Double Crop Project (Joint with USB)

Double cropping soybeans is a popular production practice in many states across the U. S. Corn Belt including the Ohio River Region (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri), Mid-South (Lower Mississippi/Delta Region including Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana), and the Plains Region (Kansas and Oklahoma) totaling 11 states. In addition, double cropping also is prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic coastal states in which double crop research activities currently are funded by the USB. While the soy/wheat double cropping system is popular, most producers do not manage double crop soybeans as aggressively as full-season soybeans, and yields are less. The goal of this double crop project is to improve the yield and profitability of soybeans grown in double crop systems without sacrificing wheat yield or profitability. Over the course of three years, these three regions (Mid-South, Ohio River, and Plains) will conduct research and create fact sheets or management guides to communicate the importance of adopting best management practices. Some specific goals over the course of the next three years include: l Regional teams will meet annually and individually to discuss project activities; and all four U.S. regions, including the Mid-Atlantic region (funded by the USB under a separate contract) will meet at the Commodity Classic in New Orleans in 2016 to share ideas and tactics. l Identifying and compiling data from past research projects l Assessing and prioritizing research needs and projects l Conducting field research projects focusing on improved management practices l Communicating the benefit of adopting best management practices through state and regional meetings and events l Developing extension fact sheets and guides sharing best management practices Surveying farmers about current practices and adoption of best management practices