In my experience the importance of allelopathy has been overstated. It is an ineffective weed control mechanism, and its effect on the following crop is generally unnoticeable. I think in many cases yellowing of the main crop is a N-deficiency as noted by PAnotiller( and perhaps S-deficiency too - this observation is supported by the generally uniform yellowing of the crop and not from the bottom up as one would expect if N-deficiency was the only reason - but this is still questionable). If the cover has a high C:N ratio it is possible that extra N is needed for the main crop, at least early on after planting. This is not necessary if a low C:N crop is used, such as young rye or legumes. This is where mixes may come in to fine-tune the C:N ratio, speed of decomposition, and release of N from the cover crop.
In my experience the importance of allelopathy has been overstated. It is an ineffective weed control mechanism, and its effect on the following crop is generally unnoticeable. I think in many cases yellowing of the main crop is a N-deficiency as noted by PAnotiller( and perhaps S-deficiency too - this observation is supported by the generally uniform yellowing of the crop and not from the bottom up as one would expect if N-deficiency was the only reason - but this is still questionable). If the cover has a high C:N ratio it is possible that extra N is needed for the main crop, at least early on after planting. This is not necessary if a low C:N crop is used, such as young rye or legumes. This is where mixes may come in to fine-tune the C:N ratio, speed of decomposition, and release of N from the cover crop.
Just wondering if there are any allelopathic effects with planting directly into growing rye?
Julia Cooper
Great question Julia 👍
🌹🌹🌹
Where is this?
No that is one of the myths some people have because they haven't put enough N down with there planting. Been doing this for over 6-7 yrs
Looks like a mess