Autumn cover crops (OK-Net Arable Practice abstract)

Best results were reached with cereal mixtures that were produced on farm, such as barley and rye. Practical recommendations Observations and hints • In Northern Italy, a mixture of barley and rye fits best in a wide range of situations. • Sow as soon as possible after harvesting the summer crops. • If the soil is not clean enough, a shallow soil labour can be applied. Otherwise, direct sowing is preferred. • Including legumes in the mixture, such as vetch and/or faba beans, has been shown to be advantageous when the cover crop is sown in early September or October, and the succeeding crop is sown at the end of May. • In case of early sowing by end of August, a cover crop consisting of only white mustard showed good results, especially in its decompacting ability, due to its taproot. • The cover crop should be sown evenly. Areas with no seeds can promote weed growth. • When possible, it is preferable to apply reduced tillage to prepare the seedbed in spring. Thus, the positive effects of the cover crop taproot system are preserved