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Drilling a winter cover crop mix can significantly boost soil nitrogen supply by up to 35kg N/ha and reduce nitrate leaching by 90% compared to leaving the field with weedy stubble. This information comes from the recent Nitrogen Release from Cover Crops study, conducted by crop consultant Adas in collaboration with water companies Affinity Water and Portsmouth Water.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of two different cover crop species mixes on nitrate leaching over winter at sites in Hertfordshire and West Sussex from 2021 to 2023. The study also looked at the effects of chemical versus mechanical cover crop destruction methods on soil nitrogen supply and the performance of the following spring cereal crop.

The trial included three cover scenarios: weedy stubble, Mix 1 (Phacelia and oil radish), and Mix 2 (Japanese oats, buckwheat, and phacelia). The covers were destroyed using mechanical methods like rolling on frost or chopping, as well as chemical methods using glyphosate.

Overall, cover crops had a positive impact on spring cereal yields, with spring oat yields increasing by 0.2t/ha and spring barley yields seeing a boost of 0.5-1t/ha. The cover crops released more nitrogen in the spring, potentially reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.

Mechanical destruction of cover crops had some limitations, particularly in controlling regrowth of certain species like oil radish. Glyphosate was found to be more effective in ensuring higher quality spring cereal crops, as it accelerated nitrogen mineralization compared to mechanical methods.

A legacy effect of cover crop type was observed on autumn soil nitrogen content, with cover crops leading to higher nitrogen levels compared to weedy stubble. However, there was no noticeable effect on nitrate leaching or spring soil nitrogen supply.

Overall, incorporating winter cover crops can have significant benefits for soil health and crop performance, with proper destruction methods playing a crucial role in maximizing these benefits. Check out the full Nitrogen Release from Cover Crops project report for more detailed information.

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