OBJECTIVES
(1) To determine the effect of cover crop seeding rate and planting arrangement on cover crop biomass production, cover crop canopy development, and weed suppression. Seeding rates included a standard rate (1x) typical on farms in the area, and higher rates (2x, 3x). Plant arrangements included a one-way versus a grid drilling pattern. This was the objective of trials 1 to 3.
(2) To determine cover crop biomass production, canopy development, and weed suppression of 17 cover crop mixes. These mixes included several commercially available mixes of legumes and cereals, and novel mixes of legumes, cereals and mustards. This was the objective of trials 4 and 5.
(3) To demonstrate the effects of cover crop seeding rate, planting arrangement, and mixture composition on cover crop performance and weed suppression during annual field days for farmers on the central coast of California.