An understanding of the cropping system is necessary before selecting a cover crop. Characteristics important for cover crop selection include life cycle, seeding date and rate, winter hardiness, nitrogen fixation or scavenging ability, feed or forage value, and establishment costs. No single cover crop or system will provide all these benefits. Therefore, experimentation may be necessary before producers decide on a suitable cover crop for an individual system.
PENNSTATE (1996): Cover Crops for Conservation Tillage Systems. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University URL [Accessed: 27.04.2012]