Effective Termination of Cover Crops before Planting Cash Crops

Because of legitimate concerns about weed potential, Idaho farmers often hesitate to plant cover crops, even though the practice improves soil health and fertility, among other documented benefits. Indeed, growers need to identify a termination plan in advance of the planting season. Based on a series of 2022-23 field trials conducted at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center that included the application of glyphosate- and dicamba-based herbicides on eight cover crops, this bulletin identifies herbicide options for effective termination. Properly terminating cover crops before planting cash crops, plus carefully considering the plant-back restrictions of alternative herbicides and other herbicide options, helps ensure crop protection.