U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database

Winter cover crop performance metrics (i.e., vegetative biomass quantity and quality) affect ecosystem services provisions but vary widely due to differences in agronomic practices, soil properties, and climate. Cereal rye (Secale cereale) is the most common winter cover crop in the United States due to its winter hardiness, low seed cost, and high biomass production. We compiled data on cereal rye winter cover crop performance metrics, agronomic practices, and soil properties across the eastern half of the United States. The dataset includes a total of 5,695 cereal rye biomass observations across 208 site-years between 2001–2022 and encompasses a wide range of agronomic, soil, and climate conditions. Cereal rye biomass values had a mean of 3,428 kg ha−1, a median of 2,458 kg ha−1, and a standard deviation of 3,163 kg ha−1. The data can be used for empirical analyses, to calibrate, validate, and evaluate process-based models, and to develop decision support tools for management and poli..., , , # U.S. cereal rye winter cover crop growth database

We compiled data on cereal rye winter cover crop performance metrics, agronomic practices, and soil properties across the eastern half of the United States. The dataset includes a total of 5,695 cereal rye biomass observations across 208 site years between 2001-2022 and encompasses a wide range of agronomic, soil, and climate conditions.

## Description of the data and file structure

Data files are numbered and described in the 1_data_dictionary.csv file, and an R script to reproduce the figures is provided. 1_data_dictionary.csv provides a definition of variables for the following files. 2_study_metadata.csv provides detailed site location, study design information, the DOI for any published data, and methods information for any unpublished data. 3_rye_data.csv provides cereal rye-related data associated with biomass observations. 4_agronomic_data.csv provides agronomic management data general to each study. 5_soil_data.csv provides...