advantage of winter rainfall ( Brasier et al. 2021 ). In California, faba bean is popular as cover crop due to its high biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) potential, strong tap root, and upright growth habit ( Smither-Kopperl 2019 ). As a member of the
). Among organic producers, there is growing interest in using winter annual cover crops with no-tillage systems to manage weeds and reduce reliance on mechanical cultivation. No-tillage organic systems rely on cover crops to replace the use of herbicides
12 ORAL SESSION 1 (Abstr. 001-008) Vegetables: Cover Crops/Culture and Management
There have been reports of cover crops increasing the yield of the following crops ( Clark, 2007 ; Dabney et al., 2010 ; Delgado et al., 2007 ). However, there is a need for additional research on the potential benefits that cover crops may have
Cover crops are gaining popularity in orchards and vineyards for their ability to improve soil health and increase biodiversity ( Ingels et al., 1998 ). Apple orchards typically have a weed-free zone in the tree row to reduce competition and
12 ORAL SESSION 1 (Abstr. 001-008) Vegetables: Cover Crops/Culture and Management
12 ORAL SESSION 1 (Abstr. 001-008) Vegetables: Cover Crops/Culture and Management
near tree trunks of young trees. The majority of Florida citrus growers interviewed in 2001 expressed a strong interest in the use of cover crops (CC) to prevent soil degradation and to suppress weed growth (Scholberg, unpublished). Cover crops may
. capitata ) are annually produced ( Elwakil and Mossler, 2016 ; USDA-NASS, 2014 ). A major advantage of sunn hemp over many cover crops, particularly sorghum-sudangrass (SSG) [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], is that it is a poor host for fall armyworm
tillage or herbicides. Although effective, herbicides and excessive tillage lead to environmental issues such as herbicide-resistant weeds ( Chatham et al., 2015 ) and reduced soil organic matter ( Reicosky et al., 1995 ). Cover crops are an alternative to