Seed size variability has implications for achieving cover cropping goals

It is common to use mass-based units (e.g., kg ha–1) describe cover crop seeding rates. However, this convention obscures important information about seed size and resulting plant density in the field, which may be linked performance ecosystem services. Seed counts of 27 lots commercially available winter rye (Secale cereale L.) spanned a wide range from 28,000 50,000 seeds kg–1. If with lowest highest were seeded at rate 125 ha–1, it would result nearly twofold difference density-based rate, or 3.0 5.6 million live ha–1. Including metrics such as per area in-field research will help advance our understanding management, these efforts make easier for farmers policymakers tailor cropping practices specific goals.