Effects of Different Cover Crops on Sweet Corn and Bell Pepper Production

Abstract

Rye and crimson clover as winter cover crops and red clover as a companion crop were evaluated in sweet corn and bell pepper production systems in South Carolina. Winter cover crops were planted in fall and incorporated into the soil 3 weeks prior to planting vegetable crops. Red clover was overseeded with the vegetable crops. There were no significant differences among treatments for corn yield. Marketable number and weight of bell peppers were significantly higher in both winter cover crops compared to red clover and fallow (control) treatments. Number of cull peppers (smaller peppers than USDA grades) were lower in both cover crops compared to other treatments. Lack of response in red clover compared to the fallow treatment may be due to the lower emergence of red clover when used as a companion crop with bell pepper. Marketable bell pepper yield was higher in the late harvest compared to the early harvest in all the treatments.