Get Cover Crop Termination Right

Balancing timing, equipment, and nutrient dynamics ahead of planting helps reduce risk and improve outcomes.

- Adrienne Held

Cover crops have become a foundational practice for farmers looking to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and suppress weeds. Yet, all those benefits hinge on timely and effective termination to prepare for the cash crop.

Termination is a strategic decision that affects everything from soil moisture, to weed pressure, and plant-available nitrogen. Done right, termination unlocks the full potential of cover crops without compromising cash crop planting windows or herbicide programs. Done wrong, it can delay planting, reduce early-season crop vigor, and create costly weed and nutrient management challenges.

Planning Ahead

“Determining a plan ahead of time is No. 1 and key; know your own abilities,” said Cameron Mills, a no-till farmer from Indiana. For example, a farmer without a sprayer may need to explore mechanical options or plan to hire custom help, he said.

Building flexibility is critical. “You have to have a plan A and a plan B for the way you’ll terminate the cover crop before you put it in the ground,” said Rachel Halbach, agronomist at Hagie Manufacturing. “Who knows what Mother Nature will bring in the spring?”

Cover crop species and growth stage are among the most important considerations. Some species are inherently easier to terminate than others, and termination becomes more difficult as plants mature. Michigan State University (MSU) research shows that once cover crops enter reproductive stages, chemical and mechanical control become less consistent.

Equipment availability also shapes termination options. “It’s important that the cover crop program you pick fits your equipment and your system,” Mills said.