← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Cover crops reshape life in the field
Cover crop choice affects root-feeding organisms and their predators. A field experiment connects that choice with soil cultivation.
Study published:
The field comparison
Researchers compared cover crops and spring cultivation. In the reduced-tillage treatment, vegetation was terminated with glyphosate and residues remained on the surface. They monitored root-feeding symphylans and soil predators. [1]
Plant choice mattered
Cereals were associated with fewer symphylans than mustard. Spring cultivation sharply reduced the predatory mite Pergamasus quisquiliarum. Predator abundance was associated with plant residues, without a corresponding relationship with fewer symphylans. [1]
Design around a specific problem
Where roots suffer pest damage, cover crop species deserve their own assessment. Recording pest pressure, biomass and the following crop helps match the choice to actual field conditions.
A regenerative farming perspective
Cover crops provide food and shelter for many organisms. Their management affects the wider food web. Planning brings together suitable species, termination timing and protection of natural enemies.
Sources and references
- Peachey, R.E., Moldenke, A., William, R.D., Berry, R., Ingham, E. & Groth, E. (2002). Effect of cover crops and tillage system on symphylan and Pergamasus quisquiliarum populations, and other soil organisms in agricultural soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 21(1), 59–70. DOI: 10.1016/S0929-1393(02)00039-2 Original publication and study record