-E. Taylor
MSU is participating in a study with several other states in the North East region of the US to look at how cover crop residues impact weed seed decay over time. To study this we use mesh bags filled with a known number of seeds and sand and add known amounts of cover crop materials. Cover crops being studied in MI include rye, medium red clover, and no cover. The seed bags will be retrieved over the coming 2 years to see how many viable seeds remain. Why would cover crop residues impact seed degradation you ask? Perhaps the increased microbial activity associated with breaking down cover crop residues will also impact seed degradation.
Rye incorporation prior to bag burial
Mesh bag containing sand, weed seeds, and rye residue