We know cover crops can provide a physical barrier on top of the soil to smother and suppress emerging weeds. But many researchers and farmers worry and wonder how that same physical barrier might influence preemergence soil residual herbicides, which must reach the soil to control emerging weeds.
Cover crops can serve as a useful tool of an integrated weed management program. Research at the University of Nebraska has shown that cover crops such as cereal rye can provide good control of winter annual weeds and other troublesome species like horseweed, and also provide early-season suppression of summer annual weeds like waterhemp.
The National No-Tillage Conference returns January 7-10, 2025!Build and refine your no-till system with dozens of new ideas and connections at the 33rd Annual National No-Tillage Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 7-10, 2025. Experience an energizing 4-day agenda featuring inspiring general session speakers, expert-led No-Till Classrooms and collaborative No-Till Roundtables. Plus, Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered.
Last week we had boots on the ground at the Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls, Iowa where agronomist David Kleinschmidt emphasized the importance of considering Carbon to Nitrogen ratios of cover crops and residues.