"Waiting too long or killing too soon can eliminate the soil biomass that farmers have spent all season growing. Knowing which crops will follow the cover crop, what tools are on hand, and the farm's overall system are all paramount to growing cover crops."
"If the soil tends to be dry, it's best to terminate up to a couple of weeks before planting your next crop. Otherwise, farmers can plant into it and terminate after their new plants emerge."
"Growers should always terminate the crop before it goes to seed. This prevents resprouting and allows for the easiest management down the line."
"Mowing is an easy and fast method for eliminating the crop, and leaves roots in the ground for building biomass. It's best to kill cover crop plantings this way when flowering has begun, but seed formation hasn't."
Farmers must carefully consider the timing and method for terminating cover crops to maximize soil biomass. Termination should align with the goals for the farmland and the crops that will follow. Factors such as soil moisture and pest presence influence the timing of termination. Mowing is an effective method for killing cover crops, especially when done at the right flowering stage. It is essential to terminate before seed formation to prevent resprouting and facilitate easier management in the future.
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