Author
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Abdul Baki, Aref |
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Submitted to: Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: This presentation reviews the need for, and the advantages of, incorporating cover crops into vegetable production rotations. It further discusses the major factors that the growers should consider in selecting a cover crop or a mixture of cover crops in order to maximize the benefits from the cover crop and reduce the production cost. This information is used by large- and small-scale vegetable growers, home gardeners, extension specialists, horticulturists, and consumers. Technical Abstract: Success in using cover crops in vegetable production rotations depends on adaptability of the cover crops and management practices. Several factors that relate to adaptability are: (1) Adaptability of the cover crops to the vegetable rotation and their fitness into the idle part of the year; (2) Adaptability of the cover crops to temperature extremes; (3) Adaptability of one cover crop to another when planted in a mixture; and (4) Adaptability to drought in dry regions. Management of cover crops aims at providing optimal conditions for maximum production of biomass, fixation of nitrogen, and reduction of weed pressure. These issues are discussed based on several years of research findings with particular emphasis on the mid-Atlantic states. |
