The amount of residue or even living cover on the soil surface greatly affects soil temperature.
Soil temperature, in turn, affects microbial activity and crop growth.
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Soil temperature in early spring is affected by the amount of cover crop residue. The lack of residue after radish allows the soil to warm up more quickly than after oats.
For spring cash crops, the cooling effect of living cover/mulch generally slows crop growth and is disadvantageous. For summer cash crops, the moderating effect of residue on soil temperature, along with the increased moisture retention, may be advantageous.
Tillage and soil temperature
Tillage generally increases soil temperature. Along with the increased (temporary) aeration from tillage, this can increase microbial activity and nutrient cycling.
Tillage increases soil temperature, leading to more cumulative (soil) growing degree days than untilled soil. This may be one of the reasons why some no-till crops mature more slowly.
Continue to Explore Cover Crop Web of Functionality
