Continuous corn demands a lot of nitrogen. A researcher at Purdue University, Yichao Rui, is evaluating a perennial cover crop, Kura clover, that he hopes can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. “If we can successfully find a cover crop that can fit into a condensed corn system all year round and fix the nitrogen issue that can help provide ecosystem services that are much needed for continuous corn production.” The research has found that Kura clover systems can help reduce nitrogen leeching into tile systems and into the groundwater.” Surviving the winter and avoiding competition with row crops are some of the challenges Rui is finding. “You want them to supplement, provide some complementary services, but not be too dominant in a way that’s competing for resources.”
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