Summer cover crops for improved nitrogen- and weed management in organic cropping systems with reduced tillage in temperate climates
Keywords:
Cover crop cultivation, green manures, cover crop species, cover crop mixtures, organic farming, reduced tillage, N-uptake, weed suppression, incorporation timeAbstract
Cover crops are important tools in organic cropping systems with reduced tillage. In this paper results of an extensive literature review regarding the N-supply potential and the ability of weed suppression by cover crops are presented. N-uptake and biomass yield data of different cover crop species and mixtures are given in tables. They are – even within one species – highly fluctuating. N uptake is – also across species – strongly dependent on biomass yield. Reasons for a good N-uptake ability are discussed. The control of the mineralisation through the choice of the incorporation date is considered. Mechanisms of weed control and possibilities to optimize weed control through cover crops are described. The cultivation of cover crop mixtures is presented. Compared to sole cropping, mixed cropping may offer higher yield stability.
DOI: 10.1399/JfK.2018.06.01, https://doi.org/10.1399/JfK.2018.06.01
