Cover Crops and Gypsum Applications: Soybean and Corn Yield and Profitability Impacts

This study evaluated no-tillage management systems for soybeans and corn with and without cover crops and FGD gypsum treatments. Replicated field experiments were conducted in Ohio (two locations), Indiana and Alabama during 2012-2016. This article addresses yield and profitability consequences of these systems. Results provided no evidence of yield change associated with gypsum application. There were significant differences in yield at all four sites for plots with cover crops (three positive and one negative). Profitability was negatively impacted by gypsum application at all four sites, while cover crop impacts on profits were statistically significant (negative) for only one site.