5 Keys to Success for Roller-Crimping Covers

Rolling and crimping of cover crops is a crucial component to making organic no-tilling work, experts say. Biomass left over from a healthy canopy of cover crops can suppress weeds, while roller-crimpers handle cover crop termination — all without the use of herbicides or tillage. But ensuring that the cover crop grows enough biomass to suppress weeds and is completely killed requires dedicated management.  “I’ve gotten a lot of calls over the years from organic farmers who were disappointed in the result in weed control . . .
From getting a thick stand of cover crops to terminating them at the right time, roller-crimping experts explain the key components for weed control in organic no-till.

Roller crimper designs for cover crops

Roller Crimper, A Key Tool for cover crops management

A Roller-Crimper for Cover Crop Termination and Weed Suppression, CropWatch

The Rodale Institute design-based roller crimper front-mounted at the

Roller crimper (chevron design Rodale-type built by the farmer) mounted

The editors of Cover Crop Strategies and No-Till Farmer created this 24-page special report to share ideas on getting covers established, using a

Cover Crop Strategies Volume 1

Roller crimper designs for cover crops

Rolling Cover Crops and Soybean Row-Width - Practical Farmers of Iowa

5 Keys to Success for Roller-Crimping Covers

Organic No-Till - Rodale Institute

Killer Tips for Rolling Your Covers

Reducing Tillage Intensity in Organic Production Systems – ATTRA – Sustainable Agriculture

Rolling and Crimping Rye for Weed Management in Organic Soybeans - Albert Lea Seed