Cover Crop Biomass and Termination Considerations

Visit: https://sites.udel.edu/agronomy/2022/03/25/cover-crop-biomass-and-termination-considerations/

Delaware Agronomy Blog- by Jarrod Miller, Amy Shober, & Mark VanGessel, March 25, 2022

The benefits of cover crops to the following corn crop can include additional nitrogen (N) or weed suppression, but maximizing these benefits requires later termination to build greater biomass. These N and weed control characteristics are especially appealing this season as input costs are relatively high while supplies are relatively low. However, growers should take the time to estimate the additional costs of allowing a more robust cover crop to accumulate this spring, as surface residues reduce proper seed placement as well as limit seed to soil contact. This article will discuss the management of cover crops for both maximizing N benefits as well as weed suppression in the following corn crop. Continue reading…