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Abstract There are numerous reports of the beneficial effects of rotating corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr.. However, few studies have been specifically designed to document the important corn‐soybean rotation effect. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of various corn and soybean cropping patterns on the yield of both crops. The 9‐year field study conducted at two locations was managed for maximum production. Cropping sequences consisted of: continuous monoculture with the same cultivar; continuous monoculture with cultivars alternated; annual rotation of the two crops; and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 yr of monoculture following 5 yr of the other crop. Annually rotated corn yielded 10% better, and first‐year corn yielded 15% better than corn under monoculture. Annually rotated soybean yielded 8% better, and first year soybean yielded 17% better than soybean under monoculture. With monoculture of either crop, alternating two different cultivars annually resulted in the same yield as continuous cropping of just one cultivar. There were differences in the response of the two crops to increasing years of monoculture: the lowest corn yield was from second year corn; the lowest soybean yield was from extended monoculture. Total corn dry weight was affected by cropping sequence but soybean dry weight was not. Our data suggest that, from a yield standpoint, a superior cropping sequence for Minnesota would include at least three, and possibly more crops.
Crookston et al. (Tue,) studied this question.