loam soil in a two-year corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. In situ Ks measurements were taken in the center of crop rows within NT and CT plots using a pressure ring infiltrometer at the soil surface (0–15 cm) and a constant head well permeameter at the subsurface (15–30 cm). Results indicated that Ks values were well described by a log-normal distribution at both depths. Results showed that logarithmic Ks (log Ks) was not significantly impacted by tillage. Averaged over the five-year study, the log-transformed Ks of 100 measurements was not significantly affected by tillage in the surface layer under either corn or soybean nor in the subsurface layer under soybean. However, the mean soil log Ks in CT plots (1.784 mm h−1) was significantly greater than that in NT plots (1.186 mm h−1) in the 15–30 cm layer under corn, while Ks was nearly 50% greater in CT than in NT. Large values for the coefficient of variation (CV%) of Ks measurements exhibited significant spatial variations of Ks among plots within each tillage treatment at both the soil surface and subsurface layers under corn and soybean. Thus, more studies under different soils and cropping systems with a larger sample size per treatment are needed to lower spatial variability within treatments and validate the effect of tillage on soil hydraulic properties.

Effect of tillage practices on durum wheat (Triticum durum) productivity under semi-arid climatic conditions

Effect of tillage practices on durum wheat (Triticum durum) productivity under semi-arid climatic conditions

Effect of tillage practices, mulching and intercropping on rainfed maize (Zea mays) in foothill of Shivaliks, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017 and 2018 at Advanced Centre for Rainfed Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Dhianasr, Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the effect of tillage, residue mulching and intercropping on nutrients, growth and yield of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. The treatments included conventional tillage (CT), CT+ mulching (CTm), CT + intercropping with mash [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] (CTi), minimum tillage (MT), MT + mulching (MTm), MT + intercropping with mash (MTi), MT + residue (MTr), zero tillage (ZT), ZT + mulching (ZTm) and ZT + residue (ZTr). The highest grain yield (3.01 t/ha) and yield attributes were recorded with minimum tillage + residue incorporation (MTr). However, the grain yield recorded in all the treatments were at par when equivalent yield of intercrop was taken. The intercropping of mash in maize sown by conventional tillage resulted in 34.3% reduction in grain yield of maize as compared to conventional tillage. The stover yield ranged from 5.65 to 7.93 t/ha and harvest index ranged from 23.8 to 32.5% in all the treatments was at par.

English

Flood based irrigation is a unique system practiced in the foothill plains of Suliaman ranges of western mountains of Pakistan.. In the current research, effect of tillage practices on the soil characteristics, different wheat genotypes and their attributes along with farmer economics were studied. The field trial was conducted at a farmers field with randomized complete block design with split plot sequence having genotypes in the main plots while tillage operation in the sub – plots. Three wheat genotypes including two improved varieties i.e. Pirsabak – 15 and Fateh Jhang and a single landrace were sown. Tillage operations included deep plough, conventional tillage, mulch tillage and zero – tillage. The results showed that soil tillage significantly influenced the physico – chemical characteristics of soils. The interaction between genotype and tillage also exhibited significant effect except for soil pH and total soil nitrogen. The agronomic parameters showed significant effect of both varities, tillage practices and their interaction except for total biomass. The grain protein content showed significantly higher total protein (13.61%) in the landrace as compared with the improved varieties. The BCR calculated at the harvest of the experiment showed that 3.86 for the local landrace with deep plough and the least was observed 2.96 in the improved variety (Fateh Jhang) on zero tillage plots. It may be concluded from the results that improved variety (Pirsabak) gave better result in term of yield. Landrace also showed a good response to tillage.

