Strip-tillage and Zonal Cover Cropping Effects on Organic Squash Production

Zonal management of cereal–legume cover crop mixtures may help address weed and nitrogen challenges common in organic reduced tillage systems. During a field study conducted over 3 years Michigan, we evaluated the effects management, tillage, supplemental mulch on organically produced acorn squash ( Cucurbita pepo ). fall season before production, rye Secale cereale L.) vetch Vicia villosa Roth) were sown two distinct spatial arrangements: “mixed planting,” which seeds same rows, “zonal was planted only in-row zone between-row subsequent crop. following spring season, crops mowed, four combinations established: full-width with mixed planting rye–vetch (full-till mixed); strip-till (strip-till zonal zonal); additional added between rows immediately after establishment plus rye). The treatment resulted yields equivalent to those full-till despite lower available greater early competition some cases. Within treatments, provided no benefits relative (treatment 2 vs 3) total biomass, higher density escaped weeds, during 1 years. Supplemental improved suppression treatments all years, but it mixed. Our results demonstrate that production can produce Northern climates, have limited for addressing ongoing challenges. Growers must weigh costs associated these against potential soil pest regulating ecosystem services adopting agricultural conservation practices.