This Maize Update discusses key issues for consideration in the choice and establishment of over-winter cover crops, along with the results of a five-year trial at FAR’s Northern Crops Research Site which researched the potential for over-winter cover crops to suppress weeds in the following no-till maize grain crop.
Key Points:
- Typically, annual arable and pasture species are used as cover crops.
- The most common use of cover crops is as an alternative to winter fallow.
- Winter cover crops achieved good weed suppression in a five-year maize trial.
- Legume cover crops increased maize grain yield more than non-legume cover crops.
- Cover crops without herbicides can achieve good weed suppression.
- Cover crops with a single post-emergent herbicide, achieve effective weed management while maintaining grain yields.
- These results apply to a no-till system with retained residue and a later planting date.