An eight-year study across Iowa showed increased soybean yield in seven site-years and corn yields in two-site years where cereal rye cover crops were introduced. The Iowa Learning Farms and Practical Farmers of Iowa conducted the study with 12 farmers establishing replicated strips of winter cereal rye cover crop and strips with no cover crop within their corn and soybean rotation. Farmers near West Chester and Kalona took part. In the study, the cover crop was either drilled after harvest or aerially seeded into standing crops each fall, and then terminated the following spring by herbicide a week or two before planting. After the harvest was completed each year the farmers reported, when properly managed the cover crops had little to no negative effect, and in some cases improved yields. Cover crops can also reduce erosion, improve soil health, and suppress winter and early season weeds. Click here to see the full study.