3 Steps for Planning Cover Crop Termination

Planning for the effective termination of an existing cover crop is a crucial step in preparing for spring planting. Your local trusted advisor may be an excellent resource to help you consider the options that are available to you and best support your goals. Here are 3 steps to help make a plan to manage cover crops as the spring planting season approaches.  

1. Reaffirm the cover crop goals 

You may have sought various benefits from cover crops, such as improved moisture-holding capacity, reduced weed pressure, increased biological activity, improved aeration and percolation, and/or breaking up compaction.  

In order to realize the benefit from the cover crop, ensure your termination method doesn’t reverse these benefits. For example, tillage can compromise soil structure, while herbicide usage could stall biological activity in your soils. 

2. Select a termination timing 

Many farmers wonder, “when is the best time to terminate my cover crop?” Some cover crop products will be terminated by a killing frost, also called winter-kill, simplifying spring management. Others require spring termination, which can happen pre- or post-cash crop planting.  Pay attention to any termination requirements related to programs that may have funded your cover crop, as these may carry limitations on the timing or methods used for termination. 

• Early termination (2-4 weeks before cash crop planting): helps manage biomass in the field at planting time, reducing the risk of cover crop interference with planting equipment. 

• Planting green: Planting into a standing cover crop can give the crop more time to benefit the soil and suppress weeds. However, it could also mean competition for resources such as moisture or fertilizer. Ensure effective termination before the cash crop emerges.  

​3. Decide on a termination method 

There are 3 main categories of cover crop termination methods: 

• Chemical (herbicide application) 

• Mechanical (mowing, rolling/crimping, tillage) 

• Natural (grazing, winter-kill) 

Some of these methods can be used alone, while some can be used in combination. Keep in mind that certain methods may require specialized equipment or inputs and should be chosen before even planting the cover crop to ensure you are prepared. Again, be sure to consider the goals you identified in step 1 and any funding limitations you may have identified in step 2, as these should impact the decision you make in step 3.  

Cover crops can provide a variety of soil health benefits, but those benefits can only be realized if the cover crop is managed properly. Effective termination is crucial for getting your cash crop off to a great start. Remember that every season can present new variables and different challenges to overcome. Even if your first plan for termination doesn’t work out, don’t panic! Work with your local trusted advisor to consider the options that are available to you and best support your goals. 

Want to learn more about cover crops? Here are some additional resources: 

• Learn more about the potential benefits of using a cover crop 

Learn more about cover crop termination best practices:

• ​​Ag PhD Terminating Cover Crops video 

• GROW IWM What is the Best Way to Terminate a Cover Crop video

_{The information provided is a general overview and not a guarantee of success. You should work with your local trusted advisor to discuss specific options that support your goals.} 

_Sources: 

_{1. https://www.sare.org/publications/conservation-tillage-systems-in-the-southeast/chapter-5-cover-crop-management/termination-of-cover-crops/} 

_{2. https://www.covercropstrategies.com/articles/3045-a-guide-to-terminating-cover-crops}