Knowing what temperatures that a plant can withstand is a hallmark of botanical science, but those temperatures had not been well documented for many cover crops.
Grown in periods of the year when the cash crop is absent, cover crops are planted for erosion control, as well as weed suppression and to improve soil structure, moisture retention and nutrient cycling. They also provide habitat for beneficial insects and can serve as forage for farm animals.
A team of researchers with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, took on the problem by evaluating eight commonly grown cover crop species in growth chambers to find their cardinal temperatures.
PHOTO: Close-up of cover crops growing between rows winter wheat stubble. (Photo: iStock – mvburling)
