Alfalfa has been a dependable player in Wisconsin’s forage and cover crop systems for decades, but researchers at the USDA are working to expand farmers’ options. Rye and vetch, two versatile crops with big potential, are getting a closer look in trials led by USDA plant breeder Dr. Lisa Kissing Kucek.
Study On Rye
“Rye is used in so many different ways,” Kissing Kucek says. “In some systems, it’s planted after grain corn in early November and it has to survive winter with almost no added nitrogen. In others, it’s planted earlier after silage corn, grows bigger, and gets more nutrients. Each of those systems needs different traits from the plant.”
One of rye’s biggest benefits is its natural weed-fighting ability. “Rye produces allelopathic compounds. Essentially, natural chemicals that stop weed seeds from germinating,” Kissing Kucek explains. “It’s like an amazing biological herbicide, which is especially helpful for soybeans struggling with herbicide-resistant weeds.”
On the forage side, breeders are looking for rye that produces high yields with strong protein content and digestibility. They also look for one that flowers late to hold quality longer into the season.
Study On Vetch
Vetch, another crop in the research spotlight, offers strong winter hardiness and high biomass production. But it also has drawbacks that limit its widespread use. “We’ve been working on vetch for about eight years,” says Cusack. “One challenge is hard seed. This is seed that can stay dormant and then pop up years later in a different crop. That’s a headache for farmers, so we’re breeding for soft seed varieties.”
Vetch can also be risky for livestock. “It can cause what’s called vetch disease in cattle,” Kissing Kucek notes. “It’s unpredictable and some genetics are susceptible and some aren’t. We’re testing different varieties, harvest timings, and feeding methods to give growers recommendations that keep livestock safe.”
Kissing Kucek says it typically takes a decade from starting trials to having a commercial-ready product, but progress is being made. “Our goal is to give farmers more reliable, productive, and safe cover crop options that fit their specific systems,” she says.
If successful, Wisconsin farmers could soon have more tools in their toolbox—crops that not only protect soil and fight weeds, but also feed livestock and boost farm profitability.
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