When a cover crop is terminated, the fresh residue is broken down by microbes in the soil. These microbes use N and other key nutrients found in the cover crop residue as fuel sources for the break-down process. However, if there is not enough N in the residue to complete the process, microbes will use N from the soil instead.
Choosing a cover crop cocktail is only a start, says Adam Daugherty, as managing carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and adapting planting strategies play a big role in success.
There are many variables for growers to consider when they’re implementing cover-crop mixes into their no-till rotation — including mix design, carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios, cash-crop goals, termination strategies and biomass management.
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On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Montag Manufacturing, growers from across the U.S. share their predictions for the upcoming planting season, including one no-tiller who’s “bullish” about a great spring.
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