Long-Term Conservation Tillage Increases Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Regulating Substances Related to Stress on the Semi-Arid Loess Plateau of China

Improving the water-use efficiency (WUE) of crops is the most effective way to increase yields in semi-arid regions. Field research was carried out based on a long-term experiment initiated in 2001, aimed to explore the mechanisms of different tillage practices effects on grain yield and WUE of spring wheat. Tillage practices in the research including conventional tillage (CT), no tillage with no straw mulching (NT), conventional tillage with straw incorporation (TS), and no tillage with straw mulching (NTS). The effects of tillage practices on soil’s physical and chemical properties, dry matter accumulation, grain yield, dynamics of stress-related substances, and WUE were observed. Soil and plant samples in this research were collected in 2020 (wet year), 2021 (dry year), and 2022 (dry year). The results indicated that NTS improved the soil’s physical and chemical properties. The NTS treatment had the lowest soil bulk and pH and the highest total N, NO3--N, and available P. Throughout the whole growth stage, soil water content in the NTS and TS treatments were significantly higher than that of CT by 8.77–20.40% and 2.19–18.83, respectively. Averaged catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and soluble protein across the three years with NTS and TS were significantly increased by 1.26–25.52% compared to CT. Meanwhile, the NTS treatment had the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content among the different tillage practices. NTS maintained the highest dry matter accumulation throughout the whole growth stage among different treatments; it was increased by 10.47–73.33% compared with CT. The average grain yields and WUE of NTS across the three years were 6.09–30.70% and 6.79–40.55% higher than other tillage practices, respectively. It is concluded that NTS influences dry matter accumulation and water-use efficiency during the whole growth stage of spring wheat by improving the soil’s physicochemical properties and modulating spring wheat substances related to stress, which in turn promotes yield formation.

The effect of tillage methods on soil physical properties and maize yield in Eastern Inner Mongolia

Long-term shallow tillage has degraded the soil structure, which has increased the difficulty of increasing the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Eastern Inner Mongolia. The aim of this study was to select optimal tillage practices to gain high maize yield in this region. The experiment included farm shallow rotary tillage (FR), strip cultivation (SC), subsoiling (SS), deep ploughing (DP) and no-tillage (NT) in maize fields in Chifeng, Tongliao, Xingan and Hulun Buir, Eastern Inner Mongolia. The effects of tillage practices on soil physical properties and maize yield were studied from 2018 to 2020. The results showed that bulk densities of SC, SS and DP were all lower than that of FR at each site. In contrast, the soil aeration porosity was higher from SC, SS and DP compared with FR at some soil depths. The water contents of DP and SS at Tongliao and Xingan and no-tillage (NT) at Hulun Buir were higher than that of FR. Correlation analysis showed favorable soil conditions promoted maize grain yield. The yields of maize that used SC and DP were 4.3% and 10.96% significantly higher in Chifeng, respectively, while the yields in Xingan were 15.93% and 18.22% significantly higher than those of FR, respectively. SS and DP resulted in a higher yield in Tongliao, and the other tillage methods had a higher yield in Hulun Buir compared with FR, whereas, the yield of NT was less than that of FR in Chifeng and Tongliao. Based on the physical properties of the soil and yield of maize, SC and DP are the optimal tillage practice for Chifeng and Xingan; SS and DP are optimal for Tongliao and Hulun Buir.

Effects of tillage practice on fungal and actinobacterial cellulolytic community with different humified particle‐size fractions in a double‐cropping paddy field

