Crop Rotation

Tire tracks in muddy clay soil
Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.

The Soil Health Exchange: Addressing Waterlogging Issues with Soil Health Management

January 30, 2024
Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, UNL experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices that can improve drainage issues. 

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Aerial view of field
Photo courtesy USDA ARS

More Diverse Crop Rotations Improve Yield, Yield Stability and Soil Health

October 25, 2021
Results from a long-term rainfed no-till crop rotation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer systems study, which concluded that crop rotation has more agronomic and soil benefits compared to fertilizer-N alone.

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Alfalfa field

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weeds and Thinning Stands

March 10, 2021
In a new Pasture and Forage Minute, Todd Whitney shares tips on best spraying practices for alfalfa weeds, and Ben Beckman explains why putting off the chore of replacing alfalfa stands could be costing your operation.  

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winter wheat next to corn field

Adding Winter Wheat to a Crop Rotation

September 2, 2020
Would you believe that some growers are adding winter wheat to their rotation to improve soil health? A healthy functioning soil provides numerous local ecosystem benefits including improved water quality, flood and drought mitigation.

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Corn and soybean strip plots
Figure 1. Corn and soybean strip plots at South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) near Clay Center, Nebraska, 2019. Photo by Osler Ortez.

Yield Penalties for continuous Corn and Soybean in the Midwest, US

April 8, 2020
Soybean and corn are the most commonly rotated crops in the Midwest, United States. Rotation benefits are well documented for both crops.

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Photo of demonstration plot comparing field peas (left) and chickpeas

Study of Wheat Behind Field Peas, Chickpeas, Soybeans and Fallow

October 4, 2019
Field demonstration plots near Grant compare water availability, crop water use efficiency, yield, and other factors when wheat is planted after fallow, field peas, chickpeas, and soybeans.

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Comparison of wheat crop budgets

Winter Wheat Crop Budgets Available for 7 Systems

August 30, 2019
Customizable winter wheat crop production budgets can be a farm management tool as you look at costs and possible cost-savings areas for the next crop.

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Figure 6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln winter wheat variety trial (25 entries/varieties) on July 16 in Washington County hosted by Hoegermeyer Farms, southwest of Herman. (Photo by Nathan Mueller)
Figure 6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln winter wheat variety trial (25 entries/varieties) on July 16 in Washington County hosted by Hoegermeyer Farms, southwest of Herman. (Photo by Nathan Mueller)

A Review of the 2018-19 Eastern Nebraska Winter Wheat Growing Season

August 15, 2019
Nebraska Extension educators review the wheat production season in eastern Nebraska and factors affecting it, from a rough start with cool, wet conditions to a good finish.

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