Weed Suppression by Cover Crops

Competition, changes to the soil environment, and the release of chemicals from cover crops can all affect weed dynamics. 

Different cover crops suppress weeds by different mechanisms: competition, changing the soil physical environment, and releasing chemicals. Cover crops can be an integral part of weed management strategies and can, in turn, help to reduce tillage on organic farms.

For more information on weed suppression by cover crops see:

Suppressing Weeds Using Cover Crops in Pennsylvania from Penn State Cooperative Extension

The Mechanism of Weed Suppression by a Forage Radish Cover Crop by Yvonne Lawley, John Teasdale, and Ray Weil

Forage radish weed suppression is incredibly effective, but planting date is essential for it to work!

Forage radish weed suppression is incredibly effective, but planting date is essential for it to work!

Continue to Explore the Cover Crop Web of Functionality