AbstractSoil cellulose plays a vital role in keeping or increasing carbon (C) cycling and fertility of rice fields. There is a close relation between soil fulvic acid (FA), humin (HM) fractions, and GH48, cbhI genes. However, the effects of different tillage practices on soil humus C content composition, GH48, and cbhI genes abundances in different soil particle‐size fractions of double‐cropping rice fields still need to be further investigated. Therefore, the impacts of different short‐term tillage practices on soil GH48 and cbhI genes abundances in double‐cropping rice fields were conducted. This experiment set up different tillage practices: rotary tillage with crop straw removed as a control (RTO), conventional tillage with crop straw in put (CT), rotary tillage with crop straw in put (RT), and no‐tillage with crop straw retain (NT). The result indicated that the distribution of soil humus, and GH48, cbhI genes abundances were significantly enhanced under combined applied with tillage and crop straw incorporation conditions. Soil FA, HM, and humic acid (HA) C content in 2000–50 μm and &gt;2000 μm fractions with RTO treatment were significantly lower than that of CT, RT, and NT treatments. This result showed that oalkyl and alkyl of HA and FA in 2000–200, 200–50, 50–2, and 2–0.1 μm fractions with CT, RT, NT, and RTO treatments were lower than that of &gt;2000 μm fraction. There was lower ARO% and more AL% of FA and HA in these fractions under the same tillage condition. The result showed that GH48 and cbhI genes abundances in these fractions with CT, RT, and NT treatments were significantly higher than that of RTO treatment. There had significantly positively correlated with GH48, cbhI genes abundances, and soil HA, FA, HM C contents, o‐alkyl C, and AL% of FA. Therefore, it was positively practiced for increasing GH48 and cbhI genes abundances in the double‐cropping rice fields by applying with tillage and crop straw incorporation.

Thirteen‐year stover harvest and tillage effects on soil compaction in Iowa

AbstractCorn (Zea mays L.) stover is an abundant biomass source with multiple end‐uses including cellulosic biofuel production. However, stover removal may increase soil compaction by reducing organic matter inputs and increasing vehicle loads during harvest. While numerous studies have reported stover removal impacts on soil physical quality, few have assessed the role played by traffic compaction. Our objective was to quantify subsurface soil compaction after 13 years of chisel plow versus no‐till management and no, moderate (3.5 ± 1.1 Mg ha−1 year−1), or high (5.0 ± 1.7 Mg ha−1 year−1) stover harvest rates. Penetration resistance was measured in most‐ and least‐trafficked interrow spaces. Chisel plowed plots with moderate and high levels of stover removal had higher penetration resistance in trafficked areas relative to least‐trafficked areas, whereas there was no evidence of traffic compaction when stover was retained. Traffic compaction did not negatively impact yields, which were greater with high levels of stover removal compared to no removal. The no‐till practice led to very small increases in penetration resistance with wheel traffic and had no evidence of increased compaction with residue removal. This lack of traffic compaction indicated soils under no‐till practice have a higher load‐bearing capacity than soils under chisel plow practice. Overall, there were no yield‐limiting effects of tillage practice or stover removal, and no evidence of soil compaction below the plow layer, suggesting stover removal with both tillage practices can be effectively employed without detrimental effects on plant or soil health.

Tillage and cover crop mixtures interseeded in maize–soybean in the upper Midwest

AbstractEcosystem benefits of winter‐killed annual cover crops are less studied than winter hardy annuals. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the effects of tillage practices and cover crop mixtures on biomass and soil cover of cover crops seeded into nearly mature maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and (2) if cover crop biomass can be estimated from soil surface coverage measurements. The study was conducted within two long‐term tillage trials from 2016 to 2018. Tillage included conventional—(CT), strip—(ST), and no‐till—(NT). Cover crops included annual ryegrass (AR; Lolium multiflorum L.); AR and crimson clover (CC; Trifolium incarnatum L.) mixture (ARCC); AR, CC, and forage radish (FR; Raphanus sativus L.) mixture (ARCCFR); and no‐cover (NC). Seeding rates for AR, ARCC, and ARCCFR were 28, 36, and 40.5 kg ha−1, respectively. The ARCCFR mix produced the most biomass (256 kg ha−1), followed by AR (174 kg ha−1) and ARCC (165 kg ha−1). Cover crop biomass was 260 and 136 kg ha−1 in maize and soybean; and 218, 201, and 177 kg ha−1 in CT, ST, and NT, respectively. Cover crop soil coverage between rows was 25% in maize and 14% in soybean. Cover crop biomass was associated with soil surface coverage (R2 = 0.841). Given that cover crop biomass drives ecosystem services associated with cover crops, limited biomass and ground coverage of winter killed cover crops seeded into nearly mature maize and soybean may not add ecosystem services in the upper Midwest.