Cover crop performance under a changing climate in continuous corn system over Nebraska

Fall‐planted cover crop (CC) within a continuous corn (Zea mays L.) system offers potential agroecosystem benefits, including mitigating the impacts of increased temperature and variability in precipitation patterns. A long‐term simulation using the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer model was made to assess the effects of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) on no‐till continuous corn yield and soil properties under historical (1991–2020) and projected climate (2041–2070) in eastern Nebraska. Local weather data during the historical period were used, while climate change projections were based on the Canadian Earth System Model 2 dynamically downscaled using the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis Regional Climate Model 4 under two representative concentration pathways (RCP), namely, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Simulations results indicated that CC impacts on corn yield were nonsignificant under historical and climate change conditions. Climate change created favorable conditions for CC growth, resulting in an increase in biomass. CC reduced N leaching under climate change scenarios compared to an average reduction of 60% (7 kg ha−1) during the historical period. CC resulted in a 6% (27 mm) reduction in total water in soil profile (140 cm) and 22% (27 mm) reduction in plant available water compared to no cover crop during historical period. CC reduced cumulative seasonal surface runoff/soil evaporation and increased the rate of soil organic carbon buildup. This research provides valuable information on how changes in climate can impact the performance of cereal rye CC in continuous corn production and should be scaled to wider locations and CC species. Core Ideas Climate change projections accelerated the development rate of cover crop biomass. Cereal rye had no significant impact on corn yield under historical and future climate. Cover crops reduced surface runoff and soil evaporation during the growing seasons. Cereal rye depleted more soil moisture compared to winter fallow. Cover crop increased soil organic carbon under both historical and representative concentration pathways scenarios.