Published January 1998. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Declared out of print April 2010. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog
Cover crop selection and management depend on many factors, among them the cover crop’s ability to accumulate dry matter (i.e., residues) and nitrogen (N). Dry matter provides energy for soil organisms, contributes to soil organic matter, improves tilth, and acts as a sink for nutrients.
Traditionally, M. chitwoodi is controlled with
chemical nematicides, many of which risk
suspension for use on potatoes due to health and
environmental concerns. It is essential to develop
and refine alternative strategies for controlling
Columbia root-knot nematode now, so that
productive and profitable potato acreage will not
be lost if...
Rapeseed is grown for its oil and meal, and as a cover crop. Rapid fall growth captures part of the available soil nitrogen, which otherwise might be lost to leaching, and provides good ground cover over winter.
Subclovers are used for forage and hay and have been used successfully in Oregon as fall-planted and relay interplanted cover crops in annual rotations. They are capable of accumulating substantial amounts of N, a portion of which is available to the following crop. Rapid growth suppresses weeds in spring.
Sudangrass and sorghum sudangrass crosses are used as warm season cover crops, forage, and silage. When used as a cover crop, their fibrous roots and organic matter contributions improve soil structure; and their rapid, dense growth suppresses weeds.
Common vetch is a viny, succulent, annual legume attaining a height of 24 inches when planted alone. It grows taller when planted with a tall companion crop that provides structural support for climbing.