Effective Rye Seeding Rates for Enhanced Weed Control in Organic No-Till Soybean Cultivation

Recent research published in the journal Weed Science by the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) sheds light on the significant role that cereal rye can play in suppressing weeds within organic no-till soybean farming. According to the study conducted over two growing seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at the Pennsylvania State University’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, seeding higher amounts of cereal rye can greatly reduce competition from weeds.

The research led by Laurel Wellman, a Ph.D. candidate, found that higher densities of rye not only minimized weed biomass effectively but also maintained soybean yields. Various methods were employed during the study, including different seeding rates ranging from 0.5 to 3 bushels per acre, and variations in sowing arrangements such as grid versus row sowing. The team assessed the effects of applying fall poultry litter and determined the outcomes of planting either green or according to standard practices.

One key finding of the study indicated that although the increased seeding rates of cereal rye did not enhance rye biomass, they significantly improved weed suppression. “The study reveals that all rates of cereal rye significantly decreased weed biomass compared to control plots with no rye,” explained Wellman.