Abstract
In a no-till system, there are many different methods available for terminating cover crops. Mechanical termination, utilizing rolling and crimping technology, is one method that injures the plant without cutting the stems. Another popular and commercially available method is mowing, but this can cause problems with cover crop re-growth and loose residue interfering with the planter during cash crop planting. A field experiment was conducted over three growing seasons in northern Alabama to determine the effects of different cover crops and termination methods on cantaloupe yield in a no-till system. Crimson clover, cereal rye, and hairy vetch cover crops were terminated using two different roller-crimpers, including a two-stage roller-crimper for four-wheel tractors and a powered roller-crimper for a two-wheel walk-behind tractor. Cover crop termination rates were evaluated one, two, and three weeks after termination. Three weeks after rolling, a higher termination rate was found for flail mowing (92%) compared to lower termination rates for a two-stage roller (86%) and powered roller-crimper (85%), while the control termination rate was only 49%. There were no significant differences in cantaloupe yield among the rolling treatments, which averaged 38,666 kg ha−1. However, yields were higher for cereal rye and hairy vetch cover crops (41,785 kg ha−1 and 42,000 kg ha−1) compared to crimson clover (32,213 kg ha−1).
Highlights
IntroductionCover crops are utilized to improve soil properties and to enhance cash crop growth
In conservation systems, cover crops are utilized to improve soil properties and to enhance cash crop growth
Termination rates for all cover crops by the flail mower were higher compared to the roller-crimpers at one and two weeks after rolling
Summary
Cover crops are utilized to improve soil properties and to enhance cash crop growth. The benefits associated with cover crops include reduced soil erosion, reduced runoff, and increased infiltration and water holding capacity. According to Reeves [1], cover crops provide weed suppression due to mulching and allelopathic effects, increased soil organic carbon, and reduced soil compaction. Cover crops must be terminated at the appropriate growth stage to optimize biomass production and to create a thick mulch layer on the soil surface through which cash crops are direct seeded [2,3]. The planting of cash crops is performed by placing seeds into soil with desiccated cover crop residue on the soil surface. The proper management of cover crop residues is key to the effective no-till planting of cash crops into residue cover without interfering with the planting operation
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