Ground Cover (IMAGE) Iowa State University Caption Currently, living mulch negatively impacts yield. The corn on the left is not competing with ground cover. The corn on the right, which has living mulch between the rows, must compete for water and nutrients. Once researchers find the right combination of corn and ground cover, they believe yields will not be impacted, and soil quality will be maintained. Credit ISU courtesy photo Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.