Rolling and Crimping as a Low Input Tool for Managing Cover Crops in the Shenandoah Valley.

This project will help reduce or eliminate herbicides applied to cover crops on no-till systems by using a roller-crimper on appropriate farms.  With the collaboration of NRCS, Shenandoah RC&D, Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District, and Virginia Cooperative Extension, a roller/crimper was manufactured for use the Shenandoah Valley.  The goals of this project are to: 1) determine the optimum timing and frequency of rolling/crimping for effective control of small grain, legume and small grain plus legume cover crops; 2) quantify the effects of rolling/crimping small grain, legume and small grain plus legume cover crops on soil moisture, soil temperature and soil nutrient cycling; 3) determine the effects of rolling/crimping on cash crop growth and performance following cover crop management.