1. Nitrogen Fertilization Requirement and Corn-Soybean Productivity in a Rye Cover Cropping System

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs for intensive corn-based cropping systems can increase nitrate (NO 3 -N) concentrations in groundwater. Nitrogen tr ansport in surface water to the Gulf of Mexico is also an on-going issu e for the upper Mississippi river ba sin, especially areas with large corn and soybean acreage. Education and policy efforts have focused on i\provement in N application rate, timing, management, and crop N us e efficiency. However, additional means to reduce N loss are needed. Recent...