By John Lovett
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.
Without knowledge of the cover crops’ base, optimal and maximum temperature ranges — known as cardinal temperatures — agricultural scientists could not develop accurate plant growth and biomass prediction models, which help farmers optimize decisions like when to terminate the cover crop. The models also help assess weed suppression, estimate nutrient cycling and quantify the benefits of soil carbon and potential negative impacts of a cover crop.
Source : uada.edu