Riparian buffers (RB) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can improve water and soil quality. However, these practices can reduce crop yields, especially at the tree/CRP‐crop interface. The objective of this study was to quantify yield differences in a no‐till corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation with a multi‐species RB, CRP, and riparian with root pruning (RRP). Crop yields were determined in triplicate plots by rows from 2007 to 2010. Regression analysis was used to evaluate yield differences among years and distances from the tree/CRP‐crop interface and RRP. Corn yield at 0.76‐m was 97, 97, 65, and 66% lower than the yield at 9‐m away from the interface in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively for RB. Averaged across 4 yr corn yields at 0.76 m was 61, 74, and 81% of that at 3, 6, and 9 m. The CRP had no effect on corn yields. Effects of RB and CRP were not significant for soybean. The RRP showed increasing yield for rows from the tree interface for corn and soybean. The distance explained 21 to 60% and 15 to 52% of the yield variations in corn and soybean, respectively, with the RRP treatment. Results are applicable only to the studied distances. Results of the study suggest selection of a less sensitive crop such as soybean for use with RB in the first 9 m (12 rows), or use of CRP to generate additional income and ecosystem services to offset any loss in grain.Core Ideas
This manuscript evaluated riparian buffer, CRP, and riparian with root pruning on corn and soybean yields for 4 years.
Riparian with root pruning significantly reduced crop yields near the buffer/crop border. The CRP effect was not significant.
Results of the study imply the importance of land management practices for production and environmental benefits.
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