reduce
erosion
suppress
weeds
enhance
mycorrhizal
numbers
add
organic
matter
suppress
nematodes
increase
infiltration
of water
add N
(legume)
cover
crops
Figure 10.1. Cover crops have multiple benefits.
attract
beneficial
insects
decrease
nutrient
loss
b) Root holes (bio-drilling) and root remains in spring
following fall forage radish. Black pen (see arrow) in
hole for scale.
a) Root of forage radish.
c)) Horizontal cracks with rye (left) and vertical
cracks with forage radish (right).
Figure 10.4. Brassica cover crop roots. Photos by R. Weil.
a
main crop
cover crop
b
main
crop
main
crop
cover crop
c
main
crop
main
crop
cover crop
January
July
January
cover crop
July
January
Figure 10.5. Three ways to time cover crop growth for use with a summer crop.
a
winter grain
cover crop
b
early vegetables
early vegetables
cover crop
C
early vegetables
cover crop
winter grain
cover crop
cover crop
January
July
January
July
January
Figure 10.6. Timing cover crop growth for winter grain, early vegetable, and
vegetable-grain systems.