What is the benefit of rolling the cover crop instead of simply mowing it down?
There are several key differences that occur in the system when a mowing action is used instead of rolling/crimping. First, if we use a mower, the cover crop material is cut into small pieces. This action encourages more rapid decomposition of the plant material. This is something you don’t want since you will be depending on the mulching effect of this plant material to suppress weed germination. The second problem we’ve experienced is that once the cover crop is actually severed from the ground and becomes loose material sitting on the soil surface, it becomes an impediment to the planter which will simply drag the cover crop up into piles. Our roller, on the other hand, is designed to crimp off the vascular system of the plant stems every seven inches, effectively killing the cover crop (as long as it’s in full boom). Leaving the plant attached to the ground allows the planter to move freely through the field and slows down the decomposition process.
